HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 18, 2023.- Defending champion Dominican Republic beat Canada 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-15) in their debut at the sixth edition of the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup debut on Tuesday at Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
The party of points in the first set was tied on numerous occasions, reaching an even 23 while Canada snatched a set point before the Dominicans started on top 26-24. Dominican Republic came back stronger to finish with comfortable advantages in the last two sets.
All the elements of the game were balanced, with Dominican Republic leading 37 to 31 in attacks, 8 to 6 in blocks and 7 to 4 in points from serves. Dominicans scored 24 points on errors from Canada and committed 16.
Three Dominican players scored double digits, led by outside hitter Madeline Guillen with 14 points (9 kills, 2 blocks, 3 aces), outside hitter Flormarie Heredia with 12 points (10 kills, one block, one ace) and opposite hitter Alondra Tapia with 10 points (9 kills, one block).
Canada’s outside hitters Raya Surinx and Jasmine Rivest topped with 11 and 10 points respectively. Team captain, opposite Lucy Borrowski added 7 points.
On Wednesday, Dominican Republic (1-0) will face Peru (1-0), while Canada (0-1) goes up against Cuba (0-1).
Camila De la Rosa, captain of Dominican Republic: “We didn’t know Canada’s players and how they played. We did a great job in analyzing what they were doing, that’s how we managed to win the game. I think our block was very important for our victory”.
Lucy Borrowski, captain of Canada: ““We came out strong. Dominican Republic is a tough team, and we lost a bit of our fight, we were playing it smart, and I think we can come out stronger tomorrow”.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: “The first set was battled because I didn’t know Canada’s team, we came out blind. After the first set we played really well, the serves were strong and out counterattack. We leaned fast how to face Canada and that made things easier. We failed in some things, which is normal in a debut”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, coach of Canada: “We came out strong but struggled a bit on our side with first contact and making a few too many errors. With a new team we will get better and better. There’s definitely room for improvement”.
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