Mexico advances after win over Dominican Republic

 

September 05, 2019:   Mexico advances to the semifinals after defeating Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-19, 25-21, 17-25, 25-17) today at the 2019 Men’s NORCECA Continental Championship at the University of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada.

 

By advancing to the semis, Mexico earns a spot in next January’s Olympic qualifier.  Mexico finished 11^th at the Olympic Games in Rio 2016.

 

In today’s match, Mexico’s Daniel Vargas was match top scorer with 23 points; Gonzalo Ruiz also reached double digits with 15 points.

 

Dominican captain Henry Omar Tapia contributed 14 points today, as did teammate Jonathon Mercedes.

 

Mexico will now play the United States in Friday’s semifinal.

 

Mexico, head coach, Jorge Miguel Azair Lopez:

“It was a stressful game. But our goal was to qualify for the Olympic qualification tournament, so now we can calm down a bit.  We are satisfied.”

 

#10 captain of team Mexico, Pedro Rangel :

“I think the most important thing for our country was a chance to qualify for the Olympic qualification tournament.  Tomorrow in the semifinal, it will be a very difficult match for us – the play will be at a higher level.  We’ll prepare and see what happens tomorrow.”

 

Dominican Republic, head coach, Jose Alexander Gutierrez: 

“It was a difficult match. Our team is very, very young. Mexico is a great team and they have experience – 80 percent of that team played in the Olympic Games in 2016.  Looking forward, we have a lot of work to do.  Every match for us is a learning experience. We have improved in reception compared with last season, and in other parts of the game.  This tournament is good experience for our players.”