Dominican Republic claim first win in spectacular overtime

COLIMA, Mexico, June 17, 2019.- After a rough start, Dominican Republic climbed back to claim their first win at the fourteenth Men’s Pan American Cup beating Guatemala 3-2 (36-38, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 15-13) establishing a new record for the highest scoring set in the history of the event.

Guatemala edged Dominican Republic 38-36 in set one, establishing the record for the highest scoring set, in a roller coaster pool C match finally won by the Dominicans in two hours and twenty two minutes (2:22).

Dominican Republic prevailed 68-57 in attacks, with a sizeable 15-7 margin in the blocking category and 4-2 in aces. Dominicans allowed 50 points on errors while scoring on 33 Guatemalan unforced errors.

Dominican Henry Tapia led all scorers with 28 points on impressive 25 kills and 3 blocks; wing spiker Jonathan Mercedes joined with 20 points all in kills and middle blocker Richi Paulino added 13 points. On Guatemala’s side, opposite Gerardo Gonzalez scored 18 points including 16 kills and one ace; middle blocker Brandon Chinchilla and wing spiker Carlos López scored 17 and 11 points accordingly.

In the last day of the preliminary round, Dominican Republic (1-1) will face United States (1-0) and Guatemala (0-2) plays against Chile (1-0).

Comments:

Henry Tapia, leading scorer of the match: “A very long match, we weren’t expecting this. Guatemala came back strong, but thanks to our concentration and limiting our errors we finished with the victory”.

Gerardo González, leading scorer Guatemala: “We started winning but we needed more attitude, it was our error because Dominican Republic played at the same level”.

Alexander Gutiérrez, coach Dominican Republic: “A difficult match, we recognize that Guatemala gave us a hard time in reception, we needed to make constant adjustments to get into rhythm and we failed many serves. This is part of the process with young players”.

Reider Lucas, coach Guatemala: “We did our best, my guys gave everything. The team can dominate and works well, they are young and I want to congratulate their effort. We believe we may have a positive result in what’s left of the tournament”.