Dominicans will play quarterfinals against Puerto Rico  

NOGALES, Mexico, May 26, 2023.- Dominican Republic beat Guatemala 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-21) and will play quarterfinals against Puerto Rico at the U21 Women’s NORCECA Pan American Cup in Nogales, Mexico.

Dominicans finished pool B 2-1 for second place and will play quarterfinals against Puerto Rico who finished third in pool A. Guatemala 0-3 will play classification matches for positions 5-8.

Guatemala pressured the Dominican Republic, leading the third set up to point 18, while Dominican Republic struggled to recover from a five-point deficit (6-11) early in the closing set.

Dominican Republic managed to stop Guatemala mostly by an 11-2 margin in aces. They also held advantages in kills 32-24 and in blocks 7-4, scoring on 25 opponent errors against 12.

The leading scorer of the match was Dominican Ariana Rodriguez with 15 points on 8 kills, two blocks and a match-high of 5 aces. Outside hitter Elsa Cuevas collected 11 points on 10 kills and one ace.

Outside hitters Naomi Monney and  Maria Santa Cruz led Guatemala with 8 and 7 points respectively.

Ariana Rodríguez, top scorer of Dominican Republic: “In the third set we lacked communication, we were overconfident of winning the first two sets easily. I reached the service line at a crucial moment and all my practice paid out. Our strength in attacks is one of our best weapons, but we need to improve our communication if we want to be in semifinals”.

Naomi Monney, top scorer of Guatemala: “We had difficulties adjusting in the first two sets and in the third we gave it our all, I believe our block was more effective and Dominicans lost control. I believe we can play better and hopefully celebrate a victory”.