Princeton middle dominant in U.S. sweep of Dominican Republic at Pan Am Cup

Photo courtesy of the FIVB and NORCECA

The Dominican Republic had no answer at the net for Princeton middle attacker Omene Nyerovwome.

Nyerovwome finished with a match-high four blocks and added seven kills on a .875 attack percentage as the United States swept the Dominican Republic 25-21, 25-15, 25-21 at the U21 Pan American Cup on Wednesday in Cuba.

The United States out-hit the Dominican Republic .540 to .103 en route to its second consecutive group-play victory to open the international tournament. In addition, Nyerovwome was one of four U.S. players with at least both five kills and a .500 attack percentage.

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Ohio State opposite Shane Wetzel had eight kills and hit .700, while middle attacker Marc Smith contributed eight kills on a .545 attack percentage. UCLA outside attacker Zach Rama led all players with nine kills.

Rama defensively also had a team-high seven digs against the Dominican Republic.

The United States with this victory clinched a berth to the quarterfinals. The team can clinch the Group A title and a bye to the semifinals if it beats Chile in its group-play finale on Thursday morning.

This match was initially slated for Monday but was rescheduled following the United States experiencing travel delays getting to the tournament because of Hurricane Ian.

Chile swept the Dominican Republic in its tournament opener on Tuesday but lost to Mexico in four games on Thursday.