Dominican Republic Shines with Bronze

Medal at the Junior Pan Am Games

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 15, 2025. – The Dominican Republic claimed the bronze medal at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, defeating Argentina 3-1 (25-17, 25-21, 21-25, 25-19) in the women’s volleyball third-place match, held at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) Arena.

The Caribbean side closed the tournament with a 3-3 record, earning their first-ever medal at the Junior Pan American Games. Argentina finished with a 3-2 mark.

The Dominican Republic came out strong in a cautious start by both teams, with an intense pace but little speed. With Katielle Alonzo and Alondra Tapia leading the offense, the Caribbean squad built a six-point lead (14-7) and controlled the set from start to finish. The end was marred by an injury to Argentina’s Natasha Nosach, who landed awkwardly after a spike attempt.

In the second set, Argentina took a 10-8 lead thanks to Keila Llanos’ serving and Gisela Otamendi’s attacks. Tapia responded to tie the score and put the Dominican Republic ahead. The set remained tight until 18-18, when an error and a block by María Matich gave the South Americans the lead again. However, Alonzo and Dilenny Maleno turned the score around, and Tapia, along with a final block by Alonzo, sealed the set for the Dominicans.

The third set maintained the same intensity, with the lead constantly changing hands. Just like in the previous set, the teams were tied at 18. Paula Tomasa broke through the Dominican block to give Argentina a 20-19 advantage, but a soft touch from Alonzo tied it again. Matich, with a powerful kill, capped a long rally that the Dominican defense had extended spectacularly, putting her team ahead 23-21. An ace from Juana Giardini gave set point, and Tomasa closed it out with authority to force a fourth set.

The Dominicans, playing with authority, built a seven-point lead (18-11) and, although the South Americans cut the gap, they stayed in control until the end (21-17). With Crismeily Paniagua at the service line, the Caribbean side reached 23-18; Argentina closed to 19, but a powerful spike from Alondra Tapia brought up match point, followed immediately by the medal-winning point.

The Dominican Republic’s blocking (18-8) was a key factor, as were the 34 points scored off Argentina’s errors, compared to just 13 of their own. In attack, the South Americans led 51-39 and held a clear advantage in service aces, 10-5.

Opposite hitter Katielle Alonzo and outside hitter Alondra Tapia led the Dominican offense with 18 points each. Captain Florangel Shaylin Terrero added 10 points, highlighted by a match-high six blocks.

For Argentina, opposite Paula Tomasa was the match’s top scorer with 22 points, all on attacks. Keila Llanos contributed 14 points, including a match-high five aces, and Gisela Otamendi chipped in 12 points.

Florangel Terrero team captain of Dominican Republic expressed “Winning the bronze medal is a great feeling. We have a great responsibility to take this medal back home. It was a hard match, Argentina wasn’t going to hand us the medal, and we fought strong, giving our all to win it. The team followed our coaches’  instructions and I motivated them to play with all our heart. It’s an honor to represent our country. I want to thank everyone for giving it all”.