Second Victory for USA, Puerto Rico

Earns First Win at U17 World Championship

CHILE, August 7, 2026.- The United States earned its second victory on Friday at the Girls’ U17 World Championship, being held in several cities across Chile, while Puerto Rico picked up its first win of the tournament.

Mexico fell to the Philippines for its first loss, while the Dominican Republic remains winless with a 0-2 record.

United States Defeats Türkiye in Straight Sets

The United States defeated Türkiye 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-17) to earn its second victory at the Girls’ U17 World Championship. The Americans share the lead in Pool A with Czechia, both with 2-0 records, but the United States sits in first place after winning both of its matches in straight sets, while the European team has one 3-1 victory.

The Americans benefited from Türkiye’s 19 unforced errors and also led the team statistics, holding advantages of 37-26 in attacks, 11-4 in blocks and 8-3 in aces.

Maya Ogbogu led the United States with 14 points, including five blocks. Kari Knotts also contributed 11 points, while Julia Masselink stood out from the service line with four aces.

Puerto Rico Defeats Algeria

Puerto Rico earned a comfortable 3-0 (25-14, 25-6, 25-18) victory over Algeria and improved its record to one win and one loss in Pool D of the World Championship. With the victory, Puerto Rico moved into third place in the pool, behind Italy and Korea.

Algeria committed 30 unforced errors, helping Puerto Rico secure the victory. The Caribbean team also led all team statistics, 28-17 in attacks, 7-2 in blocks and 10-2 in aces.

Amelia Alvarado was Puerto Rico’s and the match’s leading scorer with eight points. Sophia Aquino and Anabella Valentín stood out from the service line with three aces apiece.

Mexico Falls to the Philippines

Mexico suffered its first loss in Pool B, falling to the Philippines 1-3 (19-25, 25-20, 18-25, 23-25), and moved to a 1-1 record. The pool remains very close, with China leading at 2-0, while Venezuela, Peru, the Philippines and Mexico all hold 1-1 records.

Mexico held an 11-8 advantage in blocks, but the Philippines was more effective in attacks 54-40 and aces 14-11.

Gabriela Ayala led Mexico’s offense with 15 points, followed by Isabella Gallardo with 14 and Evelyn Díaz with 13. Gallardo also stood out with five blocks and four aces.

Dominican Republic Falls to Italy

The Dominican Republic lost to Italy 1-3 (18-25, 29-27, 23-25, 20-25) and dropped to a 0-2 record. Despite the loss, the Dominicans put up strong resistance and forced Italy to work hard to secure the victory.

Captain Rayni Mondesi delivered a strong performance with 23 points, while teammate Leandry Almonte contributed 11.

Match Schedule Saturday, August 8 (Chile Time)

Mexico vs. Peru – 2:00 p.m.
Puerto Rico vs. Chinese Taipei – 2:00 p.m.
Dominican Republic vs. Algeria – 5:00 p.m.
United States vs. Chile – 8:00 p.m.