First victory for Dominicans at Monterrey

MONTERREY, Mexico, November 7, 2013.-Dominican Republic earned their first win at the I Men’s Final Four Cup defeating Canadain straight sets 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 at Nuevo Leon Unido Gym in Monterrey, Mexico.

Canadians began dominating but the Dominicans tied the actions to 20 points in the first set and from there on became unstoppable. A fine spectacle and with this result things turn interesting with both teams standing with 1-1 win-loss record.

Dominican Republic held a huge advantage in service points by 10-4 while the other categories weren’t significant with difference of only one point for the winners: spikes (38-37) and blocks (9-8).

The top scorer of the match was Pedro Luis Garcia of Dominican Republic with 18 points, including 4 aces, helped by Omar Tapia with 16 points and Elnis Palomino with 13 points. For the Canadian side, Steve Brinkman was the best scorer with 8 points, joined by Jeremie Lortie also with 8 points.

Captain for Dominican Republic, Gerardo Aquino and best known as “Heredia” was excited for their win, he said "the score was very close but we came out to win after yesterday’s loss. With our strong serves we were able to find Canada’s flaws making it easier for us to block and attack better”.

Justin Boudreault Canadian captain admitted that their game plan failed “we didn’t apply what we practiced and we couldn’t react but in the end it’s a learning experience and we must come stronger against Mexico tomorrow.”

“I’m an admirer of Canada’s technique in blocking” began saying coach Osiel Vasquez, “and because of their blocking my team needed to be strong in serving. Today’s task was winning so we could thing in being in the final match. I’m happy with the response of my guys.

Canadian coach Vincent Pichette indicated “direct mistakes cost us the match and even if the objective is to learn we also want to win. Dominican Republic has experienced players and we need our young ones to gain confidence against teams like this caliber. We played out of system as Dominicans pressured with their serves and the good rhythm in which they played.”