Dominican Republic Clinch Important Win against Colombia

LEÓN, Mexico, August 21, 2024.- Dominican Republic clinched an important victory over Colombia, putting them in the fight for first place in Pool A at the XXI Women's Pan American Cup in León, Guanajuato.

Dominican Republic defeated Colombia 3-2 (18-25, 25-17, 28-26, 28-30, 15-10) to improve their record to 3-1. Colombia has the same record but remains in the lead with 17 points; Dominican Republic has 13.

Dominican Republic will close the group stage against Canada on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. (local time), while Colombia will face Mexico at 8:00 p.m.

The Dominican blocking made the difference, with an 18-9 advantage; they also led in attacks 69-60 and committed fewer errors (25-36). Colombia had a slight advantage in service (3-2).

Outside hitter Yonkaira Peña scored an impressive 30 points, the highest so far in the event. Opposite Gaila González followed with 27 points, while middle blocker Candida Arias added 10 points.

Opposite hitter Dayana Segovia and outside hitter Ana Karina Olaya led Colombia with 19 points each. Middle blocker Melissa Rangel contributed 10 points.

Colombia won the first set, making an impact with their serving, which gave them a comfortable four-point lead (19-15), which later extended through consecutive errors by the Dominican Republic and Valerin Carabali's blocking. The Dominicans responded strongly by winning the second set, the first set that Colombia had lost in the tournament, thanks to the excellent performance of Yonkaira Peña and Florangel Terrero. Dominican Republic denied Colombia two set points in a tight finish (28-26) with Gaila González's decisive play in the third set. In the fourth, the Dominicans came from behind (15-19) thanks to Colombia’s errors, along with Peralta’s attacks and Marte’s blocking, to tie at 19, but it extended to a dramatic 30-28 for Colombia, forcing a tiebreaker. The Dominicans started the fifth set 5-0 and maintained a five-point lead throughout to secure the victory.

Niverka Marte, captain of the Dominican Republic: “There was a lot of drama. This victory was important for us today and for them as well. Colombia played extremely well; they are a team that brings a lot of intensity and doesn’t give up. We played better. I'm happy with the victory; we really needed it”.

María Alejandra Marín, captain of Colombia: “It was a very good match for us. You could see our fatigue; we have trained a lot these days with little preparation for this Cup. We gave our best today. Tomorrow, we finish against Mexico, but we know that the result still leaves us in the lead, and we hope to reaffirm what we have executed in this tournament”.