homepage

 

 

USA tops Pool A defeating Dominican Republic

 

   

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, May 23, 2016.- United States topped Pool A after defeating Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-20, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17) at the XI Men´s Pan American Cup held at Olympic Gymnasium Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City.

United States and Dominican Republic battled hard keeping the scores very close. After losing set three, the Americans came back stronger to finish winning. United States finishes pool-play with 2-0 record and Dominican Republic with 1-1.

The advantage in skills was minor; United States led in blocking (9-5) and aces (6-5), while the Dominicans did better in kills (49-48). The winners scored on 38 errors by Dominican Republic and committed 29.

Outside hitter Gregory Petty was USA’s leading scorer with 15 points, 13 on kills and 2 aces; followed by opposite Carson Clark with 14 points, 11 on kills, 2 on blocks and 1 ace. Also with double digits, middle blocker Jeffrey Jendryk (13) and Torey Defalco (10). Leading all scores was Dominican Pedro Garcia with 19 points, on 16 kills and 3 blocks. Henry Lopez contributed with 14 points.

United States will have to wait for the results between Canada and Cuba, as well as Argentina and Mexico to know their next opponent.

Captain Carson Clark of the United States said their performance was difficult as a few of them are sick, “we aren’t feeling well, myself included. Dominican Republic played pretty well and especially the third set. We were able to play a little bit better towards the end”.

Coach Ron Larsen of the United States said “I felt we were in control, it was our game. Our young players didn’t understand the importance of a set in these competitions. I liked how we responded after we lost, shifting back into the match and coming out stronger. Dominicans battled strong, they limited their errors and they are very physical”.

Coach Loren Rodriguez of Dominican Republic indicated “the team understood the importance of this match, the guys were focused. I believe we failed in our receiving and they took advantage with their tough serves”.