After another tie-break Slovakia will face Thailand for 11th place at the U18 World Champs

The Dominican Republic and Argentina have secured their spots in the top ten of the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship in Durango, Mexico.

Argentineans defeated Slovakia in a tie-break and the Dominicans Thailand at the Auditorio del Pueblo on Tuesday with a 3-1. Slovakia will now face Thailand for the final 11th place.

Argentina vs Slovakia 3-2 (16-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 15-5)

Argentina got revenge over Slovakia in a good time as four days after losing to the Europeans in pool play the South Americans were on the right side of a five-set battle that secured them in the top ten of the tournament. Argentina won the main battles at the net, outscoring their opponents in kills (62-52) and blocks (18-7), which proved enough to overcome the European advantage in aces (9-3) and opponent errors (27-21).

Outside hitter Nicole Perez was Argentina’s main offensive piece, leading all scorers in the match with 22 points (18 kills, three blocks, one ace). Middle blocker Avril Garcia and outside hitter Milena Margaria also had tremendous performances, producing 17 and 16 points, respectively. Slovakia’s top scorer was captain and outside hitter Alexandra Fricova, with 16 points (14 kills, two blocks).

“Our attitude was the difference,” Margaria reacted. “We played as a team and we were always looking forward to the next point, no matter how the previous one ended and that makes a lot of difference. We lost to Slovakia just a few days ago and wanted to play them again so we could beat them and get revenge. Being at the top ten is special, but we’re going for more tomorrow. We’re going with everything against the Dominican Republic and let the better team win.”