Brazil totals 24 blocks to defeat Dominican Republic

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 15, 2011 – World No. 1 Brazil overcame Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-16, 25-20) in the last match of Pool A during the opening day of the Pan American Games women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.

Brazil scored an astonishing 24 blocks against 8 by Dominican Republic.

Fernanda Rodriguez led the winners with 20 points including 6 blocks while Fabiana Claudino had 8 blocks among her 14 points. Thaisa Menezes and Mari Steinbrecher contributed 13 and 10 respectively. Dominican Republic’s Bethania De la Cruz topped all the players in the match with 25 points.

Fabiana Claudino (Brazil): “We made some mistakes that we usually don’t make. We were not so aggressive, but now we are thinking about tomorrow’s match.”

Milagros Cabral (Dominican Republic): “It was a 3-1 result, ok, even though we lost we are calmed. It is true (competition) will be amazing, we are taking it step by step, by making the team, and we will look for one of the three medals in these games.”

Jose Roberto Guimaraes (Brazil coach): “Our team played below its level. I think we can do it better. Jacqueline is ok, she is not injured. She wanted to return to the match, but I also knew that Fernanda was prepared and trained very well. She is a good choice in the future.”

Marcos Kwiek (Coach Dominican Republic): “This was a very interesting match. Dominican Republic played with a good level and everybody knows how Brazil plays. We took advantage of their mistakes, but still have a lot to improve and hope some of our players recover from injuries”.