Dominican victorious over Cuba 

LIMA, Peru, June 16, 2011 – Dominican Republic took advantage or the breaks against Cuba and came out victors in straight sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-22) in its opening match of the U-20 Women’s Pan American Cup at Miguel Grau Coliseum.

With the offense led by big Elizabeth Martinez (1.92 m), top scorer with 18 points, the Dominicans could close the victory against their Caribbean neighbors, who played their first match of the season without five of their main players who were promoted to the senior national team.

But that reality does not diminish the performance of the Dominicans who among the starters had Paola Peña and Estefany Arias who recorded 10 points apiece.

The only Cuban in double digits was captain Yunieska Robles with 10 points who took the loss in stride saying “it served as a learning experience, taking the positives and never underestimate the opponent; both teams battled for the victory but we failed in the key moments.”

Dominican captain and setter Gabriela Reyes couldn’t hide her nerves in her first press conference but she managed to say “I am happy for this success because it is important to start winning, which give us a boost.”

Brazilian Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic said “the game was tough for both sides. Cuba, even without their main players demonstrated that you never can take them easy, they have both quality and tradition.”

Cuba’s Wilfredo Robinson said “we knew it was going to be tough because even though we don’t have some players in this Cup, we were facing a team with international experience that I hope to face again in the finals.”