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MEXICO CITY, Mexico, May 23, 2016.- United States topped Pool A
after defeating Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-20, 25-23, 26-28,
25-17) at the XI Men´s Pan American Cup held at Olympic
Gymnasium Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City.
United States and Dominican Republic battled hard keeping the
scores very close. After losing set three, the Americans came
back stronger to finish winning. United States finishes
pool-play with 2-0 record and Dominican Republic with 1-1.
The advantage in skills was minor; United States led in blocking
(9-5) and aces (6-5), while the Dominicans did better in kills
(49-48). The winners scored on 38 errors by Dominican Republic
and committed 29.
Outside hitter Gregory Petty was USA’s leading scorer with 15
points, 13 on kills and 2 aces; followed by opposite Carson
Clark with 14 points, 11 on kills, 2 on blocks and 1 ace. Also
with double digits, middle blocker Jeffrey Jendryk (13) and
Torey Defalco (10). Leading all scores was Dominican Pedro
Garcia with 19 points, on 16 kills and 3 blocks. Henry Lopez
contributed with 14 points.
United States will have to wait for the results between Canada
and Cuba, as well as Argentina and Mexico to know their next
opponent.
Captain Carson Clark of the United States said their performance
was difficult as a few of them are sick, “we aren’t feeling
well, myself included. Dominican Republic played pretty well and
especially the third set. We were able to play a little bit
better towards the end”.
Coach Ron Larsen of the United States said “I felt we were in
control, it was our game. Our young players didn’t understand
the importance of a set in these competitions. I liked how we
responded after we lost, shifting back into the match and coming
out stronger. Dominicans battled strong, they limited their
errors and they are very physical”.
Coach Loren Rodriguez of Dominican Republic indicated “the team
understood the importance of this match, the guys were focused.
I believe we failed in our receiving and they took advantage
with their tough serves”. |
