Guatemala Tops Dominican Republic in Five Sets, but the Dominicans Advance to Quarterfinals

MORELOS, Mexico, August 13, 2026.- Guatemala played its second consecutive five-set match and this time came away with the victory, defeating the Dominican Republic 3-2 (24-26, 25-21, 21-25, 30-28, 15-12) to close pool play at the 2026 Men’s Pan American Cup on Thursday at Poliforum 2 of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM).

Both teams finished with a 2-2 record in Pool B. The Dominican Republic, with 11 points, secured a spot in the quarterfinals and awaits the result of the match between Mexico and Cuba to determine its final position in the pool. Guatemala finished with 9 points and will compete in the classification matches for positions 7-10.

The match was a roller coaster from start to finish. The Dominican Republic took the lead in sets twice, but Guatemala responded both times. The Guatemalans extended the match by taking a dramatic fourth set 30-28 and carried that momentum into the fifth, closing out the victory 15-12 on a kill by Andy Blanco.

Guatemala held the advantage in attacks 77-74 and blocks 11-9, while both teams scored four points from serves. Guatemala committed 24 unforced errors and the Dominican Republic 22.

Andy Blanco led Guatemala with 29 points, followed by Carlos López with 21. José Samayoa, Pablo Pérez and Christian Alvarez contributed 13 points apiece.

For the Dominican Republic, Alexis Cruz scored 20 points, Malik Britton added 18 and Moisés Ortíz finished with 16, while Edward Rojas and Luther Rosario contributed 13 points each.

Jerry Durán, outside hitter of Guatemala: “I came in as a substitute and was able to help the team get the win. At the beginning of the match, we struggled with our chemistry on the court, but by following our coach’s instructions, we were able to improve, especially our attitude. That was key to coming back in the fourth set and coming out strong in the fifth. We hope to continue with good energy and chemistry and bring more joy to Guatemala.”

Alexander Gutiérrez, head coach of the Dominican Republic: “It’s difficult when you have young players, but there is no other way for them to develop as players; they have to go through these situations. It’s normal when you only train and don’t have competition. We have to keep working so they can gain experience. For us, the Pan American Cup has always been a development event.”