Dominican Republic secured an important victory over Colombia that puts them in the fight for first place in Pool A at the XXI Women’s Pan American Cup in Leon, Guanajuato.
Dominican Republic defeated Colombia 3-2 (18-25, 25-17, 28-26, 28-30, 15-10) to improve their record to 3-1. Colombia has the same record, but remains the leader with 17 points; Dominican Republic has 13.
The Dominican Republic closes the pool against Canada on Thursday at 5:00 pm (local time) and at 8:00 pm Colombia plays Mexico.
The blocking of the Dominicans made the difference, with an 18-9 advantage; they also led in attack 69-60 and committed fewer errors (25-36). Colombia had a small advantage in serving (3-2).
Corner attacker Yonkaira Pena scored an impressive 30 points, the most so far in the event. Opposite Gaila Gonzalez followed with 27 points. Center back Candida Arias added 10 points.
Opposite Dayana Segovia and corner attacker Ana Karina Olaya led Colombia with 19 points apiece. Middle blocker Melissa Rangel added 10 points.
Colombia took the first set doing damage with their service game that put them up with a comfortable four point lead (19-15) which was extended with consecutive errors by Dominican Republic and through Valerin Carabali’s blocking. Dominican Republic reacted strong winning the second, Colombia’s first set of the tournament, after a good performance by Yonkaira Peña, along with Florangel Terrero. Dominican Republic denied two set points to Colombia in a close match (28-26) with the definition of Gaila Gonzalez. In the fourth, the Dominicans came from behind (15-19) thanks to Colombian errors as well as Peralta’s attack and Marte’s block to tie at 19, but it extended to a dramatic 30-28 for Colombia forcing the tie-break. The fifth was started 5-0 by the Dominicans and they maintained the five-point advantage throughout the set to rise to victory.
Source:Listindiario.com
