Cuba wins over Dominicans in anticipated battle

HAVANA, Cuba, May 23, 2014 – Cuba defeated Dominican Republic in four sets (25-14, 20-25, 25-17, 25-14) of an anticipated battle at the NORCECA Men’s World Championship Qualification Tournament Pool P on Friday, the penultimate day of actions.

While many expected a sudden death duel, the home team put a lot of pressure in the first and third sets against a dangerous rival to secure the victory in a match where the visitors used their back up players in the fourth set as both teams will meet on Saturday in the decisive contest for the ticket to Poland.

Four Cuban players scored in double digits led by Rolando Cepeda with 16 points, followed by Javier Jimenez and Davied Fiel with 12 apiece and Osmany Uriarte who contributed 11. For the Dominican side, star players Jose Cáceres and Elvis Contreras finished with 19 and 12 points, respectively.

Rodolfo Sánchez, Coach of Cuba: “It was a tough match but we went out to play our dynamic game because the opponent is not physically well although is an experienced team with outstanding players like Cáceres and Contreras.”

Rolando Cepeda, Captain of Cuba: “In spite we won and the team looked good and we accomplished the plan, we are not going to be over confident for tomorrow’s match. We must be focused because they are also ready to go for the first place.”

José Álvarez Cutiño, Coach of Dominican Republic: “Independently of the quality of Cuba, my players made many errors in the serves and the attacks and that’s the reason I gave playing opportunity to everybody because the crucial match is tomorrow and I hope they go out to battle for the victory.”

Wilfrido Hernandez, Captain of Dominican Republic: “I am happy because it was a great match. We have been playing more like a unit with each game and playing better. On Saturday we are going to come to the coliseum to give it all for the qualification.”