Cuba defeats Dominican Republic by 3-1 in pool play: Volleyball - Pan American Games
The second day of the Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Pan American Games took place on Sunday, 16th October, in Guadalajara, Mexico. A Pool A match of the tournament saw the Cubans competing with the Dominican Republic side. Fans caught four
thrilling sets of action at the end of which the Cubans were on the winning end.
The first set of the match was competitive all through with both teams staying neck to neck with each other but the Cubans won the opening frame. The Dominican Republic side was able to equalise the match by securing the second frame but the Cubans were
able to dominate the third and smother the Dominican Republic in the fourth set in order to win the match at the following final set scores: 25-23, 21-25, 25-20 and 25-16.
The coach of the Cuban team, Juan Carlos Gala, expressed his sentiments in the following words at the press conference that was conducted after the match: “We are happy for this win. Dominican Republic played a good match. It is always difficult to play
against them. Our athletes followed the tactical plan and we could make it, but Dominican Republic is always a big rival, with a high level. That’s why every time we play, we respect them.”
On the other hand, the coach of the Dominican Republic team, Marcos Kwiek, shared his feelings in the following manner: “Cuba played very well. We always know that playing against Cuba is tough. Matches are very intense. We have shared the floor in press
conferences 10 or 20 times a year. This is our life, Sometimes we win, sometimes they win.”
Despite the fact that her team lost the match, the Dominican Republic player, Bethania De la Cruz, was able to become the top scorer for the match after having pulled off a total of 23 points for her team. On the other hand, the Cuban player that was most
active in the entire match was Kenia Carcaces who made her presence felt by tallying 19 points for her team.
The Cubans were able to outperform their rivals in the serving department as they secured a total of six points while the Dominican Republic side scored on ace only. On the other hand, the Dominican Republic proved to be stronger in the blocking department
by putting up nine while the Cubans pulled off eight blocks.
With their recent win, the Cubans have been able to tally a total of two wins while suffering no defeat in the pool play of the tournament. On the other hand, the Dominican Republic has been dealt their second loss while they have not been able to win a
single match yet.
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