Peru defeat Dominicans in Junior Pan Am Games debut

CALI, Colombia, December 1, 2021. - Peru defeated Dominican Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-19) in their debut in the women’s volleyball tournament of the I Junior Pan American Games at Evangelista Mora Coliseum.

Peru was overwhelming and didn’t give the Caribbean team a chance to respond, outnumbering in attacks by a huge 45-29 advantage; they also led 5-3 in aces. Dominican Republic held a slim 8-7 margin in blocks and committed fewer errors 18-20.

Outside hitters Ysabella Sánchez and Kiara Montes topped Peru with 14 points each; Ysabella on 11 kills and 3 blocks, and Kiara on 10 kills, 2 blocks and 3 aces.  Opposite hitter María Paula Rodriguez added 12 points.

Outside hitter Madeline Guillen led Dominican Republic with 14 points, followed by outside hitter Natalia Martínez with 11 points.

Peru’s (1-0) next opponent in pool B is Brazil (1-0) and Dominican Republic (0-1) faces Puerto Rico (0-1).

Francisco Hervas, head coach of Peru: “The team was really focused, we were eager to begin and much time had passed since we faced a top team like the Dominican Republic, and I believe this was an extra because they are always favorites in these age-groups. We wanted to measure ourselves and I am really satisfied with the girls who did marvelous, they gave it their all and the win was their big reward. This is the group we are beginning to organize for Peruvian volleyball continuity.

Wagner Pacheco, head coach of Dominican Republic: “The Peruvian team played really well and we did nothing. Peru wanted it more than us, they did let us move forward, they were always on top”.