The Dominican Republic upsets the USA to claim first Pan American Cup victory

GATINEAU, Canada, July 26, 2017 - The Dominican Republic produced a surprising win over the United States in three sets (24-14, 24-12 and 24-19) in just over an hour to claim their first victory at the 12th Men’s Pan American Cup at Gatineau’s Robert Guertin Arena in Canada’s capital region.

After four set defeat in their debut vs. defending champions Cuba, the Caribbean squad is aiming for a place in the next round from Group A. Elvis Contreras and Wilfrido Hernandez led the winners’ production with 13 points each, two more than Jose Caceres.

Jake Langlois was the USA’s top scorer with seven points.

Jonah Seif, captain of USA: “I think the Dominicans were the aggressors today and we kind of played hesitant.  We just weren’t executing the game plan we talked about before the match.  …. I think we need to re-set and just focus on Cuba.  If we dwell on this game, it will just hold us back.  If we can just be more aggressive in serving and attacking and our setting today wasn’t that good, and our passers hung in there; but we’re a strong team when we play well…..”

Orlando Samuel Blackwood, Dominican Republic’s head coach: “Today we played better. We had good serving, passing, hitting and defense.  This team has not played a lot together, this is only their second match.  Now we are focused on Mexico; we have to win that match.”