Puerto Rico earns second win at Final 6

GATINEAU, CANADA. Aug. 24, 2024: Puerto Rico defeated Dominican Republic today at the Men’s Final Six at the Slush Puppie Centre arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.

The score was 3-1 (25-17, 25-22, 15-25, 25-20).

Although the Dominican team led in attack points (52-50) and blocks (9-6), Puerto Rico’s squad held the advantage in aces (5-1) and made fewer errors (22-29)

Outside hitter Klistan Lawrence Vidal was top scorer for Puerto Rico with 21 points (18 attack points, 1 block and 2 aces).

Dominican captain Héctor Alexis Cruz was next on the scoresheet with 20 points.

This was Puerto Rico’s second win of the tournament. Dominican Republic is 1-4.

Team Captain and libero #4 Dennis Del Valle of Puerto Rico said after today’s win:  “We are a little more focused. Before coming to this tournament, we only got to practice for two weeks as a team. As the days go by, we’ve been playing better and getting to know each other better….. I think that’s making a difference – our team chemistry and we are playing with more passion and energy. We acknowledge that we are a very emotional team and the results are now coming for us.”

Puerto Rico Head Coach Oswald Antonetti Cameron said: “Dominican Republic played well against the U.S., so for us to beat them is good. And with winning against Mexico yesterday, we’re pleased as we have a young team. We are improving and they are starting to believe they can win.”