GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, July 31, 2025.– Adrián Figueroa scored 36 points in Dominican Republic’s 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 27-25, 22-25, 15-12) victory over Mexico to advance to the semifinals of the Men’s U23 Pan American Cup being held at the Domo Polideportivo in Zone 13.
Adrián Figueroa of Dominican Republic set a new single-match scoring record with 36 points (31 attacks, 4 blocks, 1 ace). The previous record was held by Peru’s Leonel Despaigne with 34 points, set last year against Guatemala. Ronny Molina added 14 points.
Dominican Republic had a promising start in their bid to secure first place in Pool B and qualify directly to the tournament semifinals, taking an early 2-to-3 point lead.
With great effort, Mexico managed to take control in the second set, pulling four points ahead of the Dominicans. The Mexicans’ weapon was their attack, capitalizing on Dominican Republic’s unforced errors.
Dominican Republic claimed the third set after trailing for most of it. Mexico dominated the fourth. In the fifth, the Caribbean squad recovered control to win the match.
Mexico outperformed Dominican Republic in attacks (62-60) and aces (7-4), while Dominican Republic led in blocks (12-8).
Mexico’s top scorers were Jared Toy with 21 points, Nahum Vásquez with 14, and Pablo Ruiz with 10.
José Alexander Gutiérrez, head coach of Dominican Republic: “For us this is a joy; it’s a group of young men who have been working together for two years, constantly trying to raise their level. Finishing first in this pool, which I believe was the toughest, is proof that we are on the right path and doing things well.”
Renato Junior, head coach of Mexico: “We came with the goal of winning 3-0, unfortunately we didn’t achieve it. We started off poorly and improved as the match went on. We made mistakes in reception and in setting plays; we have to give everything we can in the remainder of the tournament.”
English 
Spanish