WINNIPEG, Canada, June 2, 2008.- The opening round action of the 2008 Men’s Pan American Cup began this afternoon in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For this occasion, Dominican Republic defeated their first rival Puerto Rico. Set scores were 25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21.

After winning the first two sets, Dominican Republic could not close the third set. They put up a good fight but Puerto Rico kept playing with their block to end the set. However, Dominican Republic replied strongly in the fourth and last set.

Leading the way was Elvis Contreras of Dominican Republic. The captain cumulated 19 points, including 17 attacks. His teammate Jose Caceres Gomez followed him closely with 17 points and Victor Batista added 16. The best scorer of Puerto Rico, Jackson Rivera, cumulated 15 points and Ulises Maldonado and Edwin Aquino added 13 and 12 respectively.

Coach  Jacinto Campechano commented the game: “We have three very experienced players that are showing to way to the younger guys. We played well against this other very young team and are looking forward to play other teams, as the tournament will get harder.