Winnipeg, Canada, September 13- The Dominican Republic won its third consecutive match at the Norceca Men’s Continental Championships and moved to a semi final contest against USA after scoring a victory over Mexico 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 28-26,25-23). 

Elvis Contreras led the Dominican attack with 20 points and was joined by Jose Caceres (18), Felipe Henriquez (15) and Eury Almonte (14) as players with double digits. Mario Becerra and Juan Garcia each had 15 points for Mexico and Jorge Quinones and Luis Marquez added 13 and 11 respectively.

The Dominican Republic was the clear favorite going into the match, however Mexico was not about to hand over the win. The Dominican Republic held a one point lead through both technical time outs up 8-7 and 16-15 before they were able to break away and go up 23-21. A couple of quick points and the Dominican Republic had locked up set one 25-22.

Set two the Dominican Republic gave themselves a little breathing room leading 8-5 at the first technical time out, but again Mexico fought back to tie it at 10-10. From there it was Mexico who took control of the set opening a two point lead and held on to take set two 25-21.

Set three was anyone’s, but it was Mexico who led 8-7 at the first technical time out. The Dominican Republic reversed that score to take a 16-14 lead at the second technical time out but Mexico responded to tie the set at 23-23. A Mexican ace serve put them up 24-23 but the Dominican fought back to go up 26-25 and shut the door on Mexico winning the set 28-26.

Mexico jumped up 2-0 in the fourth set and continued to lead 8-7 at the first technical time out. The Dominican Republic came back with a point run and took over the lead 16-14 by the second technical time out. The seesaw set continued with Mexico reclaiming the lead 18-17, then the Dominican’s came back to force a time out up 20-19. Tied back up at 23-23, the Dominican again surged ahead and won the set 25-23 and the match.