USA defeated Dominican Republic

 

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 6, 2008.- USA debuted in the NORCECA Men’s Olympic Qualifier with a convincing victory in straight sets over the Dominican Republic by scores of 25-13, 25-19, 25-19. The Americans totalled 11 blocks against only 2 by the losers.

 

Gabriel Gardner, Clayton Stanley and Thomas Hoff each contributed 8 points for USA, Victor Batista and Jose Caceres had 13 and 10 for Dominican Republic.

 

“I am quite happy with the victory,” said Hugh McCutcheon, the USA Coach. “The focus wasn’t so good, but in my point of view this game served for us to get ready for the latter stages of the tournament.”

 

“It is a good way to start,” said Hoff, the American Captain, who had three blocks. “We made many mistakes in the second and third, but we are happy with the victory.”

 

USA won the first set relying on their solid attacks combined with persistent Dominican troubles with their serves. Stanley served for two consecutive aces following the first pause for a 10-5 lead.

 

Two straight blocks by Hoff and Stanley broke a 4-4 tie in the second set sending the Americans to the victory with 8-4 and 16-11 leads at the technical time-outs.

 

The Dominicans battled to stay close in the third set at 15-14 with the tandem of Batista and Caceres, but Gardner restored the order and the Americans were never more in risk.