Dominican Republic plays spectacular volleyball to reach gold medal match 

TIJUANA, Mexico, June 25, 2010 – Dominican Republic came back from one set down and played spectacular volleyball to defeat USA 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16) advancing to the gold medal match of the Women’s Pan American Cup for third consecutive year.

Prisilla Rivera led four Dominicans in double digits with 20 points while Annerys Vargas, Altagracia Mambru and Lisvel Eve compiled 15, 14 and 12 points respectively. Americans Jordan Larson and Foluke Akiradewo each had 12 points for the defeated side.

“Today we played as a team and followed the instructions with discipline,” Dominican Captain Milagros Cabral said. “We really came prepared to play five sets because always there is a battle between these two teams. Making the finals was one of our goals and we accomplished it.”

Dominican Republic’s Coach Marcos Kwiek added: “Of all the tournaments I have been at the helm of the Dominican team this has been our worst but today we had our best match of the competition. We came prepared to play five sets against a tough American team and we have been working very hard for several months.”

American Captain Nancy Metcalf said: “Their defense was impressive. Our team needs to improve and play the kind of game we have been practicing for many months.”

USA’s Coach Hugh McCutcheon stated: “It was a great match. It’s always a battle between us and today they were the better team. Now we have to go back and prepare for tomorrow’s match.”