Dominican Republic secures bronze medal

HAVANA, Cuba, October 10, 2014 - Dominican Republic secured the bronze medal of the II Pan American U-23 Men’s Volleyball Cup by defeating Guatemala in straight sets (25-18, 25-20, 25-15).

For second day in a row, the Dominicans outclassed the Guatemalans, this time in only 53 minutes and in a match where outscored the Guatemalans in spikes (33-17) and blocks (13-4); although Dominicans made a pair of errors more than their rivals (28-26).

The outside hitters, Luis Adames (15) and Henry Lopez (11) led again the attack of Dominican Republic which ends the event with four victories and two defeats. While on the defeated side, Guatemala finished with a 2-4 average and the middle blocker Brandon Chinchilla as their top-scorer (9) today.

The Cuban, Jose Alvarez Cutiño, coach of the Dominican Republic, highlighted: “The organization of the tournament was good and although all the teams did not show the same game level, it is seen the Federations are working on it in our NORCECA area. With respect to my team, sadly they were not able to fulfil the goal of qualifying for the WCH, 2015. Nevertheless, today the team came out to enjoy the match and we won.”

Their captain, the middle blocker, Mario Frias, regretted not to have been able to attain a WCH spot. “But, at least, we will take back home the bronze and from now on we will have to continue preparing in view of the Central American and Caribbean Games to be held in Veracruz, Mexico, in the upcoming November.”

Reider Lucas, also Cuban and coach of Guatemala, stated: “We would have liked to do more for the victory; it was difficult; our opponent is more solid and experienced and my boys actually did what they could.”

The setter, Gerardo Paz, captain of the Central American team said: “We did not play well and thus we lost the medal. However, we are very excited and happy for all the effort we made and we are willing to keep on forwards as next year we will have other commitments.”