Dominican Republic Outclass Cuba

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ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, July 13, 2025. – Dominican Republic secured the final spot in the semifinals of the women’s volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, outclassing Cuba in straight sets 3-0 (25-20, 27-25, 25-18) at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee Arena.

On Thursday, in the semifinals, the Dominicans will face Brazil in a rematch of their pool play encounter, which was won by the South Americans. The other semifinal will feature Argentina against Mexico. Cuba will compete in classification matches for 5th to 8th place, starting against hosts Paraguay.

The first set was highly contested, with frequent lead changes and multiple ties. Dominican Republic took a 16-13 lead with an attack from Alondra Tapia and Cuban errors, but Cuba responded through Claudia Tarin to level the score at 16-16. The offense of Katielle Alonzo and net defense from Florangel Terrero gave the Dominicans breathing room, and Selanny Puente’s block on Lianet García sealed the set.

In a dramatic second set, the Dominicans maintained a three-point lead until Cuba, with more dynamic play, tied the score at 20. Lisania Grafort and Whitney James denied two set points, but two kills from Tapia sealed the 2-0 lead for the Dominican side.

The third set was dominated by the Dominicans, who capitalized on eight Cuban errors to extend the lead to 20-14. A service error by Brenda Nold ended the match in favor of the Dominican Republic.

The blocking advantage (12-6) and 26 points scored off Cuban errors were decisive for the Dominicans. Cuba led in attacks (41-37) and service points (3-2) but failed to make their edge count.

Alondra Tapia once again led Dominican Republic in scoring with 19 points, followed by Katielle Alonzo with 14. For Cuba, Claudia Tarin scored 16 points and Whitney James added 12.

Wagner Pacheco, coach of the Dominican Republic, spoke about the match: “It was a night when my team played with heart. It was a very tough match; with Cuba, the games are always intense. Today we played very well, we knew how to calm our emotions when needed, play strong when required, and we came through. The second set was complicated because there was a lot of arguing at the net with Cuba but thank God, we took control”.

Yensy Kindelan of Cuba said: “Today’s match was very good. We wanted to advance to the semifinals, but it wasn’t possible. I think our own mistakes were what led us to the loss. Now we must go for fifth place, which is the highest we can aim for in this tournament. I believe the Dominicans can reach the podium since they knocked us out of the Final Four”.