Mexico Defeats Dominican Republic

in Five Sets to Qualify for the U19 Worlds

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, July 22, 2026. – Mexico secured its place at the 2027 FIVB Girls' U19 World Championship and advanced to the semifinals of the NORCECA Girls' U19 Continental Championship after defeating the Dominican Republic in a thrilling five-set battle, 3-2 (25-15, 21-25, 25-16, 18-25, 15-9).

Mexico showed greater composure in the decisive moments of a match in which both teams alternated control throughout. The Mexicans claimed the first and third sets convincingly, while the Dominican Republic answered by taking the second and fourth to force a deciding fifth set.

The tiebreak remained even until 6-6. From that point on, Mexico elevated its defensive intensity, became more efficient offensively, and pulled away to a 10-7 lead before closing out the match with authority, 15-9.

Mexico held the advantage in attacks (56-50) and service aces (9-4), while the Dominican Republic finished with a slight edge in blocks (8-7). The Dominicans also committed more unforced errors, conceding 32 points compared to Mexico's 28.

Mexico placed four players in double figures, led by Karen González with 20 points. Isabella Gallardo added 17, Ángela Pérez scored 13, and Brenda Esquivel contributed 10.

For the Dominican Republic, Rayni Mondesí and Leandry Almonte led the offense with 20 points each.

Following the victory, Mexico's head coach Ignacio Ramírez highlighted that his team's first objective had been accomplished. "We achieved the first goal we came here for. It was a very tough match against the Dominican Republic. We knew we had to stay close on the scoreboard, and in the fifth set we were able to make a few adjustments and defend better. As I said, we accomplished our first objective, and now we have to fight for a place on the podium," Ramírez said.

Dominican Elizabeth García expressed her disappointment at missing out on World Championship qualification while praising her team's effort. "We left everything on the court. We wanted to qualify for the World Championship, but things didn't go our way. It's not over yet; we still have one more classification match to play," García said.