GATINEAU, August 10, 2022 – Defending champions Cuba remains undefeated with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-12) victory over the Dominican Republic in Pool A of the Pan American Cup.
With a different starting line-up from their Cup debut win Tuesday against Chile, Cuba contained a well known Caribbean rival, staying in front at both technical time-outs 8-6 and 16-13. Michael Sanchez’s spike sealed the victory in the opening set 25-12.
The start of the second set remained even, with Cuba slightly ahead 8-6. The Dominican Republic rebounded and took control 16-13 at the second technical time-out, but their Caribbean opponents tied it up at 17. They traded points until a 21-point tie. With Jesus Herrera from the service line, the Dominican Republic struggled, and the opposite player finished the set with an ace and a final 25-21 score.
In the third set, the Dominican Republic built an early 8-4 and 16-14 lead at the first and second technical timeouts. Cuba reacted and tied the score at 18. With Roamy Alonso from the service line, the Dominican Republic made some costly mistakes and saw their chances slip away 18-21. The gap remained, and Marlon Yant sealed the set 25-12 and the match victory for Cuba.
Jesus Herrera was the top scorer for the Cuban squad with 14 points, followed by Osniel Mergarejo (10) and Roamy Alonso (9). Wilfrido Hernandez set offense with 11 points for the Dominican Republic.
Cuba plays the United States and the Dominican Republic meets Chile in the last preliminary round matches of Pool A on Thursday.
English 
Spanish