Puerto Rico falls to Dominican Republic 3-1 at U17 World Cup

Kamila Colón Ayala, center, gets encouragement from her Puerto Rico teammate Arianna Pantojas Padilla as Carinialys Kuilan Román looks on during their match against the Dominican Republic at the FIVB U17 World Championship in Los Andes, Chile on Tuesday. The Dominican Republic won, 3-1.

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico had its moments, but the Dominican Republic prevailed 3-1 (25-23, 25-12, 18-25, 25-17) at the Liceo Mixto in Los Andes, Chile during Group D play Tuesday at the FIVB U17 World Championship.

Puerto Rico (2-3) extended the match with a solid third set, but the Dominican Republic’s high-powered offense ultimately made the difference at key moments of the match.

The Dominican Republic finished the match with 50 attack points, eight blocks and two aces, plus 33 points from opponent errors, for a total of 93 points.

Puerto Rico responded with 38 attack points, 10 blocks and three aces, adding 26 points from opponent errors, for a total of 77.

In the third set, Puerto Rico controlled the pace and won 25-19, thanks to a more stable offense and better distribution during transitions.

Puerto Rico’s top scorers were outside hitter Carinialys Kuilan Román with 15 points and outside hitter Anna Sophia Aquino Machado with 9 points.

The Dominican Republic’s Rayni Mondesi, also an outside hitter, led all scorers with 30 points.

Entering Wednesday’s matches Puerto Rico sat in fifth place (5 points) in the group, while the Dominican Republic was in fourth place (6 points).

Italy led the group with a 3-1 record and 9 points.

Puerto Rico was to face Tunisia on Wednesday in a must-win match to advance to the next round.