Ankara, Turkey, August 13, 2015 – Dominican Republic proved too strong for Cuba in an all-NORCECA derby on Thursday afternoon in Pool B. Las Reinas Del Caribe defeated their neighbours from Cuba in straight sets 25-19, 25-13, 25-9.
Captain Brayelin Elizabeth Martinez paced the Dominicans with 15 points via 11 kills on 18 swings and two blocks. Gaila Gonzalez added 12 points for the Dominican side. Cuba was led by Yelennis Casanova and her ten points followed by Dayami Sanchez’s four points. The Dominicans out-blocked Cuba 13-3 and had also more aces (8-1).
Dominican Republic controlled the opening set as they bolted to an 8-5 and 16-10 advantage with Gaila Gonzalez scoring several spectacular kills. The team of coach Wagner Pacheco continued to mount the pressure going up 23-17 as the Dominican blockers showed their strength. Jineiry Martinez scored at the end to cap the first set at 25-19.
The story of the match did not change much in the second and third set. The young Cubans ladies did their best to resist, but eventually couldn’t prevent their opponents from winning the second (25-13) and third set (25-9!) as well.
Brayelin Elizabeth Martinez closed it out for the Dominicans with a mighty attack. It was her 15th point tonight.