Dominican Republic open with victory over Suriname

HAVANA, Cuba, May 21, 2014 – Dominican Republic opened the FIVB Men’s World Championship NORCECA Pool P with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-21) victory over Suriname at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum on Wednesday.

The Dominicans trailed at the two technical time outs of the third set but rallied back to claim the win in straight sets.

José Caceres was the main scoring weapon for the Dominicans with 16 points, followed by Elvis Contreras and German Recio with 10 points apiece. Roberto Jovan and Keven Sporksledge each had seven points for Suriname.

Jose Ángel Cutiño, the Dominican coach said his team has not reached the teamwork “but I can see in the last few days we have more unity, and we can see the results, but we are ways to go.”

Dominican Republic’s captain Wilfrido Hernandez admitted they didn’t play up to their normal level because they are starting to click now.

“In the third ser we were over confident and dropped our game, but we have more than we showed today,” Hernández said.

Suriname’s coach Jerry Slijngard said he could not hide his hopes of winning the match.

“We thought it was possible (winning), but our squad was out of rhythm and I think we lost the triumph because of it,” he said. “Nevertheless, I avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate the Dominicans and to say we will try to improve our performance”. 

Roberto Joval, Suriname’s Captain said: “We are glad to play once more against the Dominicans. It is an opportunity to meet a top-level squad. Today we had a slow start, but hopefully we will improve throughout the tournament”.