Dominican Republic crowned as champions of Pan Am Cup

TIJUANA, Mexico, June 26, 2010 – Dominican Republic are the new champions of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup following their 3-0 (25-17, 30-28, 25-22) triumph against Peru on Saturday night in Tijuana, Baja California.

It was the second title for the Dominican team in the nine-year history of the event with the other gold medal coming in 2008 in Mexicali, Baja California.

Altagracia Mambru, Annerys Vargas and Lisvel Eve each contributed 12 points to the win while Prisilla Rivera and Milagros Cabral charted 9 apiece. Peruvian Leyla Chihuan tallied 11 for the defeated side.

“This is my first gold in the Pan American Cup and the second as coach of Dominican Republic since we won the NORCECA Continental,” said Brazilian Marcos Kwiek. “Our team is working hard to be recognized as part of the elite of volleyball and at this moment we have won the respect of people. Our defense and reception has improved and we are ready for major challenges.”

“It looks like we reserved our best two matches for the last two days,” the Dominican Cabral said. “The defense and blocking worked almost perfect. Since we came here our goal was to win the gold.”