Reigning champions Dominican Republic heads into Santiago 2023 title match undefeated

Reigning champions Dominican Republic heads into Santiago 2023 title match undefeated

SANTIAGO, Chile, October25, 2023.- Reigning champions Dominican Republic defeated Argentina 3-1 (16-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-17) in semifinals and is headed to the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games title match undefeated at the Arena Parque O’Higgins.

This is Dominicans second consecutive semifinal win over Argentina at Pan American Games to progress into the gold medal match. Dominican Republic remains undefeated with a 4-0 record.

Dominican Republic will face the winner of the semifinal between Brazil and Mexico. Argentina will play their second consecutive bronze medal match at the Games against the loser.

In addition to Argentina’s consistent offense in serves, alongside effective serves, they took advantage of Dominican Republic’s defense errors to win the first set.

Dominicans visibly improved in blocking to stabilize their defense and then charged over Argentina into the next three sets for the final four-set win.

Outside hitter Brayelin Martinez guided Dominican Republic with 20 points on 18 kills and two blocks. Opposite Gaila Gonzalez joined in with 15 points on 11 kills and a match-high of four blocks. Outside hitter Yonkaira Peña collected 13 points on 11 kills, one block and one ace.

Team captain Daniela Bulaich topped Argentina with 14 points on 13 kills and one ace. Candela Salinas and Maria De La Paz Corbalan contributed with 11 points each.

Brayelin Martínez, of Dominican Republic “We started the first slow, lazy, even our serves and Argentina took advantage of our serves and passing. Then we regained our serve and eliminated their middle blockers. We did what we came to do, which is to be in the final”.

“In the first set, we applied a lot of pressure with our serves, which was a fundamental tool to get the Dominican Republic out of system. In the second set, we made more errors and struggled to defend some challenging balls due to their power. We played according to our plan and had a good match”. said Candela Salinas of Argentina.