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TEPIC, Nayarit, Mexico, July 15, 2022.- United
States locked their semifinal spot at the Men’s
Pan American Cup NORCECA Final Six beating
Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-20) at
the Amado Nervo Auditorium of Tepic, Nayarit.
The U.S. concluded the preliminary round with a
3-2 record and 17 points, finishing in third
place making their way in the semifinal round
where they’ll face Canada who ended in second
place. Canada beat the United States in straight
sets in their first match of the event.
Dominican Republic ends with 0-5 record and will
play for fifth position.
The United States held an overwhelming 40-25
advantage in attacks, the also led with
comfortable margins in blocks (6-1) and serves
(8-1). Both teams committed a similar number of
errors, the U.S. with 22 and Dominican Republic
with 21.
Opposite hitter Francesco Sani of the United
States scored a match-high of 15 points on 11
kills and 4 aces, followed by middle blocker
Austin Wilmot with 10 points on 7 kills and 3
blocks.
Once again Henry Tapia led Dominican Republic
with 11 points all on kills.
Mathew West, Captain of United States:
“We started with two defeats and now we are in
the semifinals, for all of us it’s our first
tournament together so we needed to get into
rhythm as a team. Today the coach used a
different line-up to rest some players, which is
good for us, so everyone improves their level.
Can we win the gold, yes, in this tournament
everything is possible”.
Dawilin Méndez, Middle blocker of Dominican
Republic:
“We must commit less errors, some technical
aspects that are easy to execute aren’t working
out and that’s why matches get complicated. We
are a young team, only four are veterans that
support us to go on the path of good volleyball.
These tournaments give us a lot of level”
Andy Read, Head Coach of United States:
“At the beginning both teams were trying to find
their rhythm playing, we found it first. We had
a lot of guys come in, everyone played it great,
so for tomorrow we have all fourteen guys ready
to play and begin the play-offs. For the
semifinals I hope our best volleyball in the
tournament so far; it’s going to be a very good
match for both of us (Canada)”. |
