Puerto Rico's men's volleyball team, led by captain Arnel Cabrera, defeated defending champion Cuba 32-30, 25-22, 14-25, and 25-23 in the inaugural match of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. The team will face Venezuela on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. after Venezuela's 3-0 win over Guatemala. Despite being outperformed in attacks, blocks, and services, Puerto Rico's discipline and Cuba's 38 unforced errors led to the upset.
Klistan Lawrence led the Puerto Rican offense with 16 points, followed by Jair Santiago and Pelegrín Vargas with 14 points each. Cabrera credited the team's preparation and the support of the Puerto Rican fans in attendance, saying it helped inspire the team to play to their strengths. Cuba was without its star player, Roberlandy Simón.
The win puts Puerto Rico at 1-0 in the tournament, with Venezuela also at 1-0 after their win over Guatemala.