Dominicans back on track with difficulties against Belize

BELIZE CITY, Belize, September 28, 2016. – Dominican Republic had difficulties to beat Belize 3-2 (25-17, 21-25, 25-10, 22-25, 15-12) to get back on track at the AFECAVOL Men’s FIVB World Championship qualification tournament in St. Catherine Academy Center of Belize City.

It wasn’t easy for Dominican Republic to dominate the home team who fought strong up to the end. Belize had a good combination in blocking and spiking in sets two and four, keeping Dominicans very close and moving the scale to their side. Dominicans won set three by wide margin, not before having a rough ride finding their usual rhythm.

Dominican Republic held enormous margin in spikes by 61-35, as well as in serves by 12-1. Belize managed to pocket the blocking category by 14-6 and scored on 39 opponent errors while committing 29.

Middle blocker Mario Frias and outside hitter Henry Lopez led Dominican Republic with 18 points apiece, middle blocker Wilfrido Hernandez scored 17 points and outside hitter Jonathan Mercedes tallied 11 points. Karym Coleman of Belize registered 21 points for a match-high, while Bryton Codd chipped in with 11 points.

On Wednesday, Dominican Republic will play Nicaragua (0-4) and Belize has the day off.

Wilfrido Hernandez, captain of Dominican Republic: “In sports you are prepared for anything to happen, you can’t be overconfident and never expect it to be easy. Our state of mind is fine, we are prepared for these tight matches”.

Dante Mañon, coach of Dominican Republic: “We were expecting a 3-1 match, but it wasn’t that way, we had to play five. Our passing was off and our blocking couldn’t adjust, until those two things worked we sealed the win. We can now play more comfortably but no opponent is easy”.

Karym Coleman, captain of Belize: “It was a controversial first set, we came back to fight stronger, but it was too late. We hope on winning on Friday because tomorrow we will rest and practice on improving our blocking”.

Delio Arruebarrena, entrenador de Belize: “El plan de juego funcionó, era trabajar bien sobre la red y que la defensa esperara para realizar el contraataque. Hubo situaciones de juego que no funcionaron, producto de la falta de concentración”.