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GUADALAJARA, Mexico, April 8,
2010 – Puerto Rico recorded an easy straight
sets win against Dominican Republic by score of
25-16, 25-6. 25-15 claiming the top place of
Pool B at NORCECA Boys’ Youth Continental
Tournament, a qualifier to the 2010 Youth
Olympic Games in Singapore.
There was very little the
Dominican selection could do against opponents
of bigger size and a team that also plays
harmoniously, especially with their effective
blocking. The winning team was able to score 16
consecutive points starting in the second set.
The winners’ attack was evenly
distributed, with Emmanuel Romero (8 points) as
the higher scorer, followed by Carlos Acosta (7
points). The biggest contributor on the
Dominican side was Julio Cesar Almonte with 7
points.
Ramon Lawrence, the Cuban-born
coach for Puerto Rico, said “we played a great
match, somehow different, the blocking was
effectively done but also the Dominicans weren’t
able to deliver on their tactical plan.”
He also remarked that the
objective for his team is to win the title but
admits than more than one team is in good shape
to meet that same goal, adding “Cuba, for
instance, is recognized worldwide for the
strength of their attack.”
“To be at Cuba’s level, or even
the United States, will be a great privilege for
us as we are working in developing these
talented young players with an eye on making the
national team.”
Ramon Burgos, Team Captain for
Puerto Rico, expressed “we played more freely
and we improved our serve in comparison to the
game we had previously played against Curacao.
Little by little, we’re increasing our level.”
Osiel Vazquez, Technical Director
for the Dominican Republic, lamented that his
players didn’t comply with their tactical
strategy and added “they couldn’t overcome the
high blockage from the rivals.”
Manuel Arturo Acosta, the
Dominican Team Captain, added “we needed more
energy and the courage to do what we should and
that usually doesn’t work in our favor.”
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