PONCE, Puerto Rico, October 9, 2025.- Mexico defeated Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-15, 26-28, 25-21, 25-18), improving their record to 3-1 at the NORCECA Men’s Final Six, held at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium.
Mexico is one step closer to reaching the semifinals and will face Suriname on the final day of round-robin play, while Dominican Republic will take on Canada.
Mexico took early control of the match, establishing a comfortable 16-8 advantage and closing the first set with a decisive 25–15 win. It was a battle in the second set, with Dominican Republic gaining a small advantage 16-14 when Mexico requested a time out to regroup. Both teams kept pushing but at the end Dominican Republic held firm to win 28-26. Dominican Republic came out strong at the start of the third set, but Mexico responded and closed the match with a 25–21 victory. Mexico dominated the fourth set with powerful attacks from their opposite Ridl Alexis Garcia, winning 25-18.
Mexico outperformed their opponents in attacks (61-46) and serves (11-2), while both teams were even in blocks (7–7). Dominican Republic committed fewer unforced errors (22) than Mexico (27).
Mexico’s victory was supported by an outstanding performance of their opposite Ridl Alexis Garay Nava, who scored 31 points (28 kills and 3 aces). For Dominican Republic, outside hitter Wilfrido Hernández was the top scorer with 14 points (12 kills, 1 block and 1 ace).
Juan Salvador García, middle blocker of Mexico: “It was a match where we did our job and didn’t let our guard down, because we know the Dominican Republic is a strong team. We face each other in every tournament and know their game well, but we also know that at some point they’ll give their all, and that could hurt us. Staying united is important, and in the end, this is a team effort with one shared goal. We’ll come back determined to do our job tomorrow.”
Luis David Reinoso, outside hitter of Dominican Republic: “It was a very competitive match. Mexico came out with very good serves in this match, which made the reception difficult for us, and we couldn’t use our middle blockers, who are the team’s main weapons. For our next match, which will be the most important as it could put us in the semifinals and compete for a medal, we’re going to come with the same intensity and give it our all.”
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