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HAVANA, Cuba, October 8, 2022.- Dominican
Republic beat Chile in a match that extended to
five sets (15-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13)
and finished fifth place at the Men’s U21 Pan
American Cup at Ciudad Deportiva.
The match lasted a little over two hours in
which the South Americans attacked more (52-44)
and led in serves (8-7), the Caribbeans
pressured in blocks (12-7) and in the end
finished best. Chile committed three errors less
(36-39).
Dominicans most productive player was outside
hitter Ronny Molina with 22 tallies, accompanied
by Antonio Gomez with 15.
For the opponents Antar Derpich led all scorers
with 25 points and Fuentes, also outside hitter,
added 16.
José Dante Manon, Dominican coach considered
that “with this fifth place it went well for the
team we brought, young players with their first
competition of the year, we didn’t have
preparation matches, two players weren’t able to
travel. Today they adjusted better in blocking
and serving, that was the difference. A positive
participation, the more games and sets they gain
more experience and opportunities to perfection
their actions. Important when you coach players
who are so young”.
Captain Luther Rosario expressed how proud he is
of his team, “the first time I’m captain and
this is a great group. There are little details
we need to work on. Chile is a difficult team,
we always are challenged by them, but this time
we were able to adjust our blocking better,
serve more effectively and we still lack a bit
in attacking, nevertheless, we did much better
and that helped to victory”.
Iván Villarreal, head coach of Chile, said once
again “we are in a process of development,
giving opportunities for athletes to compete as
much as we can at a national and international
level, which we are doing. We must evaluate each
players development, which is crucial to design
and adjust, taking in consideration the greatest
number of players with level to develop”.
17-year-old outside hitter Felipe Valenzuela,
said “sixth place is bittersweet and unexpected,
because we came with a reinforced team, and we
could have done much more to win the games. I am
leaving with a lot of f experience, it’s great
to face opponents with level, a great experience
for me, an under-19 player. I also think the
Coliseum is spectacular, a warm and nice
atmosphere”. |
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