Martinez and Mambru show power in Dominican victory

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 13, 2012 - Brayelin Martinez and Gina Mambru had a match high of 19 points apiece, in the victory of Dominican Republic over Canada 3-1 (25-17, 18-25, 25-19, 25-21) at the XI Women’s Pan American Cup.

Mambru also registered a good serve with 3 aces, while Prisilla Rivera recorded 17 points. Lisa Barclay was the best scorer for the Canadians with 15 points while captain Brittney Page finished with 12.

“We faced a very good team like the Dominican Republic, a very relentless and experienced. We have faced each other many times, but the difference between this match and the one we played against USA is that we were nervous. Today it was different, I feel we played better,” Page said about playing against the Dominicans.

Prisilla Rivera remarked that Canada made them play harder. “Canada is a young but very tactical and disciplined team,” she said. “They knew how to make us play today and in the end we like this kind of matches.”

With just a few days away from the Olympic Games, coach Marcos Kwiek commented this was a good test.

“It is good to play difficult matches. Today was a tough one, this make us to practice more and to adjust our strategy before the Olympics,” said Kwiek.

“There were some mistakes. Players are a little tired. It is normal but we cannot get down in the rhythm of preparation,” he added. Canada, with a young team is now in a process that has been continuously evaluated by coach Arnd Ludwig.

“Brittney (Page) showed good defense. We had a couple of good rallies and on the second set the girls did a good job. Now we have to focus in our next game and to make the most in the streak of points,” Ludwig remarked.