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TEPIC, Nayarit, Mexico, July 11, 2022.- Cuba won
the NORCECA Final Six Pan Cup opener to
Dominican Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-15-,
25-15, 25-22) at the Amado Nervo Auditorium in
Tepic, Nayarit.
Cuba grabbed their first win of the preliminary
round with 39-21 advantage in kills, an 8-4
margin in blocks and leading 5-3 in aces. Cuba
committed 19 errors and Dominican Republic a
total of 20.
Cuba’s top scorer was outside hitter Marlon Yant
with 12 points on 9 kills and three aces, joined
by team captain Miguel Angel Lopez with 9 points
on 7 kills and 2 blocks; middle blocker Roamy
Alonso added 8 points.
For Dominican Republic, outside hitter Wilfrido
Hernadez led with 9 points, opposite hitter and
team captain Henry Tapia contributed with 8
points and middle blocker Dawilin Mendez
finished with 7 points.
On day two of competition, Cuba faces the United
States and the Dominican Republic plays against
Puerto Rico.
Marlon Yant, Top scorer of Cuba:
“We got into rhythm little by little, I believe
it was a great game to kick the tournament. We
want to win all our matches, add one by one, we
have practiced to do so and try to win the
competition”.
Wilfrido Hernández, Top scorer of Dominican
Republic:
“Despite Cuba being a strong opponent, we did
the best we could. Cuba was well organized,
mostly in blocking and their K-1 they are tough.
We will go on improving, from less to more; we
must improve many things”.
Nicolás Vives, Head Coach of Cuba:
“The first two sets were good, despite making
some changes the guys always get relaxed and
overconfident. In the end we pressed a bit and
came out with the victory. We are working little
by little”.
Alexander Gutiérrez, Head Coach of Dominican
Republic:
“It was a hard game to start a tournament, it is
known that Cuba is one of the favorites in the
tournament. We began lazy, committing too many
errors. We adjusted in the third set and got a
better rhythm, but we came short to close.
What’s important is to finish strong despite the
negative things”. |
