Dominican Republic subdues Nicaragua in straight sets

BELIZE CITY, Belize, September 29, 2016.-  Dominican Republic subdued Nicaragua in straight sets 25-13, 25-22, 25-18 on the day before the conclusion of the AFECAVOL Men’s FIVB World Championship qualification tournament in St. Catherine Academy Center of Belize City. 

Dominicans showed superiority over Nicaragua mostly in the first set. The Central American team scored important points keeping the score in set two very close, while surprising Dominicans defense and blocking their towering players. Dominicans stand with 4-1 record and 19 points, Nicaragua remains win-less 0-5.

Dominican Republic won with advantage in every skill, 35-22 in spikes, 8-1 in blocking and 6-1 in serves. They had similar amount of errors, Dominicans ended with 29 and Nicaragua with 26.

Leading Dominican Republic were middle blocker Wilfrido Hernandez and opposite Victor Castillo scored 13 and 12 points respectively. Middle blocker Jonathan Tuckler topped Nicaragua with 7 points.

On Friday, Dominican Republic (4-1) will meet El Salvador (3-2) and Nicaragua (0-5) faces Guatemala (5-0).

Henry López, of Dominican Republic: “We were able to perform well on top of the net which is one of our potentials because of our height and our serves were powerful. Tomorrow against El Salvador we will use the same strategy, making the best out of our height because they are a short team. We are glad to be here”.

Christopher Navarrete, Libero of Nicaragua: “Playing against Dominican Republic is a very good experience for us, they are highly competitive and very different from how we play in Central America, they are strong, with good blocking and well organized. We’ve been firm and despite not knowing victory yet, we have played very close sets and well disputed matches”.