Dominicans beat Guatemala and repeat duel for bronze

HAVANA, Cuba, October 9, 2014 - Dominican Republic overcame Guatemala 3-1 (18-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-16) but they will have to meet again on Friday for the bronze medal of the II Pan American U-23 Men’s Volleyball Cup at the Coliseum of the Sports City.

The outside hitters, Luis Adames (33) and Henry Lopez (13) led the attack by the winning team as both also did in the previous matches. For the defeated side, Leonel Arago and Gerardo Paz, both with 10 points, were the others who tallied double digits.

The Cuban, Jose Alvarez Cutiño, coach of the Dominicans, commented: “Today the boys were aware that it was a match of mere formality and played in a monotonous way. However tomorrow they will have to show all they know to do.”

Their captain, the middle blocker, Mario Frias, indicated: “Actually we could have had a better performance, but we wanted to reserve for the third place but we will not be overconfident against Guatemala.”

Another local coach, Reider Lucas, coach of Guatemala, rated the match as a preparation. “We are aware of the Dominicans’ level, their experience, their athletes’ maturity, but we will do our best for the victory. Reaching a third place at a competition of this level would be an achievement for Guatemala and we must go for it.”

The setter, Gerardo Paz, captain of the losing team, admitted that Dominican Republic is a quite strong opponent. “Nevertheless, we attained to get the first set out of them. After that, our strategy did not work out. In spite of that, we observed very well their game to battle for a spot on the podium on Friday.”