MONTERREY, Mexico. - Dominican Republic secured first place in group B of the women’s Pre-Olympic volleyball, by defeating Mexico 25-20, 25-15, 25-18 today, in the closing eliminatory game.

A confident Dominican squad managed good offensive combinations and from the start received paced play, against the opponent’s weak defense. "We only tried to maintain our game pace, since we have a better level than Mexico," said Cruz Beato, the coach of the Dominican team, favorites agaisnt Cuba for the only pass available for the Peking '08 Olympic Games.

Shortly before, the Cubans also continued undefeated by beating Puerto Rico 23-25, 25-15, 25-20, 27-25, in one of the preliminaries’ most intense games. Led by Aurea Cruz, with 24 points, the Puerto Ricans took the first set, but were then overwhelmed by the Cubans’ greater experience.

Tomorrow’s games are between Mexico-Puerto Rico and Canada-Trinidad & Tobago, with the winners going to the semifinals with the Cubans and Dominicans.