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RENO, USA (Aug. 12, 2013)
– Brazil played a strong opening match in defeating the
Dominican Republic, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22 in their Pan American
Cup pool play match on Wednesday at the Reno Events Center.
Both teams will continue pool play on Thursday when Brazil will
face Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic takes on Canada.
Brazil dominated at the net, leading in spikes (50-36) and
blocks (9-2). The Dominican Republic led in aces (3-2) and took
advantage of 21 Brazil errors while committing 14.
Brazil received balanced scoring from its roster. Outside
hitters Douglas Souza and Eduardo Barreto each finished with 12
points. Souza had 11 spikes and Barreto finished with 10. Middle
blocker Leandro Santos scored 11 points, including a match-high
five blocks.
Dominican Republic opposite Wilfrido Hernandez led all scorers
with 13 points on a match-high 13 spikes. Outside hitter Henry
Lopez added 12.
Brazil led 19-18 in the first set when it used a 4-0 scoring run
to lead for good. The second-set score was tied 13-13 when
Brazil used a kill and an ace to take the lead for good. In the
third set, Brazil led by as many as four at 14-10 but the
Dominican Republic hung tough and pulled to within one point at
22-21. Brazil scored twice to reach match point and let
Dominican Republic score once more before taking the victory.
Dominican Republic coach Jose Alvarez Cutino
“We didn’t play as we expected. We weren’t able to show our
level. I expect a better showing tomorrow.”
Dominican Republic captain Cruz Mercedes
“We got tired and we’re getting adjusted to the court,
environment and time change,” “It’s a new group but I’m happy
with what I saw.”
Brazil coach Roberly Leonaldo
“I think we had a good match in general. We made a lot of
mistakes with our serve, but in attacking and counter attacking
we had a good performance. For our first match with this team it
was a good result.”
Brazil captain Thiago
“We played very well but we played a lot of mistakes and we need
to fix it tomorrow,” “The Dominican Republic digged very well
but we now need to focus on tomorrow.” |
