Venezuela reaches the men’s semifinal round

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, July 26, 2010 – Venezuela claimed a ticket in the semifinal round of men’s volleyball tournament at the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games following its 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-17) victory over Dominican Republic and with it the first place in Pool A of the competition.

Veterans Harry Gomez and Ivan Marquez led Venezuela with 11 points apiece and each compiled three serving aces. Maximo Montoya contributed 8 and Fredy Cedeño registered four blocks among his 8 tallies. Dominicans Jose Caceres and Pedro Garcia finished with 13 and 10 points respectively.

“It was a good match and the score does not reflect the competitive level of it”, Venezuela’s coach Gilberto Herrera said. “Our serve was the key for the victory but I have to say that in many years I have not seen a Dominican team with this talent and mobility.”

“For many of my players this is their first international competition and our match today was better than yesterday even though we lost, Dominican Republic’s coach Jacinto Campechano said. “I hope we can win tomorrow against Trinidad & Tobago and reach the final four’s round.”