Cuba to face Puerto Rico in Semifinals
after Victory over Dominican Republic
PONCE, Puerto Rico, May 17, 2024. - Cuba triumphed in quarterfinals
against the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-15, 20-25, 28-26, 25-14) and will
face Puerto Rico in the semifinals of the Boys U19 NORCECA Continental
Championship in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Cuba will face host Puerto Rico in the semifinals, while United States
and Canada will compete in the other semifinal. Dominican Republic will
play in the classification matches for positions 5 to 8, starting with
Suriname.
Cuba overcame a determined Dominican team that managed to extend the
match by repeatedly tying the scores in the second and third sets.
Cuba defeated Dominican Republic with an advantage in attack points 59
to 48, a blocking difference of 10 to 6, and service points 9 to 2. The
Dominicans capitalized on 24 points from Cuban errors and conceded 20
from their own errors.
Cuba’s offense was led by outside hitter Andy Marrero with 24 points
on18 attacks, 2 blocks, and a match-high of 4 service points. Outside
hitter Alessandro González added 18 points on 14 attacks, 2 blocks, and
2 aces. Opposite Yosdani Medina also contributed to the victory with 17
points on 14 attacks and 3 blocks.
Dominican opposite Malik Britton was the top scorer of the match with 29
points (26 attacks, 2 blocks, and one service point). The other
Dominican player with double digits was captain Melvin De Jesús with 14
points.
Lian Sem Estrada, Coach of Cuba: “I congratulate the Dominican Republic
for their total commitment and spectacular defensive work. We were able
to press with our attack, and the Dominican libero performed admirably.
At times, we fell into their game, but little by little we regained our
playing system. Our attack managed to score in key points, the players
wanted the win, and both teams knew how to fight”. |