Dominican Republic defeated Canada 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-23) in group A of the women’s tournament at the Pan American Games in Peru on Thursday.

Dominican Republic is the highest ranked team in the pool, and is 2-0 so far.

“It was a good effort by our team, but in the end you can see where their experience comes in. They are able to focus in and dial it up a bit more in those points that matter the most,” said Canada’s team captain Brianna Beamish, who was Canada’s top scorer with eight points in this match. “When the score gets to be 20-20 you need to be on another level, and I don’t think we’ve necessarily reached that level to win those last five points.”

Dominican middle blocker Jineiry Martinez contributed 13 points, followed by opposite Gaila Gonzalez with 12 points and outside hitter Bethania De La Cruz with 11 points.

The Canadian team opened with a loss to host Peru 3-1 (25-17, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18) Wednesday evening, and plays Colombia at 6:30 pm local time on Aug. 09.

Roster:
Brianna Beamish (Surrey, B.C.)
Megan Beedie (Cambridge, Ont.)
Megan Cyr (St. Andrews, Man.)
Sarah Chase (Campbell River, B.C.)
Hilary Howe (Calgary, Alta.)
Sara Kovac (Niagara Falls, Ont.)
Kristen Moncks (Standard, Alta.)
Alicia Ogoms (Winnipeg, Man.)
Kim Robitaille (Repentigny, Que.)
Lauren Sproule (Lethbridge, Alta.)
Layne Van Buskirk (Windsor, Ont.)
Jazmine White (Oshawa, Ont.)

Photo by NORCECA