Colombia edges Paraguay in five sets to claim first win

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 18, 2025. – Colombia earned its first victory in the men’s volleyball tournament of the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, defeating Paraguay in a thrilling five-set battle 3-2 (30-32, 25-21, 25-18, 20-25, 18-16) at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee Arena (COP).

Colombia evened its record to 1-1 in Pool A, while Paraguay dropped to 0-2. Standings will be decided on Tuesday with Colombia (1-1) facing Guatemala (1-1) and Paraguay (0-2) taking on Mexico (2-0).

The host team struck first after a tightly contested opening set that extended to 32 points, led by Alejandro López. Colombia answered in the second, capitalizing on Paraguayan errors and maintaining control after a 16-16 tie. In the third set, middle blocker Dainer Ocoro made the difference at the net, and although Paraguay rallied late, Colombia closed strongly.

Paraguay refused to back down, forcing a fifth set by dictating the rhythm in the fourth, with Tobías Brizuela earning set point and López sealing it with a back-row attack.

The decider was dramatic: Paraguay reached match point at 14-12, but Colombia held on with a block by Kevin Villamizar and an attack from Miguel Ángel Rodríguez. In the end, Jhon Mosquera blocked López for 17-16, and a Paraguayan error sealed the 18-16 win.

Colombia dominated in blocks (21-8) and edged in service points (5-4), while Paraguay held the advantage in attacks (68-60). Both teams committed 32 unforced errors.

Colombian captain Jhon Mosquera was the standout of the match with 30 points, the tournament-high so far. Ocoro and Rodríguez each added 12 points, while Santiago Ramírez and Kevin Villamizar contributed 11 apiece.

For Paraguay, López led with 24 points, followed by Brizuela and Ángel Sánchez with 12 each, and José Gaete along with Milton Martínez with 10 apiece.

Colombia’s coach, César Lovera, said after the victory: “The evolution of volleyball in Paraguay has been very interesting. I told coach Ronald that you can see the work, the love, and the passion for the jersey. Thanks to God for winning such a close match with such a young team that is just starting to compete internationally. It’s a joy to win.”

Paraguay’s coach, Ronald Sarti, said: “It was a tough match, as we expected. My team is developing and gaining experience. My boys did well, they gave it their all. We’ll keep maturing to be able to finish in this kind of situation. We still have work to do in the competition.”