Dominican Republic Claims Hat-Trick at U23 Pan Am Cup

SAN VICENTE DE CAÑETE, Peru, September 25, 2016 – The Dominican Republic won their third consecutive title at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup with a sweeping victory over Argentina 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-19) in front of a crowd of more than 4,000 fans at Lolo Fernandez Coliseum on Sunday.

The Dominicans now have defeated Brazil, Colombia and Peru in the finals of the three editions of the event that has taken place in Perú in all the occasions.

Brayelin Martinez finished the match with 20 points, followed by her sister Jineiry Martinez who had 13, including three blocks.

Daniela Bulaich had 10 points for Argentina, while Sol Piccolo and Candelaria Herrera finished with 9 and 8 points, respectively, in the loss.

The winners held advantages in attacks (36-32), blocks (9-5) and aces (4-3). They also made 19 unforced errors to 26 by the losers.

Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: “When we left the Dominican Republic we had a clear goal and we knew it was not going to be easy. In first place to qualify to the world championship, second to be in the finals and we did it and the most important thing to be triple-champions and we also accomplished that. It was not easy as we had some injured players, and other without enough time playing but we have a very strong team. The union of our athletes and the technical staff was a key. I am very proud and grateful of them.”

Guillermo Orduna, coach of Argentina: “I am satisfied with the job we have done in the tournament. Today we didn’t play at the same level we had been but the outcome is a positive one. We got victories against all the teams we faced. We were able to recover from tough moments during the tournament but we stay with the qualification and now to prepare for the world championship, which will be very important.”