ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 19, 2025.- Argentina sealed its spot in the quarterfinals of the men’s volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, defeating the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-12, 20-25, 25-12, 25-19) at the COP Arena.
Argentina closed the group stage in second place of Pool B with a 2-1 record, earning its ticket to the quarterfinal round. The Dominican Republic, which finished winless in the opening phase, will compete in the classification series for positions 5 to 8.
The match was marked by ups and downs for both sides. Argentina dominated the opening set with ease, relying on middle blocker Nicolás Oldani’s offense. In the second set, the Caribbean squad responded with greater efficiency in attack, led by opposite Malik Britton, to even the score.
The South Americans regained control in the third set with Nahuel García’s solid blocking and captain Pablo Denis’s powerful offense. In the fourth set, Argentina built a comfortable lead (18-13), with Nahuel Rojas adding to the attack. The match came from Giuliano Turcitu, who entered in the third set and sealed the victory with a decisive spike.
Argentina outperformed the Dominican Republic in every skill: attacks (60-46), blocks (12-6), and service aces (4-1). Argentina committed 14 unforced errors, while the Dominican Republic made 19.
Pablo Denis led Argentina’s scoring with 17 points, all on attacks. He was followed by Nicolás Oldani with 16 (12 attacks, 3 blocks, 1 ace) and Nahuel Rojas with 14, also all on attacks.
For the Dominican Republic, Malik Britton led his team with 17 points, supported by Adrián Figueroa with 14, while Ronny Molina and Moisés Ortiz each added 10.
Argentina’s libero, Federico Trucco, said: “We knew the Dominican Republic had been a tough opponent in all their previous matches, so we came out strong, as if we were playing a final, because it was all about qualification. I think we started very well in the first set, and that psychologically affected them due to the big point difference. In the second set we relaxed a bit, but we came back strong again in the third.”
Dominican opposite Malik Britton said about the loss: “Argentina is a very solid team and didn’t let us pull away. Any attack or attempt, they wouldn’t let us play our game. We’ll try to finish in the best position possible.”
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