Dominican Republic defeats USA boys in NORCECA semifinals

by Paul Soriano USA Volleyball Manager, Public Relations & Publications

Huascar Nunez and German Garcia each scored 16 points to lead the Dominican Republic to a 3-1 win over the United States in semifinal action on Saturday night at the NORCECA Youth Boys' Continental Volleyball Championship at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

After losing the first set, the Dominicans seemed to make the right adjustments and rebounded to win, 20-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20. They will now face Puerto Rico in the gold medal match tomorrow night immediately following the bronze medal match between the U.S. and Mexico.

"We made changes in the mechanics of our block and with that we created many problems for the USA offense," said Dominican Republic head coach Eduardo Tayson. "We are very happy."

Outside hitter Jacob Wiens (Clovis, Calif.) scored a match-high 18 points to lead the United States, while Jake Schkud (Santa Monica, Calif.) chipped in with 11 points.

In the night's first semifinal, Puerto Rico improved to 4-0 in tournament play with a sweep of Mexico (25-20, 25-22, 25-21), who remained winless at 0-4.

The winner of the tournament earns an automatic bid to the 2003 Boys' Youth World Championships in Thailand next year.

Standings

Puerto Rico (4-0) Dominican Republic (2-2) USA (2-2) Mexico (0-4)

Saturday's Results

Semifinals Dominican Republic def. USA, 3-1 (20-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20) Puerto Rico def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21)

Sunday's Schedule

Bronze Medal Match USA vs. Mexico, 5 p.m.

Gold Medal Match Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico, 7 p.m.

(Time Listed is Eastern Time)

For more information, go to the USA Volleyball web site.