Dominican Republic fought hard to defeat Costa Rica 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-17) in their first match in pool B of the NORCECA U-21 Women’s Pan American Cup in Nogales, Mexico.
Today, Thursday, on the second day of competition, the Dominican Republic (1-0) will face the United States (1-0), at 9:00 p.m., Dominican time, and Costa Rica (0-1) will face its rival Central American Guatemala (0-1).
Both teams fought hard to keep the scores close and tied at times, but it was the Dominican Republic that set their pace in the last two sets.
The Dominicans outscored 39-29 in spikes, 8-2 in blocks and 7-5 in service zone points. Dominican Republic scored 22 points on errors by Costa Rica and allowed 18.
Opposite Ariana Rodríguez of the Dominican Republic was the top scorer of the match with 19 points on 16 kills, one block and two aces, followed by hitter corner Katielle Alonzo with 13 points on 11 kills, one block and one ace.
Corner hitter Joselyn Moraga and team captain Angelica Rodríguez scored 9 and 8 points respectively for Costa Rica.
Aylin Liberato, captain of the Dominican Republic: “Having lost against Costa Rica in the Under-19 Cup hurt us a lot, knowing that we have the potential to try harder. Today we prepared better and the key was our attitude”.
Cristian Cruz, coach of the Dominican Republic: “The players came more focused, knowing that there are no weak opponents. Today the offensive and defensive approach was better fulfilled, even so in this category it happens that concentration is lost”.
Edivaldo Bonilla, coach of Costa Rica: “My team’s effort was very good, but they can give more. The Dominican Republic draw is different from that of the week, they are more powerful. I think we could have had a better result in the first set. At point 17 we lost concentration. We are focused on tomorrow’s match against Guatemala and seek to reach the quarterfinal round”.