Colombia to Face Dominican Republic for Fifth Place

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 21, 2025.- Colombia defeated Paraguay in straight sets 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-23) to advance to the match for fifth place of the men’s volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, where they will face the Dominican Republic on Friday at the Arena COP.

Paraguay will play against Guatemala for seventh place.

The opening set was thrilling and closely contested. Paraguay pushed late in the frame with a block by Miguel Ángel Rodríguez that denied set point, but an error on the next play handed Colombia the first set.

In the second set, Colombia’s blocking proved decisive, building a solid wall at the net that neutralized the home team’s offense from every position. With dominant net play, Colombia extended their lead 2-0.

The third set mirrored the first, with both teams tied throughout. Paraguay managed a two-point advantage at 22-20, but errors allowed Colombia to turn the tide. An ace from Rodríguez gave match point (24-22), but Milton Martínez responded with a strong attack to close the gap. Finally, Ronnie Mosquera sealed the victory with a powerful kill from the left side.

Colombia held the edge in blocks (12-5), attacks (39-33), and serves (7-4). Paraguay committed fewer unforced errors (17-22).

For Colombia, captain Jhon Mosquera once again led all scorers with 16 points, while Miguel Ángel Rodríguez contributed 15, including a match-high of 5 aces, and Ronnie Mosquera added 13. For Paraguay, middle blocker Tobías Brizuela topped his team with 10 points, while Alejandro López and Ángel Sánchez chipped in 9 apiece.