Hamamatsu, Japan, October 3, 2018 - Bethania De La Cruz and Yonkaira Isabel scored 15 points each to lead the Dominican Republic past Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-20) in Pool D action at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Wednesday afternoon and the Dominican captain said their combination play was pivotal to the result.
Dominican Republic coach Marcos Kwiek: We are happy to get the win and the three points. Puerto Rico played well. This was an important game for us. We knew we needed to concentrate because Puerto Rico knows us well. Our blocking was good in the center though are attacking was not. We attacked effectively on the wings. We will face strong teams in the second round.
Puerto Rico coach Jose Mieles: We have played each other many times. We are not satisfied with today's match. Our performance was not good. We could not play according to our plan. We have to change for the next game.
Dominican Republic captain Bethania De La Cruz: We are happy with the victory. Puerto Rico was good today. We have played each other many times. Our combinations worked well and that is why we could win today.
Puerto Rico captain Natalia Valentin: The Dominican Republic had a strong game in all facets today. We were our own worst enemy.