LIMA, Peru, August 17, 2024. – Puerto Rico swept Croatia, the Dominican Republic defeated Canada in four sets, and Mexico fell in five sets to Italy in the opening of the first Girls’ U17 FIVB World Championship, in Lima, Peru.
Puerto Rico opened their campaign with an important 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-11) victory over Croatia in Pool D.
The Puerto Ricans dominated Croatia with a significant 42-28 advantage in attacks, 7-4 in service aces, and committed fewer errors, 14 to 23. Croatia outperformed Puerto Rico in blocking, 5 to 3.
Opposite Decelisse Champion was the top scorer of the match, with 18 points (15 attacks, 2 blocks, one ace) for Puerto Rico. Outside hitter Dangelie Gonzalez added 11 points (10 attacks, one block).
Asja Zolota led Croatia with 15 points, the only player with double digits.
Dominican Republic won the NORCECA battle over Canada 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 25-11) in Pool C.
The Caribbean team had the upper hand in attacks (49-33) and serves (13-12). The Dominicans scored 24 points from Canadian errors compared to 21 of their own. Canada led in blocking (9-7).
Captain Estel Santos led all scorers with 19 points (13 attacks, a match-high of 6 aces). Opposite Rayni Mondesi and middle blocker Cristal Mercedes each scored 11 points. Outside hitter Yamil Moya recorded 10 points.
Ana Stojanovic led Canada with 16 points (10 attacks, one block, 5 aces). Outside hitter Brooke Fermaniuk scored 11 points (7 attacks, 2 blocks, 2 aces), and middle blocker Nikola Gamlin contributed 10 points (6 attacks, 3 blocks, one ace).
Also in Pool C, Mexico, in a tightly contested match, fell to Italy 3-2 (19-25, 17-25, 25-14, 25-19, 15-10).
Italy outperformed Mexico mainly in blocking (22-14) and had a slight advantage in attacks (49-48). Mexico scored one more point in service (5-4), while both teams tied with 26 unforced errors.
Outside hitter Karen Gonzalez, with 16 points (14 attacks, 2 blocks), was Mexico’s top scorer. She was followed by outside hitter and captain Aitana Rettke, who scored 15 points (13 attacks, 2 aces). Opposite Yilana Zúñiga added 12 points (11 attacks, one block). Middle blocker Brenda Esquivel recorded a match-high of 7 blocks among her 11 points.
The top scorer of the match was Italy’s outside hitter Stella Caruso with 18 points, all from attacks.
FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship: match schedule
On Sunday, August 18, Mexico will face Argentina (10:30 am local time), the Dominican Republic will play Brazil (4:30 pm), Canada will take on Peru (7:30 pm local time), and Puerto Rico will face Japan (8:00 pm local time).
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