Mexico outduels Dominican Republic in hard-fought match

HAVANA Cuba, October 7, 2014 – Mexico was stronger than Dominican Republic in the tie-break to win a close five-set battle (27-25, 29-31, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13) for their third straight victory at the II U-23 Pan American Men’s Volleyball Cup which runs place until next Friday.  

The Caribbean team (2-1) was superior in spikes (66-56) and their outside hitter Luis Adames had another fruitful day and was the top scorer of the match (35). On the other hand, the Mexicans did great damage with their blocks (16-12) ad made fewer errors than their rivals (38-43).

On the winning team, Julian Duarte was their top scorer (17) followed by Humberto Ceballos (15), Alexis Garay (13) and the middle blocker Jose Manuel Martinez (11), while by the Dominicans, Adames, was followed by Henry Lopez (19) and Rafael Rodriguez (12) in a match that lasted two hours and three minutes.

Excited, the Cuban, Roberto Vilches, coach of Mexico, expressed: “It was a super-match with an excellent competitive level from both sides. Dominican Republic gave everything on the court. My greatest respect for their players, but both teams played without pressure and mine had the grace of winning a crucial match for all. In our case, we were aimed at achieving this victory to fight then against Cuba that we are aware they are quite strong.”

The setter, Jesus Perales, Central American’s team captain, described the victory as incredible: “We congratulate the Dominicans as they fought till the end. It cost us a deal as it has been the hardest match in a long time, but we got it. Some times it is necessary to yell; on some other occasions, to be calm; that’s my responsibility and my teammates reacted excellent under pressure and I am deeply proud of them.”      

Another Cuban, Jose Alvarez Cutiño, coach of the Caribbean team, stated: “My boys started well; at some other times, their rhythm went down; No matter it was a good match, we lost it; Despite the loss, the competition has not finished yet. I am optimistic.”

Their captain, Mario Frias, showed his consternation by expressing: “At the end we tailed off; we thought we already had won, but an error when tied at 13 caused the defeat. Nevertheless, we will continue fighting at this tournament till the very last set.”