SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 7, 2023.- Reigning champion Dominican Republic is headed to win their eighth Central American and Caribbean Games Gold Medal, sixth in a row after defeating Cuba 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-15) in semifinals of the twenty fourth edition of the Games San Salvador 2023.
Dominicans remains undefeated (4-0) and will battle for their eighth Gold Medal against the winner of the other semifinal between Colombia and Puerto Rico. If they face Colombia, it will be a rematch of the past editions’ final in Barranquilla 2018 Games. Cuba will play for the bronze medal against the losers.
The stats of the match were all tipped to the Dominican side. “Las Reinas del Caribe” were two points short in doubling over Cuba in points from attacks (40-24), they held a huge 16 to 5 advantage in blocks and scored five points from serves to none. Cuba committed fewer unforced errors, 14 against 18.
Middle blocker Jineiry Martinez scored an impressive 11 points from blocks of her overall 16 points, carrying her team into the final match. Opposite hitter Gaila Gonzalez added 15 points on 14 kills and three blocks, while outside hitter Yonkaira Peña contributed with 14 points on 11 kills, one block and two aces.
Cuban outside hitter Ailama Cese led her team with seven points, joined by Diaris Pérez and middle blocker Dayana Martínez with 6 and 5 respectively.
Niverka Marte, Captain of Dominican Republic: “We tried to commit the smallest number of unforced errors as possible, we tried to keep Cuba under pressure because they have an aggressive attack. Today Dominican Republic played well, we kept the control”.
Marcos Kwiek, Head Coach of Dominican Republic: “We have worked won match at a time, for today we studied Cuba. We always believe that the next match is harder. Now we must rest, study videos of our opponents and perform well tomorrow”.
Gretell Moreno, Captain of Cuba: “We must keep on growing in volleyball up to Dominicans level. We must continue to work, be patient and limit our unforced errors. We learn from facing opponents that challenge us. Physically we are at the same level, our disadvantage against them is the time they have on court”.
Tomás Fernández Arteaga, Head Coach of Cuba: “The team had intensity for moments during the match, showing they can, but the opponent that had a better level of play didn’t let them keep it. My players tried, but they committed unforced errors, and they moved forward, which then it’s harder to recover from when they go back to their intensity. We are going to see the next semifinal to study our next opponent”.
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