Dominicans beat the Trinidadians in nightcap

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 9, 2012 - Dominican Republic overcame a resilient Trinidad and Tobago in straight sets (25-13, 25-19, 30-28) in the last match of the opening day in the VII Men’s Pan American Cup.

Dominican Republic’s opposite José Miguel Caceres was the top scorer with 19 points, followed by Elvis Contreras with 17 and Elnis Palomino with 11. Veteran Nolan Tash once again was the most distinguished for his team with 14 points while Marc Honore scored 11.

Cuban Osiel Vasquez, coach of Dominican Republic, congratulated the Trinidadians for their great performance.  “The boys had commented about the rivalry and about their ever present winning attitude and that’s why we prepared the individual tactic to zone five and thus weakening the strength of their best attackers, so we did many points through that position because my very disciplined team met that goal.”

Gideon Gickson, coach of Trinidad and Tobago, acknowledged that the Dominicans "were more consistent than us and therefore won. I also congratulate the new technical direction and I wish them luck. "

The local captain, José Caceres praised opposing players "because they are very brave and play with great courage. We are like brothers, but on the court there is a nice rivalry. To start with a win is very important for us, as it increases our self esteem".

Nolan Tash, the experienced leader of the visitors, felt it was a game with great performance from both teams and "shows that we can play one on one with the Dominicans, we entered the game with that intention but we played a volleyball that I have not played in a long time, I would say the worst in a while, and we hope not to repeat it."