MEXICALI, Baja California, June 1, 2008.- Milagros Cabral and Sidarka Nunez smashed and blocked sending Dominican Republic to a 3-0 record in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup after blanking Costa Rica 25-15, 25-17, 25-19.

Cabral had 15 points, including three blocks, and Nunez scored 12 with half of her points coming defending at the net. Karen Cope had 10 points for Costa Rica who fell to a 0-3 record.

“I am satisfied with our results,” said Beato Miguel Cruz, the Dominican coach. “We have been resting some injured and tired players but we have to give credit to Costa Rica who served very aggressive today.”

“Today we were more consistent than in our previous matches,” said Braulio Godinez, the Costa Rican coach. “We presented a good battle and took the best out of the Dominican team.”

The Dominicans led 8-5 and 16-8 at the technical stops of first set, behind the attacks of Cabral and Rondon and the blocking of Vargas. The rest of the set continued the same path with Cabral and Rondon maintaining their consistent hammering.

The gritty Cabral sent the Dominican team to the lead 8-2 in the second set. Costa Rica closed the gap to 16-12 at the second pause with setter Dionisia Thompson serving effectively and Dominican Republic failing with its reception. Cabral closed the set with a bomb from the left side.

The high leaping Cope gave Costa Rica an 8-7 advantage in the third set. Cabral tied at 9-all with a smash and sent Dominican Republic ahead for good with an ace. Consecutive blocks by Vargas and Nunez finished the match.