Dominican Republic and Baja U-20 to play for gold

TIJUANA, Mexico, March 9, 2013 - Dominican Republic and Baja California U-20 will play for the gold medal at the Baja California International Volleyball Cup on Sunday.

The Dominicans clinched a berth to the finals after beating Baja California U-18 team in 2 sets (25-18, 25-13). Natalia Martínez finished with 16 points in leading the winners while Mexican Fernanda Bañuelos had 10 points, including four aces.

In the other semifinal, the Baja California U-20 team defeated Mexico in three sets (26-24, 26-28, 25-22). Seomara Sainz scored 19 points for the Baja youngsters, while Karen Lepe finished with 11 and Minerva Rodriguez with 10. For Mexico, Alejandra Isiordia scored 19.

The Dominicans, coached by Brazilian Wagner Pacheco, had closed the first round with a victory over Mexico 2-1 (25-23, 23-25, 26-24), recovering from a previous loss to Baja California U-20 team (21-25, 25-23, 26-24) in the biggest surprise of the second day of competition.

Pamela Soriano registered 18 points to lead the Dominican side followed by Brayelin Martinez, with 16. Mexico’s Isiordia finished with 20 while Sainz tallied 16.

Baja California U-18 and U-20 sides faced each other in a three set match with a victory for the former 25-23, 14-25, 25-12. The Saturday marathon round began with a victory of Mexico against Baja U18, 2-0 (26-24, 25-23).

Baja California International Cup, Second Day Results

México d Baja California U-18 2-0 (26-24, 25-23)

Baja California U-20 d Dominican Republic 2-1 (21-25, 25-23, 26-24)

Baja California U-18 d Baja California U-20 2-1 (25-23, 14-25, 25-12)

Dominican Republic d Mexico 2-1 (25-23, 23-25, 26-24)

Dominican Republic d. Baja California U-18 2-0 (25-18, 25-13)                

Baja California U-20 d Mexico 2-1 (26-24, 26-28, 25-22)