SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic, August 26, 2005.- The Dominican Republic won a ticket to the Final Round of the 2006 FIVB Women’s World Championship with a victory over Jamaica 25-10, 25-10, 25-15 at the Norceca-E Qualification Tournament.  

Cosiris Rodriguez scored 16 points and Annerys Vargas added 13. Georgette Crawford had 9 points for Jamaica. The more experienced Dominicans dominated the first set with effective blocking and Rodriguez producing well placed spikes.

The host team was ahead by 8-3 and 16-6 at the technical time-outs. The serves of Dominican Republic caused problems to the Jamaica’s reception in the second set. Rodriguez and Vargas led the offence for the host team. It was more or less the same pattern in the third set, but a more relaxed Dominican side allowed some liberties to the opposition.  

Tracyann Pryce, captain of Jamaica: “It was fun to play against Dominican Republic, a team of world class. We enjoyed playing against them and that is all I have to say. It was fun.

”Annerys Vargas, player of Dominican Republic: “We played very well today with good combinations and did a good effort. I think Jamaica also elevated its game especially in the third set.

”O’Neal Ebanks, coach of Jamaica: “We have been learning a lot from the matches against Cuba and Dominican Republic. I think we have the confidence to go against Costa Rica tomorrow and come out with the victory.

”Ismael Ortega, coach of Dominican Republic: “We keep playing better and better. The team is executing very well and we are going to the match against Cuba with very high spirit.”