Team-effort takes Dominicans to victory

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 3, 2016 – Hosts Dominican Republic breezed past Mexico 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-19) to obtain their second victory in as many days at the XV Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup on Sunday at Ricardo Arias Gymnasium in Santo Domingo.

The winners held advantages in spikes 37-28, blocks 10-4 and aces 7-4. They made 15 unforced errors compared to 21 by the losers.

Bethania de la Cruz was the only Dominican player with double figures in the scores with 11 points, including three aces. Annerys Vargas added six points and Brayelin Martinez, Gina Mambru and Yonkaira Peña each had six tallies. Mexican Fernanda Bañuelos had a match-high 12 points.

The Dominicans meet Colombia on Monday followed by matches against Canada and Puerto Rico on Tuesday and Wednesday to complete the preliminary phase.

“It is another step towards our goal which is qualifying to the world grand prix next year,” said Marcos Kwiek, the coach of Dominican Republic. “All the teams are dangerous because with the proper technology now you can study everyone. I am satisfied and gave playing opportunities to all the members of our team.”

Ricardo Naranjo Ponce, coach of Mexico: “It is important for our team play against a team like Dominican Republic ranked among the best in the world. It will help their development. I think the program of Dominican Republic Federation is fantastic.”

Niverka Marte, setter of Dominican Republic: “We are glad about the victory. We didn’t have consistency in the first two sets and then played without many errors.

Dulce Carranza, of Mexico: “We are not used to face that type of high blocking but anyway I can see improvement in our side and that’s very important.”