Puerto Rico Wins Pool A and Advances Directly to Semifinals

LEÓN, Mexico, September 15, 2026.- Puerto Rico won the Caribbean showdown against Dominican Republic that decided first place in Pool A, advancing directly to the semifinals of the 2026 Women’s Pan American Cup on Tuesday at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.

Puerto Rico prevailed 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-16, 25-19) to complete pool play undefeated with a 4-0 record. Dominican Republic finished with a 3-1 record and took second place in the pool, sending them to Wednesday’s quarterfinal against Cuba at 6:00 p.m.

The first set featured a tight finish. After the teams were tied 21-21, Puerto Rico found answers from Dariana Hollingsworth and a block by Ana Sofía Jusino to move ahead 23-21. Dominican Republic pulled within 23-22, but the Puerto Ricans scored the final two points, with Hollingsworth sealing the 25-22 win with an attack.

Dominican Republic responded in the second set. In another close finish, the teams were tied at 21-21 and later at 23-23 before the Dominicans scored the final two points to take the set 25-23 and even the match.

Puerto Rico regained control in the third. With Hollingsworth leading the offense and contributions from Valeria Vázquez and Ivania Ortiz, the Puerto Ricans established a lead that Dominican Republic was unable to overcome. Hollingsworth closed the set with a block for the 25-16 win.

In the fourth, Puerto Rico began to pull away after an evenly played start. Hollingsworth continued to make her presence felt on offense, while Vázquez, Ortiz and Jusino also contributed. The Puerto Ricans widened the gap in the second half of the set and remained in control to close it 25-19 and secure a direct berth in the semifinals.

Puerto Rico held the advantage in the main scoring categories, outscoring Dominican Republic 59-51 in attacks, 9-5 in blocks and 5-0 in aces. The Dominicans committed one fewer error, 25 compared with Puerto Rico’s 26.

Hollingsworth was the match’s leading scorer with 30 points on 26 attacks and four blocks. Vázquez added 13 points, Ortiz contributed 12 and Jusino finished with 11.

For Dominican Republic, Flormarie Heredia led the offense with 20 points, all on kills, and was the only Dominican player to reach double figures in scoring.

José Mieles, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “I’m happy with the victory. The girls played well and stayed calm in moments of pressure. Unfortunately, we didn’t earn points for the ranking. We came here to compete, as always. Now we’re going to rest and get ready for what’s next.”

Marcos Kwiek, Head Coach of Dominican Republic: “Looking at the numbers, we had fewer errors than Puerto Rico in a four-set match. Our reception was good, but in attack only one hitter performed well; the others didn’t contribute, and that makes things difficult. But it’s part of the learning process. Tomorrow we’ll come back better. We’re going to rest and work in training so we can give everything we have in the quarterfinals.”