Dominican Republic Bounces Back in Five Sets to Reach Semifinals

LEÓN, Mexico, August 23, 2024.- The Dominican Republic bounced back from two sets down to defeat Puerto Rico 3-2 (19-25, 24-26, 25-23, 27-25, 15-8) and secure a spot in the semifinals of the 21st Women's Pan American Volleyball Cup in León, Guanajuato.

Dominican Republic will wait to learn their semifinal opponent, while Puerto Rico will compete in the positions 5 to 8 matches in Irapuato (pending opponent).

Dominican Republic controlled in attacks (60-57) and blocking (17-14), while Puerto Rico led in serving (6-0) and committed one more error (31-30).

Dominican Gaila González led all scorers with 31 points (27 attacks, 4 blocks). Yonkaira Peña contributed to the victory with 14 points, and Cándida Arias added 11, including a match-high of 7 blocks.

Dariana Hollingsworth led Puerto Rico with 23 points, supported by Diana Reyes and Neira Ortiz with 15 points each.

Puerto Rico never trailed in the first set, with attacks from Dariana Hollingsworth, Diana Reyes, and Neira Ortiz, combined with blocking and serving from Wilmarie Rivera, reaching a lead of up to 7 points. Puerto Rico overcame a four-point deficit in the second set, but the Dominicans led until 23-23, thanks to the offense of Gaila González and Yonkaira Peña, before surrendering a set point, allowing Puerto Rico to win the set 26-24. In the third set, the Dominican Republic led 18-14, but Puerto Rico managed to tie the score at 20 and stayed close with strong blocking from Diana Reyes; the Dominicans won the set with a block by Yokaty Peralta and a kill from Gaila. Puerto Rico led the fourth set with a 21-16 advantage, but the Dominicans came back to steal the match point (24-23) after consecutive blocks by Arias, Peralta, and Gaila, forcing a fifth set. Dominican Republic maintained the lead throughout the final set, securing their place in the semifinals.

Niverka Marte, captain of the Dominican Republic: “There are days when you play well and lose, and others when you play poorly and win; today we played poorly. We made a lot of mistakes at the beginning, especially in blocking and defense. It was a very important win. Puerto Rico is an intense team, and they played really well. We knew we must always put pressure on them, and I'm happy with the victory”.

Gaila González, top scorer of Dominican Republic: “Matches against Puerto Rico are never easy. We started poorly, a bit slow, and Puerto Rico took full advantage. We adjusted what we were doing wrong, and I think that's why we came out victorious. We focused and followed our coach’s instructions to secure the win. I try to help my team, and today I was able to do that”.