Caribbean Queens lose to Italy at Paris Olympics 3-1

At the Paris Arena Sud, equality marked the first part of the opening match of group C of the women’s volleyball tournament of the Olympic Games in Paris. With 10-10 on the scoreboard, the team coached by the Argentine Julio Velasco signed a 5-0 partial that was key in the first set’s result.

The Italians led in attack by Fatime Sylla and Anna Danesi and with Luisa Fahr outstanding in the blocks, maintained a comfortable advantage until the end of the first set despite the efforts of the Dominican players and the remarkable performance of Gaila Gonzalez. The set ended 25-19 in favor of the European team.

The Pan American champions reacted to the blow, improved in intensity, and balanced the balance in the second set. They were evenly matched until the end, showing they knew how to suffer in essential moments. With 24-23 in Italy’s favor, a point by Gaila Gonzalez, a block by Estefany Arias, and a kill by Paola Egonu decided the set (24-26).

Italy proved its status as number one in the world ranking, commanded by opposite Paola Egonu, a nightmare this Sunday for the Dominicans, and retook the lead in the duel with a 25-21 win in the third set.

Gaila Gonzalez again showed her quality, as did Jineiry Martinez and Yonkaira Pena. Still, it was not enough for the Dominican team to break down the Italian wall and a 25-18 victory for Julio Velasco’s players.

The Dominicans’ next challenge in Group C of the women’s volleyball tournament at the Paris Olympics will not be easy either. On August 1, they will face Turkey, ranked third in the world, and on August 3, they will play against the Netherlands.