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GATINEAU, August 10, 2022 - Defending champions
Cuba remains undefeated with a 3-0 (25-21,
25-21, 25-12) victory over the Dominican
Republic in Pool A of the Pan American Cup.
With a different starting line-up from their Cup
debut win Tuesday against Chile, Cuba contained
a well known Caribbean rival, staying in front
at both technical time-outs 8-6 and 16-13.
Michael Sanchez’s spike sealed the victory in
the opening set 25-12.
The start of the second set remained even, with
Cuba slightly ahead 8-6. The Dominican Republic
rebounded and took control 16-13 at the second
technical time-out, but their Caribbean
opponents tied it up at 17. They traded points
until a 21-point tie. With Jesus Herrera from
the service line, the Dominican Republic
struggled, and the opposite player finished the
set with an ace and a final 25-21 score.
In the third set, the Dominican Republic built
an early 8-4 and 16-14 lead at the first and
second technical timeouts. Cuba reacted and tied
the score at 18. With Roamy Alonso from the
service line, the Dominican Republic made some
costly mistakes and saw their chances slip away
18-21. The gap remained, and Marlon Yant sealed
the set 25-12 and the match victory for Cuba.
Jesus Herrera was the top scorer for the Cuban
squad with 14 points, followed by Osniel
Mergarejo (10) and Roamy Alonso (9). Wilfrido
Hernandez set offense with 11 points for the
Dominican Republic.
Cuba plays the United States and the Dominican
Republic meets Chile in the last preliminary
round matches of Pool A on Thursday. |
