Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, July 28, 2010 – Mexico and the Dominican Republic, positioned joined Venezuela and Puerto Rico in the semifinal round of the men’s Volleyball tournament at the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games on Tuesday after winning their respective quarterfinal matches.

The result means that Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Mexico, who are all taking part in the FIVB Men's World Championship in Italy later this year, can continue their preparation for the tournament, which is set to run from September 25-October 10.

The Mexicans defeated Panama in straight sets while the Dominicans came back from one set down to prevail against Trinidad & Tobago in Tuesday's quarterfinals.

In Wednesday’s semifinals, the Dominican Republic meet two-time defending champions Puerto Rico and Mexico will play against Venezuela. Panama and Trinidad & Tobago will be pitted in the match for fifth place.

Mexico v Panama

Mexico scored a 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-14) over Panama on Tuesday to see them move onto the next stage. The winners had the margin both in both blocking (7-4) and aces (5-1). Mexicans José Martell and Samuel Cordova both totaled 13 points and Ivan Contreras added 11. Edward Diaz had 12 points for the defeated side.

"The match against Venezuela will be very tough because we have not improved so it’s going to be complicated," Mexican Ivan Contreras said. "Our goal is to hurt as much as we can and try to win. Venezuela is the favorite to win and it will be a difficult match."

"We are going to do our best against Trinidad & Tobago," Panamanian Ricardo Brown expressed. "They obviously have increased their game but we are confident of our chances to win."

Dominican Republic v Trinidad & Tobago

The Dominican Republic overcame Trinidad & Tobago in four sets (22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21) to join the semifinalists. The eventual winners out-blocked the Trinidad & Tobago 19-10 with Juan Cabrera and Francisco Abreu compiling six and five blocks respectively. The Trinidadians had an 8-2 advantage in serving aces. Dominican Pedro Garcia topped his side with 20 points while Jose Caceres contributed 12 points and Abreu and Cabrera tallied nine and eight. Trinidadian Nolan Tash led all the scorers with 23 points and Marc-Anthony Honore registered 17.

"We accomplished our first goal of advancing to the final four round," Dominican coach Jacinto Campechano commented. "Our physical condition was a factor and we improved our reception from the second set on. It was a tough match. Trinidad & Tobago has grown as a team and the men’s level in NORCECA is up to par. Nobody can say anymore ‘I am going to win 3-0 against this or any other team’."

"Our team has improved but we made many errors," Trinidad & Tobago’s coach Gideon Dickson said. "I am looking forward to meet Dominican Republic again. We wish the best of luck to them and we want to win one more match here.”