Dominican Republic undefeated at CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 5, 2023.- Dominican Republic remained undefeated after their 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-13) victory to Mexico in Women’s Volleyball at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games on Wednesday.

First place in Pool A will be decided on Thursday between defending champion Dominican Republic 2-0 and Puerto Rico 2-0; Mexico 0-2 faces Costa Rica 0-2.

Mexico took advantage of Dominicans unforced errors in the first set and had momentum keeping the score close. Dominican Republic went on to lead the second set from start to finish and in the third came from a two-point deficit to perform their best set in the match.

Dominicans’ best skill was their blocking, with a 13 to 7 advantage; they also led 4-2 in points from serves. The match was balanced in points from attacks, with Dominican Republic leading 36 to 32. The winners committed fewer unforced errors (14-22).

Outside hitters Yonkaira Peña and Brayelin Martinez led Dominican Republic with 13 points each. Yonkaira on 12 kills and one block and  Brayelin on 9 kills, one block and three aces. Middle blocker Jineiry Martinez,  who only played in the first two sets, scored a match-high of six points on blocks.

Outside hitter Melanie Parra, making her return to the Mexican national team, was the leading attacker in the match with 14 points on 10 kills, 3 blocks and one ace. Her teammate Andrea Rangel contributed with 10 attacking points.

Yonkaira Peña, top scorer for Dominican Republic: “Mexico did well in taking advantage of our errors, they adjusted their performance. We were able to come out on top without pressure and finished off controlling the third set by limiting our errors. When I had the responsibility to attack, I took it with responsibility as I always do”.

Melanie Parra, top scorer of Mexico: “I have some time without playing for the national team and coming back to a competition with opponents of great quality has its pressure, but my team has quality. Despite the loss we can rescue some good things, I am happy with what we can accomplish. Tomorrow we’re going against Costa Rica, and we can’t give them any opportunities because they have a good defense”.