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Dominicans out block Puerto Rico, advance to Finals Group 2

 

   

VARNA, Bulgaria, June 18, 2016 - The Dominican Republic emerged as the first finalist in Group 2 of FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix 2016.

 

In an all-Caribbean semifinal they claimed a 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 29-27, 25-14) victory over Puerto Rico and will play Poland in Sunday’s crucial match for promotion to Group 1. Poland defeated hosts Bulgaria 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-21) in the second semifinal.

 

Captain Bethania De La Cruz was the top scorer of the match with 18 points for the winning team. Gina Mambru and Brayelin Martinez each contributed 15 points while Annerys Vargas added 11 in the victory.

 

With 14 blocking points, the Dominican Republic completely outblocked Puerto Rico. That and the many opponents’ errors were the main contribution to their victory. Martinez and Vargas led the blockers with 5 points in that department each.

 

Stephanie Enright with 16 points and Karina Ocasio with 15 were Puerto Rico's best scorers.

 

Marcos Kwiek, coach of the Dominican Republic: “It was a very difficult match. Both teams know each other very well. I expected a difficult game, but I am very happy for the victory today.”

 

Juan Carlos Nunez, coach of Puerto Rico: “In the first set we had good serving and good blocking, but after that we could not even score one ace or a good block. Their serving was pressuring us. We could not perform, we could not play good defense either and that is why they took the advantage.”