Dominican Republic Heads to Semis after Win over Cuba

XALAPA, Mexico, September 5, 2024.- The Dominican Republic defeated Cuba 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-20) to advance to the semifinals of the U23 Women's Pan American Cup in Xalapa, Veracruz.

Defending champions, Dominican Republic, won Pool A with a 3-0 record, earning a direct ticket to Saturday's semifinals. Cuba (2-1) will face Nicaragua on Friday in the quarterfinals.

Despite Cuba leading by one point in attacks (39-38) and in aces (3-2), the Dominican Republic secured the victory with advantage in blocks (6-4) and committing fewer errors (19-29).

Opposite hitter Alondra Tapia led the Dominican Republic to victory with 25 points (22 attacks, 2 blocks, one ace), she was the only player on her team to score in double digits.

Opposite hitter Yalain De La Peña and captain Whitney James led Cuba with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Dominican Republic recovered from a five-point deficit (8-13) thanks to consecutive points from Alondra Tapia, tying the score at 14 and then turning the game around to 19-15 with Geraldine González's block; Cuba denied them two set points (24-20) with Thainalien Castillo attacking and a Dominican error. In the second set, the Dominicans pulled away from  point 4 onward and never looked back; even so, the ending was close, with Lisania Grafort scoring two service points before the Dominican Republic went up 2 sets. The Dominican Republic quickly advanced to a huge 12-3 lead in the third set with a block from Florangel Terrero, but Cuba fought back with Lianet Garcia, Whitney James, and Castillo closing the gap, but a short touch by Ailyn Liberato surprised Cuba with a short touch to score match point.

Wagner Pacheco, Head coach of the Dominican Republic: “It was a very difficult round because we have three very young players who hadn't played at this level before. Besides the victory and reaching the semifinals, the most important thing is that we are playing as a team, playing very well. The players understood that results are achieved as a team, and that makes the difference. Now we rest and will come out strong against the next opponent”.

Leivis García, Head coach of Cuba: “The tactical game plan was not followed. What was trained was not executed on the court, and evidently, the Dominican Republic knows how to play volleyball. The players didn't apply themselves and started making basic mistakes, which reduced their competitiveness. We still have a chance to compete for the gold”.