Dominican Republic Off to a Strong Start at U17 NORCECA

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, November 4, 2025. – The Dominican Republic started their 2025 NORCECA Girls’ U17 Continental Championship campaign with a straight-set victory 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-21) over Canada in the opening Pool A match at the Gimnasio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica.

Next, the Dominican Republic will face Suriname, while Canada will play against the host team, Costa Rica.

The match was tightly contested, with thrilling finishes in every set. Both teams traded points early in the first set until the Dominicans pulled ahead with a kill from Jarolin Durán, a block by Rayni Mondesí, and an ace from Rosaris Peña to lead 13-9. Canada, led by Naya Grimm, Winji Magdi, and Chloe Dumont, fought back to close the gap. A powerful attack by Leandry Almonte brought the Dominican Republic to set point, but Shayla Byrnell denied it. Ultimately, Mondesí secured the set with a back-row kill to give her team a 1-0 lead.

The Dominican Republic came out strong again in the second set with a 5-0 run, extending their momentum to 11-2 as Elizabeth García joined the offensive effort. Canada showed patience and tied the score at 12, led by Byrnell and Grimm, with Grimm pushing ahead 14-12 on her serves. A block by Elaina Grover gave Canada a 16-14 advantage, but the Dominicans rallied once more. Two Canadian errors helped them regain the lead 21-19, holding on to close another tight set 25-22.

Canada opened the third set up 5-3 behind Dumont’s offense and extended the lead to 7-4. With contributions from Magdi and Grover, Canada maintained a 16-11 advantage. However, the Dominicans fought back, fueled by Shanty Pérez’s powerful kills to pull within one (18-17). Canada’s Charlie Visser served effectively to hold the edge, but the Dominicans tied it at 21, with Mondesí dominant at the net. After a great defensive rally, Almonte sealed the victory with two kills.

The Dominican Republic held advantages in attacks (37-31) and blocks (9-3), while Canada led in aces (7-2). Both teams had a similar number of unforced errors, with the Dominican Republic committing 25 and Canada 27.

Leandry Almonte led the Dominican Republic with 19 points (18 kills, 1 block), followed by Rayni Mondesí with 17 points (14 kills, 3 blocks). For Canada, Naya Grimm and Elaina Grover led the scoring with 9 and 8 points, respectively.

Rayni Mondesí, captain of the Dominican Republic, said: “We were focused since the morning, and that was the key to our victory. We followed our coaches’ instructions, and our communication was very good, which helped us correct our mistakes and come from behind in the third set. We kept our spirits high the entire time.”

Ella Grapentine, team captain of Canada, said: “Our team played really hard. It didn’t turn our way, but I’m really proud of our fight throughout the whole game. Next time we’ll come back stronger. It was an exciting match.”