TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 16, 2024 .- Dominican Republic complete pool-play at the Girls U19 NORCECA Continental Championship with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 25-18) victory over Costa Rica on Tuesday at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa.
Dominican Republic finished pool B with a 2-1 record, while Costa Rica ended with a 1-2 record. Both teams await their final standings after Honduras (0-2) faces Mexico (2-0) in the last match of the day.
The Caribbean team outscored the Central Americans 41 to 21 in attack points, 12 to 7 in block points, and 6 to 2 in services. Dominican Republic committed 19 errors compared to Costa Rica’s 16.
Three players led the Dominican Republic with double digits. Middle blocker Caroline Rodríguez was the top scorer of the match with 17 points, including a match-high of 7 block points and 9 kills. Outside hitter Thais Cochy added 11 points on 8 kills, 2 blocks, and an ace. Virelys Rivera contributed 10 points.
For Costa Rica, middle blocker and captain María del Sol Venegas, along with outside hitter Mariela Navarro, scored 9 points each.
Dominican Republic quickly took an 11-3 lead in the first set, overpowering Costa Rica with the offensive efforts of Caroline Rodríguez and Thais Cochy. In the second set, Costa Rica kept the score close thanks to the attacks from María del Sol Venegas and opponent errors, tying the set at 17 points before the Dominicans pulled ahead with blocks from Rodriguez and Rivera’s attacks to take the set. Dominican Republic regained control in the third set, never trailing.
Caroline Rodríguez, top scorer of the Dominican Republic: “The coach’s instructions were to be strong in blocking, take risks in serving, and be prepared to defend. In the quarterfinals, we will give our best, continue fighting, and put into practice what we have trained. We are going to represent our country with heart”.
Jimena Alfaro, libero of Costa Rica: “In the second set, we tried to be more organized on the court because that affected us in the first set where we were disoriented and unfocused. We will see what position we end up in, but we will strive to perform at our best against any opponent”.
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