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Dominican Republic opens with victory over Chile

 

   

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, May 22, 2016.- Dominican Republic opened the XI Men’s Pan American Cup with victory over Chile 3-1 (25-20, 18-25, 26-24, 25-23) at the Olympic Gymnasium Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City.

 

Dominican Republic sustained an intense duel against Chile, with points going back and forth during the entire match.

 

The closing points in the last two matches were crucial to stop the match going forward. Chile finishes the preliminary round with 0-2 record and two points.

 

Opposite Pedro Garcia of Dominican Republic scored impressive 26 points as the best scorer of the match, joined by Henry Tapia with 15 points. Outside hitter Vicente Parraguirre led Chile with 17 points and Dusan Bonacic added 11.

 

Captain Wilfrido Hernandez of Dominican Republic said “Chile played very well; we did it well too despite some minor difficulties. We adjusted our line-up to finish winning”.

 

Captain Rafael Grimalt of Chile indicated “I haven’t got the chance to play a whole match but everyone in the team is well prepared and we all have something to give for our team’s own good. We aren’t able to close, but we are facing teams we aren’t used to play against with, which are valuable; the team is young and we are getting into rhythm. The match was very intense, we need to gain more experience and grow as players”.

 

Coach Loren Rodríguez, of Dominican Republic explained that having young players gives him advantage because he never uses the same line-up “it was a tough battle, we adjusted the line-up, I believe using our captain as middle player was the key for winning. All the players have to be prepared, we are a team and I was able to use our bench players”.

 

Argentinian Daniel Nejamkin, coach of Chile, spoke about his second loss “the result is as it should be, they performed better. We are seeking for our top level and to gain experience”.