PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 11, 2005.- Dominican Republic won the bronze medal at the Norceca Women’s Continental Championships with a convincing victory over Puerto Rico in straight sets by score of 25-19, 25-19, 25-13.

The triumph avenged the loss suffered by the Dominicans to the Puerto Rican in the preliminary round of Pool A.

Cindy Rondon and Annerys Vargas had 16 and 13 points respectively for Dominican Republic and siblings Eva and Aury Cruz were the best for Puerto Rico with 11 and 10.

The Dominicans recovered from a 5 to 8 deficit and took the first set with the combined attack and blocking of Vargas.

Kenia Moreta’s spikes sent Dominican Republic to an 8-6 lead in the second set which increased to 16-10 with Rondon’s blocking opening the way. Then Vargas came up with some potent kills to seal a set where Eva Cruz excelled for Puerto Rico.

The good Dominican blocking led by Vargas was the key for the success in the one-sided third set.

Aury Cruz, captain of Puerto Rico: “Congratulations to the Dominican Republic. They came out to play very hard and deserved the victory. We did not do as we planned and our serves and reception were not good.”

Cosiris Rodriguez, captain of Dominican Republic: “We did everything right. The blocking was good and we played great defense. Everyone did her job and that was the key.”

Juan Carlos Nunez, coach of Puerto Rico: “The Dominican team enjoyed of a good reception and their blocking was solid. I think their setter (Juana Gonzalez) did an excellent job moving the ball and we only blocked a couple of balls.”

Francisco Cruz, coach of Dominican Republic: “We did some tactical changes that worked out very well, like using middle blockers Yudelkis Bautista and Cindy Rondon as outside hitters. Sometimes these things work well, sometimes don’t. Today was a very good day for us and I am very happy.”