The Dominican Republic’s women’s U23 volleyball team got off to a good start in their opening game over Egypt at the 2017 FIVB Women’s U23 World Championship (10-17 September 2017) in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 10 September. The Dominican team is a three-time medalist in the tournament. In the previous tournament in 2015, the DR secured the bronze medal.
Against Egypt on Sunday, 10 September, the Dominican team struggled to the limit. The “Queens of the Caribbean” had to work very hard for the victory. At the end the DR won 4 of six sets played (12-15, 15-6, 15-8, 15-12, 15-17 and 19-17). All matches in Ljubljana are played under a new scoring system currently being tested: a best-of-seven, 15-point set format.
FIVB News reported: “Not quite satisfied by their performance but nonetheless relieved at the final result, the Dominican Republic camp were in agreement that they need to improve after their opening day win 4-2 over Egypt at the 2017 FIVB Women’s U23 World Championship here on Sunday. Here’s the reaction from both sides.
Dominican Republic coach, Wagner Pacheco: “I am satisfied we managed to win this first match. Egypt played really well and this shows there are no bad teams at this championship. Now we have to rest and prepare well for the match against Slovenia, who will also have the support of their fans.”
The Dominican Republic is in Pool A with Slovenia, China, Egypt, Thailand and Argentina. Pool B teams are Brazil, Turkey, Bulgaria, Japan, Cuba and Kenya.
The DR next plays Slovenia on 11 Sept at 2pm, Argentina on 12 Sept at 8pm, and China on 14 Sept at 2pm and Thailand on 15 Sept at 11am. Times are Dominican time.
11 September 2017
