Puerto Rico to clash Dominican Republic in the Semifinals

FORT LAUDERDALE, United States, July 29, 2016.- Puerto Rico defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-10) to clash against Dominican Republic in the semifinals of the NORCECA Women’s U-20 Continental Championship in Nova Southeastern University of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The second quarterfinal of the day was slow, with Costa Rica using all their players and Puerto Rico finding more opportunities as the match developed.

Puerto Rico had little complications in winning over Costa Rica. They held advantage in every category, 36-22 in kills, and 10-1 in both blocks and service points.

Only two players finished with double digits, Puerto Rico’s Joscelyn Coronel with 12 points on 9 kills and 3 blocks, and Dariana Hollingston scored 10 points on 6 kills, 2 blocks and 2 aces.

The Caribbean clash in semifinals on Saturday is expected to be a fierce battle among longtime rivals Puerto Rica and Dominican Republic.

Andrea Fuentes, captain of Puerto Rico said “we weren’t in our peak, we had ups and downs, it was a slow match. Regardless of our performance, we came out with the victory. Tomorrow’s match against Dominican Republic will be a chance to improve; we always get better and better when we face them; hopefully we can give that final push and win”.

Costa Rica’s captain Mariana Rodriguez said “it wasn’t our best match, we couldn’t execute our game plan, we had many unforced errors and we hope to finish in the highest position possible”.