Puerto Rico prevailed against Dominican Republic

 

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 7, 2008.- Puerto Rico won a tough battle against Dominican Republic in three sets (28-26, 25-21, 38-36) advancing to a decisive match against USA for the first place in Pool A of the NORCECA Men’s Olympic Qualifier on Tuesday.

 

Hector Soto topped Puerto Rico with 26 points and was helped in the attack by Jose Rivera and Luis Rodriguez with 15 and 12 points respectively. Dominican Jose Caceres led all the scorers with 29 and Victor Batista added 19.

 

“It was a very emotional game and we had problems adjusting our blocking even that it was against two players,” said Carlos Cardona, the coach of Puerto Rico. “It was a very tough match and we are content with the outcome.”

 

The Puerto Ricans took the first set in their third chance with spike of Jose Rivera followed by one block by Rene Estevez. It was a seesaw set with both teams displaying electric power.

 

Both teams played close in the early stages of the second set, but at 10-all Puerto Rico started to get away with consecutive spikes by Soto and clearly won it with Rodriguez finishing with a laser shot.

 

The third set was sensational with both teams stretched to the limit. The Dominicans had 12 chances to take the set and the Puerto Ricans took the triumph in their second opportunity.