Venezuela Takes Fifth Place at the U21 Pan American Cup

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, June 28, 2026. – Venezuela defeated the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-21, 27-29, 25-22, 26-24) to claim fifth place at the U21 Pan American Cup, held at the Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium in Guatemala City.

Venezuela closed the tournament with its second victory over the Dominican Republic, having also defeated the Caribbean side during the pool phase. The win allowed Venezuela to finish with a 3-3 record and secure fifth place, while the Dominican Republic ended the competition with a 1-4 mark.

Venezuela held the edge offensively, leading 54-46 in attacks, and capitalized on 32 Dominican unforced errors while committing 30 of its own. The Dominican Republic held slim advantages in blocks (15-14) and aces (5-3).

Venezuela's offense was well balanced, with Yoisbel Galeno leading the way with 18 points, followed by Jean Franco Sanabria with 17, Ángel Matute with 13, and Harold Lárez with 11, including seven blocks. For the Dominican Republic, Malik Britton was the match's leading scorer with 27 points, while Wayner Compres and Melvin Albino added 13 points each.

Venezuela took a slight lead early in the opening set, but the Dominican Republic stayed within striking distance behind the attacks of Malik Britton, drawing level several times through 15-15. From there, the South Americans pulled away with the offense of Ángel Matute and Jean Franco Sanabria, while Alberth García proved decisive at the net with consecutive blocks, including one on Britton that gave Venezuela a 24-20 lead. Although the Dominican Republic saved one set point, Sanabria finished the set with an attack for a 25-21 victory.

The Dominican Republic answered in a highly competitive second set. After staying close throughout most of the frame, it rallied when Venezuela led 22-20 and forced a thrilling point-for-point finish. Britton sparked the comeback with key attacks to level the score several times, while Diego De Jesús Rodríguez contributed with both his playmaking and offense. Venezuela moved within one point of taking the set behind Sanabria's attacks, but the Dominicans held their composure and claimed the set 29-27 with a block by Britton on Matute to level the match.

The third set remained evenly contested, with both teams exchanging the lead until the score was tied at 14-14. From that point, Venezuela found greater offensive rhythm through Sanabria and Yoisbel Galeno, while Harold Lárez made a key impact at the net with timely blocks that halted the Dominican comeback. The Dominican Republic stayed in contention behind the attacks of Britton and Wayner Compres, but Venezuela controlled the closing points and sealed the set 25-22 with an attack by Alberth García to regain the lead in the match.

The fourth set turned into another intense battle that was decided in the closing points. The Dominican Republic built a 15-13 lead and remained in front until 23-22 thanks to the attacks of Britton and Diego De Jesús Rodríguez. Venezuela responded with determination, tying the score at 24-24 behind the efforts of Yoisbel Galeno and the serving of Ranses De Roux. In the closing moments, Neyver Zabala delivered a key attack before Venezuela capitalized on a Dominican error to seal the set 26-24 and the victory.

Venezuela head coach Luis Antonio Arias reflected on the second set: “The Dominican Republic adjusted well and stayed patient when they were ahead. They put us under pressure, and my players lost some momentum”. Speaking about the tournament, he added: “We take away a valuable learning experience, and I believe the future is very promising for Venezuela”.

Dominican Republic head coach Francisco Lerebours said: “It was an excellent match despite the loss. I'm proud because we showed improvement, and I'm pleased with the development of our players”.