MANAGUA, Nicaragua, November 18, 2025. – Cuba earned a comfortable 3-0 (25-8, 25-19, 25-17) victory over the Dominican Republic on the opening day of Pool B at the NORCECA U17 Boys’ Continental Championship.
The Cubans came out like a steamroller in the first set, finishing it convincingly, but in the following two sets, the Dominicans managed to apply pressure with their outside hitters, especially with swings from position 2 by Víctor Acosta.
Cuba maintained the lead thanks to its powerful offense, which dominated 36-18, its blocking advantage of 8-2, and its serving edge of 8-4. Cuba committed 20 errors compared to Dominicans’ 23.
Reinaldo Márquez of Cuba scored 14 points, Erislandy Rodríguez added 11, and Dalian La O contributed 10. For the Dominican Republic, Acosta finished with 7 points.
Cuba will face the United States on day two at 2:00 p.m., while the Dominican Republic takes on Mexico at 4:00 p.m.
Joa Lian Sem Estrada, Head Coach of Cuba: “Breaking the ice is important; they are kids, 15 years old, and it’s their first time competing in a major tournament. Breaking the ice, playing, and proving that they can do it and that they are preparing for this is important. They’re loosening up, letting go of the nerves, little by little, step by step. Now we must focus on what we do best and prepare for tomorrow’s match against the United States.”
Reinaldo Márquez, Captain of Cuba: “It’s our first time participating in a tournament like this, and of course we are happy because it’s our first time representing our country. And there will be many more to come. After the first set we were overconfident, but we managed to stay focused and push through.”
Francisco Lerebours, Head Coach of the Dominican Republic: “Since this is the boys’ first experience, honestly, we had a good moment where we got a bit of rhythm in the match, but it slipped away from us because of each player’s lack of experience. Maybe due to nerves and the responsibility of keeping the match tight, but we will make adjustments to face the next match against Mexico.”
Darlin García, Captain of the Dominican Republic: “Even though we don’t feel great because of the loss, I think it was a positive match since at the beginning we played a bit nervous, but later we started adjusting. The coach guided us well, and we raised our level, but it was extremely tough. We understand that we need to show more of the potential we have because we prepared to come here and play well.”
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