Santiago defeated Baní 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 28-26) and was crowned champion of the U19 Men’s National Volleyball Tournament, which successfully concluded last Sunday at the Moca sports center.
The striker Francisco Cerda, with twelve points, all in attack, and Blendy Tavárez, with eleven, led the offensive for the current monarchs of the fair that in its last stage brought together twelve representatives who survived the zonal qualifiers.
In the lost cause, Luther Rosario and Isaac Núñez shone, with 21 and 13 points, respectively, but they did not have the necessary support from the rest of their attacking teammates.
The group from Ciudad Corazón, directed by Alfonso Balbuena, did not arrive as the favorite of the tournament, a label that Bayaguana did have, which has four players from the national team in its ranks, but it disappointed and came in fifth place.
The third position corresponded to Santiago Rodríguez after beating the National District, which finished fourth, with a score of 29-27, 26-24, 25-21 in a fast-paced match.
Ronny Molina, with 34 units, was too much for the weak defense on the net that the capitaleños mounted.
José –Yeye-Aybar, president of the Santiago Volleyball Association, dedicated the title to the leaders, delegates and clubs, whom he said are the ones who work quietly training athletes without receiving all the credit they deserve.
On his side, Alexis García, head of the Dominican Volleyball Federation, highlighted the good level, support of the fans and organization that the tournament had.
In this sense, he congratulated the organizing committee, in the person of its president Juana Rosario de Candelier, governor of the Espaillat Province, the incumbent of the Volleyball Association there, Guillermo Gómez and the Mocana community, and the most outstanding teams for the resounding success achieved.
All Stars
Ernesto Cerda, from Santiago, was selected Most Valuable Player of the Grand Final of the tournament, while Ronny Molina, from Santiago Rodríguez, won the Best Attacking and Leader in Points awards.
Other awards went to Randy Troncoso, from the District, Best Libero and Reception; Michael Rodríguez, from Santiago, Best Usher; Heyser Sención, from Baní, Best Defense, and Francisco Balbuena, Best Manager.