Peru Defeat Dominican Republic in Thriller to Reach Semifinals

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, September 19, 2024.- Peru defeated Dominican Republic in a five set thriller 3-2 (19-25, 27-25, 22-25, 25-22, 15-13), to advance to the semifinals of the U23 Men’s Pan American Cup at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal in Paramaribo, Suriname. 

The match was a rollercoaster, a point-for-point battle where Peru held an advantage in attacks (74-71), while the Dominican Republic led in blocks (12-11) and serves (4-1). Peru committed 23 errors, while the Dominican Republic had 22. 

Peru’s captain, Leonel Despaigne, led his team with 27 points (26 attacks, one block). Outside hitter Gerardo Chicoma scored 24 points (20 attacks, 3 blocks, one ace), and Piero Porras added 17 points (16 attacks, one block). 

Dominican opposite Adrián Figueroa led all scorers with 29 points (28 attacks, one block). Ronny Molina contributed 25 points (23 attacks, 2 blocks), and Edward Rojas added 14 points (12 attacks, one block, one ace). 

The Dominican Republic overcame a four-point deficit (2-6) at the start of the first set, with both teams tied several times until the Dominican side took control through a block by Moisés Ortiz and a kill from Adrián Figueroa. Peru gained a five-point lead (14-9) thanks to the offense of Gerardo Chicoma and Piero Porras. However, the South Americans couldn’t hold the advantage, as the Dominican Republic rallied to tie the set at 22, with Figueroa leading the way and Ronny Molina joining in. Peru finally tied the match by winning the second set in overtime with two attacks from Leonel Despaigne. The Dominican Republic never trailed in the third set, though Peru stayed close throughout. It was a duel of attacks between the Dominicans Molina and Edward Rojas, and Peru’s Despaigne and Chicoma, with the set ultimately going to the Dominican Republic after Molina scored on a kill. Peru quickly took the lead in the fourth set (7-1), thanks to a strong performance by Luis Ñiquen, and extended the advantage with Chicoma’s help, forcing a tie-break.  The fifth set was fast-paced play, with the teams tying at 13 points. A Dominican error and an attack from Leonel Despaigne secured the victory for Peru. 

Diego Recavarren, Head coach of Peru:   “Aggressiveness was crucial. We entered the match with the mindset that we were on the same level as them. Serving, attacking aggressively, and counterattack speed were key. We have a very strong, fast, and smart setter. We fought for every ball”.

Gerardo Chicoma, outside hitter of Puer: “We had a very good attitude. We entered the game knowing what we needed to do. Given the opponent's height, we had to play intelligently rather than relying on strength, and that was evident on the court. We knew how to work as a team and defend well to achieve victory”.