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Dominicans training in Tunisia ahead of World Champs

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 8, 2018 – The Dominican Republic men’s national team is currently in Tunisia training and playing friendly matches against the host side ahead of the FIVB World Championship in Bulgaria and Italy.

The Dominican team is making a comeback to the world event after a 44 years hiatus following its first participation in Mexico in 1974 where they finished in the 22nd place.

With a mix of veterans who are on a farewell tour and the new breed product of an incipient program, the Dominicans will play in Pool A in Florence, Italy. They will play Slovenia, Japan, Argentina, Italy and Belgium.

The members of the team are: Francisco Abreu and Adalberto González, setters; Bayron Valdez, Elvis Contreras, Engel Mieses, Henry López, Jairo Pérez and Héctor Cruz, wing-spikers; Henry Tapia and José Cáceres, opposite hitters; Jonathan Mercedes, Félix Romero and Richi Paulino, middle blockers; Braymar Tolentino, libero.

The Dominicans major achievement is the gold medal they won at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico in 2014. They recently finished second at the U21 NORCECA Junior Championship trailing host Cuba.

The team is coached by Venezuelan Alexander Gutierrez who replaced Cuban Orlando Samuels who left the team for personal reasons. Gutierrez will be assisted by Amaury Martínez and therapist Marvin Zamora. Team doctor is Julio Miñoso and Team Manager is José Aybar.