Cuba Bounce Back to Win a Tie-break over Dominican Republic

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, September 17, 2024. - Cuba came back from a two-set deficit to defeat the Dominican Republic 3-2 (21-25, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18, 15-13) in the U23 Men's Pan American Cup on Tuesday at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Cuba and Mexico, both with a 2-0 record, will face each other on Wednesday for first place in Pool A and a direct pass to the semifinals. The Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, with 0-2 records, will play for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Cuba led in attacks (69-52) and service points (7-2), while the Dominican Republic dominated in blocks (12-8). Cuba committed 35 errors compared to 24 from the Dominican Republic.

Cuba's middle blocker Thiago Suarez led the team with 24 points (21 attacks, 2 blocks, one  ace). Outside hitter Bryan Camino contributed 23 points (22 attacks, one ace) to the win. Outside hitter Carlos Pereira scored 13 points, and middle blocker Alexis Wilson added 11, including a match-high of 5 blocks.

The  top scorer of the game was Dominican opposite Adrián Figueroa with 26 points, all from attacks. Outside hitter Ronny Molina added 16 points for the Dominican team.

After a close score, the Dominican Republic pulled ahead with a six-point lead (15-9) thanks to the offensive efforts of Adrián Figueroa and Ronny Molina, maintaining the lead until closing the set with a serve by Molina. From point 11 of the second set, the Dominican Republic kept the advantage until the end. Cuba, with Bryan Camino and Thiago Suárez, applied pressure, but their errors, combined with the effectiveness of Dominican Figueroa, couldn't prevent the Dominican Republic from winning the second set. The Dominicans took advantage of Cuba's mistakes in the third set, holding the lead until Cuba recovered from a three-point deficit (11-14) with scores from Alexis Wilson and Thiago to tie it. With an attack from Camino, along with a Dominican error, they forced a fourth set. Cuba capitalized on their momentum and quickly jumped to a wide 12-4 lead, driven by Yonni Iglesias and Thiago's attacks and Alexis Wilson's blocks, never falling behind and extending the match to a tie-break. Cuba won the fifth set with an advantage in attacks (9-5) and by capitalizing on six Dominican errors.

Thiago Suarez, Cuba's top scorer: “We didn't have the necessary focus in the first two sets; we were too excited. We calmed down to win the next three sets. We stayed calm, added points, and had patience. Tomorrow, we will fight for first place in the group against Mexico, and we hope to get the win”.

José Gutiérrez, Head coach of the Dominican Republic: “For us, it's about gaining experience; we are already qualified for Asunción 2025. We lost, but while playing well. The boys lack game volume, and this inconsistency (playing two sets very well, then two sets poorly) is due to a lack of matches. If the Dominican Republic doesn't build a league that allows them to play, it's going to be difficult for us. We need to be patient and keep working”.