Dominican Republic win third in a row

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 14, 2012 – Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico in straight sets (25-22, 25-19, 25-22) to claim their third victory in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup on Saturday.

The winners held advantages of 13-4 and 5-3 in blocks and aces but also committed 30 unforced errors to 25 by the defeated side.

Prisilla Rivera and Gina Mambru charted 14 and 12 points respectively to lead the Dominican side while Brayelin Martinez and Annerys Vargas added 9 and 8 with three blocks apiece. Puerto Rico’s Yarimar Rosa finished with 12 points.

“It was a very interesting match,” Rivera said. “They battled hard and complicated the match to us for moments but we were able to get the win.”

“The Dominicans played a perfect game with an offensive serve that didn’t allow us to have a good reception,” Puerto Rico’s captain Jetzabel del Valle said. “They are hungry of victories which makes them to be who they are.”

“We had our chances in the first and third sets but they capitalized our mistakes in the crucial moments,” Puerto Rico’s David Aleman said. “We have had three very difficult matches and I hope to improve in the next two in order to achieve our goals.”

“I am very glad with the victory but nevertheless I think we made too many errors with our serves giving away 12 points,” Dominican Republic’s coach Marcos Kwiek commented. “But we as a team also need to have an aggressive serve.”