Mexico scores come-from-behind victory for the bronze medal

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, July 29, 2010 – Mexico came back from two sets down to defeat Dominican Republic in five sets (21-25, 23-25, 25-15, 25-16, 15-7) claiming the bronze medal in the men’s volleyball tournament of the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games. For Mexico, owners of five gold and six silvers, this its fifth bronze medal in the twenty editions of the tournament.

Ivan Contreras and Tomas Aguilera registered 22 and 20 points for Mexico while Samuel Cordova and Irving Bricio totaled 16 and 14 respectively. Dominican Jose Caceres accounted for 24 points and Pedro Garcia and Ernis Palomino registered 15 and 11.

“For several times now in recent times we have been able to come from behind to defeat the Dominican Republic,” Mexican Contreras said. “I am extremely happy with this result but I also have to say that it was not easy.”

“The same thing has happened to us in the last two or three tournaments playing against Mexico. It’s something unbelievable and out of every aspect of volleyball. You have to give credit the Mexican team for the character they showed.”

“The people coming off the bench gave us the victory proving once again that volleyball is a sport team not a sport of individuals,” Mexican coach Jorge Azair said.

“The reserve players of Mexico changed the game with their defense and reception and we were not able to make the adjustments,” Dominican coach Jacinto Campechano said.