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Mexico Downs Dominican Republic

 

   

RENO, USA (Aug. 16, 2015) – Mexico summoned the energy needed to defeat Dominican Republic, 25-16, 25-19, 25-23 on Sunday at the Pan American Cup.

 

Mexico (1-3) will play in Monday’s fifth-place match against either the United States or Puerto Rico. Dominican Republic (1-3) will play for seventh place.

 

Playing with enthusiasm, Mexico led in kills (49-32) and blocks (7-5) while Dominican Republic led in aces (3-1). Mexico’s hitting efficiency was .424 while Dominican Republic’s was .184.

 

Jorge Barajas led Mexico with 14 points on a match-high 14 spikes. Daniel Vargas added 14 points on 12 attacks and one block. Pedro Rangel had a match-high five blocks for Mexico.

 

Henry Lopez paced Dominican Republic with 14 points on 11 spikes, one block and two aces. Luis Adames, who has been Dominican Republic’s leading scorer in the tournament, was held to nine points on seven attacks and two blocks.

 

Mexico head coach, Juan Roberto Vilches

“It was a very relaxed match. The guys did their jobs that was an important thing. This was a very important match because we’re still in the running for the world league. That was the main objective, now we’re that much closer.”

 

Mexico captain, Daniel Vargas

“We the thought they were going to come out with intensity but they didn’t. The fact that they didn’t was surprising. Because of that we played with less pressure and didn’t commit as many mistakes. I’m figuring we’re into the world league and we’ll get revenge on some teams.”

 

Dominican Republic head coach, Jose Alvarez Cutino

“I’m concerned with my players because we weren’t consistent. We’re still making too many mistakes and we haven’t gelled as a team. Our first match of the tournament we did well with receiving and passing but we’ve been terrible since. Some have players have lowered their level of play.”

 

Dominican Republic captain, Jonathan Mercedes Cruz

“We’ve lowered our level of play too much. We’re not playing together as a team. Our bodies are there but our minds are not. “