Dominicans blanked Costa Rica to win Pool B

LIMA, Peru, June 17, 2011 – Dominican Republic blanked Costa Rica 25-15, 25-10, 25- 16 to win Pool B of the 1st U-20 Women’s Pan American Cup at Miguel Grau Coliseum.

Yennifer Ramírez with 14 points was the top scorer including three blocks and two aces, followed by Ana Binet with 10, all attacks. Costa Rica’s  Evelyn Sibaja (9) led her team.

Wagner Pacheco, the Brazilian who coaches the Dominicans, congratulated the Costa Ricans for their defense they showed. “We really have two different schools,” he said. “Ours is based on strength and they are battling to elevate their level. Now we are thinking about the semifinals and taking the two free days to train hard.”

The captain and setter Gabriela Reyes admitted they failed too many serves and “our rivals gave all they had despite we have a superior team.”

Braulio Godinez, coach of Costa Rica said “this is part of our process and we know the difference between the two countries, but my girls battled, they played their game and I am very satisfied.”

Captain Marcela Araya also expressed her happiness because “we played very hard and are on the right track.”