HERMOSILLO, Mexico, August 21, 2022.- Dominican Republic defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-9) in the opening match of the Women’s Pan American Cup at the Sonora Arena of Hermosillo.
Dominican Republic jumped to comfortable leads in all three sets dominating Costa Rica in their first win of pool A.
Dominican Republic held overwhelming stats over Costa Rica with a huge 39-13 margin in attacks and 13-1 in serves, they also led 7-4 in blocks. Dominican Republic scored on 16 Costa Rican errors and allowed 8.
Dominican outside hitter Bethania De La Cruz with impressive 10 points from serves, led all scorers with a total of 17 points, followed by outside hitter Yonkaira Peña with 10 points and opposite hitter Gaila Gonzalez added 7 points all on kills.
From Costa Rica, team captain outside hitter Tamara Espinoza finished with 5 points.
On Monday, the Dominican Republic faces Peru and Costa Rica has the day off.
Niverka Marte, captain of Dominican Republic: “I am happy for our first victory, all first matches are complicated. We had the chance to try all our players, they were able to hit the court, which is important for us and win, which is what we are looking for”.
Tamara Espinoza, captain of Costa Rica: “This is a great opportunity for the entire team to face a world class team like the Dominican Republic. We grow as a team; we can take to our zone this experience. We are happy because this is a young team, the base for our senior team and despite the result, everything adds to help us become a team of great level”.
Pablo Acuña, head coach of Costa Rica: “It was a difficult debut, the players had difficulties to take it in; I believe that in the third set the team was more settled. We did what we could to face a world power team, what is left for us is gaining confidence”.
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