Players of the Baja California U20 team celebrate their victory over Mexico

Tijuana, Mexico, March 9, 2013 – The Dominican Republic and Baja California U20 will play for the gold medal at the Baja California International Volleyball Cup on Sunday.

The Dominicans clinched a berth to the finals after beating the Baja California U18 team in 2 sets (25-18, 25-13). Natalia Martínez finished with 16 points while Mexican Fernanda Bañuelos had 10 points, including four aces.

In the other semifinal, the Baja California U20 team defeated Mexico in three sets (26-24, 26-28, 25-22). Seomara Sainz scored 19 points for the Baja youngsters, while Karen Lepe finished with 11 and Minerva Rodriguez with 10. For Mexico, Alejandra Isiordia scored 19.

The Dominicans, coached by Brazilian Wagner Pacheco, had closed the first round with a victory over Mexico 2-1 (25-23, 23-25, 26-24), recovering from a previous loss to the Baja California U20 team (21-25, 25-23, 26-24) in the biggest surprise of the second day of competition.

Pamela Soriano registered 18 points to lead the Dominican side followed by Brayelin Martinez, with 16. Mexico’s Isiordia finished with 20 while Sainz tallied 16.

The Baja California U18 and U20 sides faced each other in a three set match with a victory for the former 25-23, 14-25, 25-12. The Saturday marathon round began with a victory for Mexico against Baja U18, 2-0 (26-24, 25-23).

Baja California International Cup, Second Day Results

México d Baja California U-18 2-0 (26-24, 25-23)
Baja California U20 d Dominican Republic 2-1 (21-25, 25-23, 26-24)
Baja California U18 d Baja California U-20 2-1 (25-23, 14-25, 25-12)
Dominican Republic d Mexico 2-1 (25-23, 23-25, 26-24)
Dominican Republic d. Baja California U-18 2-0 (25-18, 25-13) 
Baja California U20 d Mexico 2-1 (26-24, 26-28, 25-22)

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