ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 14, 2025.– Brazil will defend its Junior Pan American women’s volleyball title at Asunción 2025 after defeating the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-13) in the semifinals at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) Arena.
The South American squad will play for the gold medal against the winner of the other semifinal between Argentina and Mexico. The Dominican Republic will battle for bronze against the loser of that match.
In the first set, Brazil built a comfortable 14-8 lead thanks to Maria Clara De Moura’s offense and Juju’s serving. However, the Caribbean team tied the score at 17 with attacks from captain Florangel Terrero and Alondra Tapia, even turning the tables to lead 20-17. With blocks from Lívia Dos Santos and consecutive opponent errors, Brazil tied at 20 and again at 21. Juju’s energy was key to regaining control, and Ana Luiza Rüdiger sealed the set.
The Dominican Republic held the lead in the second set with the same offensive standouts and the addition of Katielle Alonzo. Brazil rallied from a three-point deficit to tie at 12, then took the lead with blocks from Heloise Soares and Lívia Dos Santos. A decisive block by Camilly De Souza closed the set, putting Brazil ahead 2-0.
In the third, Brazil dominated from the start, displaying unstoppable play that ended with a powerful spike from Jaqueline Schmitz to clinch the victory.
Brazil outperformed in attacks (44-27) and blocks (11-3), while both teams scored five points from serves. Brazil committed more unforced errors (19-15).
Outside hitter Maria Clara De Moura led Brazil with 17 points (13 attacks, 2 blocks, 2 aces), followed by opposite hitter Jaqueline Schmitz with 12 (11 attacks, 1 ace) and Camilly De Souza with 11 (8 attacks, 3 blocks). For the Dominican Republic, opposite hitter Katielle Alonzo tallied 12 points (9 attacks, 1 block, 2 aces).
Maria Clara De Moura expressed her excitement: “For me, personally, this is a great opportunity to be here representing my country. The key word before entering the game was aggressiveness; we came in to kill, and that’s what we did… I can only express gratitude and happiness.”
Dominican Republic’s head coach, Wagner Pacheco, commented: “We played two good sets. Brazil is a great team, a strong team with a lot of experience. We have young girls. During the match, we managed to make them change a player, and a better one came in. Tomorrow will be another tough match, and we’ll give everything to win the bronze.”
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