Dominican Republic dominates Guatemala

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, August 22, 2012- Dominican Republic dominated Guatemala in straight sets (25-7, 25-3, 25-13) in their first match of the preliminary round at the NORCECA Women’s U-20 Continental Championship.

The Dominicans controlled the actions with advantage of 17-2 in blocks and a huge margin of 10-1 in aces. The Guatemalans lost their second match while Dominican Republic are heavily walking towards the qualification and will battle Mexico for the first place of Pool B.

Brayelin Martinez was the highest scorer for Dominican Republic with 27 points, including 6 blocks. Lourdes Cruz was the top scorer for Guatemala with 6 points.

For the winners, Pamela Soriano said: “Everything went as planned, we followed our coach’s instructions and we’re prepared for stronger opponents.”

Guatemala’s captain Ada Villalobos was satisfied with the result. “We responded well after two poor sets. We fought harder in the third but it was too late and now we’ll continue to battle for what comes ahead.

Brazilian coach Wagner Pacheco for Dominican Republic indicated they accomplished their objectives in the first two sets.

“I made some changes in the third and the team’s rhythm slowed down which Guatemala took advantage of, it was a good match for us and as for Mexico, we already know each other and it’ll be a tense match because the qualification is at stake,” he said.

“Guatemala’s conditions are obvious, we need to play with teams of the category of the Dominicans to develop better and to put in practice what we’ve been training. Our team responded in the third set just as we have been preparing ourselves with a more offensive game,” coach Julio Dominguez said.