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The United States beat the Dominican Republic
3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-23) to open the 15th Pan
American Cup, held at the Slush Puppie Sports
Centre in Gatineau, Canada.
Despite a strong start by the Caribbean squad,
the USA bounced back and tied the opening set at
11 and reached the second technical time-out
with a narrow 16-14 lead. Solid attacks by Jake
Hanes, Merrick McHenry and Brett Wildman and
Patrick Gasman secured the first set 25-23.
The USA remained on top in the second set,
leading 8-6 and 16-14. But the Dominican
Republic kept fighting and Henry Tapia led them
to a 23-22 lead, but the USA bounced back with
an effective block and a strong attack by Jake
Hanes secured win 25-23.
The third set appeared to go one way with the
USA taking a healthy 7-1 lead and 16-12 at the
second time-out. The Dominican Republic never
gave up and with solid clocks managed to tie the
set at 21. However, Jake Hanes’ attacks proved
to be lethal and paved the way for another
identical 25-23 set win and match victory.
Hanes led the winners’ performance with 20
points, followed by Gasman (11). Captain Henry
Tapia was the main contributor from the
Dominican Republic with 16 points.
Both teams play in Pool A
with Chile and Cuba as the other contenders. |
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