homepage

 

 

Dominicans outclassed United States for top position

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 17, 2021 – Host Dominican Republic registered a convincing victory in straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12) over three-time reigning champions United States to qualify in first place of the preliminary round at the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup on Friday.

In the semifinals of Saturday, the Dominicans will play the fourth placed Canada while United States will face Mexico.

Gaila Gonzalez once again led the Dominican attack with 14 points, including two aces, and Yonkaira Peña added three aces and three blocks among her 12 points. Prisilla Rivera and Jineiry Martínez contributed 9 and 8 points, respectively, in the victory.

Veronica Jones-Perry finished with 10 points as the United States top scorer followed by Danielle Cuttino with 9.

The winners finished with a 10-5 advantage in the blocking category and 5-1 in the service winners.

Marcos Kwiek, coach of Dominican Republic: “The team played very well in overall - service, reception and blocking. We were able to give the younger players a chance to catch the rhythm of these kinds of competitions. Now to focus on tomorrow's game.”

Karch Kiraly, coach of United States: “The Dominican is a very good team. Today, they played much better than us. Things did not go the way we expected. So my congratulations to the Dominican Republic”.