MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 1, 2026.- The Dominican Republic opened its campaign at the NORCECA U23 Women’s Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-18) victory over Costa Rica on Tuesday at Polideportiv Alexis Argüello in Managua.
The Dominican Republic held a 42-29 advantage in attacks, while also leading Costa Rica 7-5 in blocks and 9-6 in serves. The Dominicans gave away 11 points on errors compared to Costa Rica’s 17.
In the first set, the Dominican Republic quickly built a 10-2 lead that allowed them to control the action. Costa Rica applied more pressure late in the set, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.
The Dominican Republic remained in control in the second set, supported by steady reception and effective attacking from the outside. Costa Rica showed greater resistance as the match progressed, but the Dominican side maintained its advantage to complete the straight-set victory.
Katielle Alonzo and Alondra Tapia led the Dominican Republic with 15 points apiece, while Selanny Puente added 10. María del Sol Venegas was Costa Rica’s leading scorer with 10 points.
The Dominican Republic will face Mexico on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., while Costa Rica will take on the United States at 3:00 p.m.
Wagner Pacheco, head coach of the Dominican Republic: “It’s always good to start a tournament with a victory. We knew the responsibility we had because Costa Rica was a team at a lower level than us, and we have to be fair about that; but the start of a tournament is always complicated, so it’s good that we began with a win. Now we have to watch Mexico’s match, study them and prepare for them. The goal is to keep improving, play better in every match and ultimately compete for a medal.”
Selanny Puente, captain of the Dominican Republic: “The energy was good. We came in mentally prepared to play hard and give everything from the start of the first match, to finish quickly and with a victory. I think we’re still adjusting to each other, but we looked really good out there playing, and we want to continue that throughout the tournament. The idea is to keep building our chemistry and play better with every match.”
Braulio Godínez, head coach of Costa Rica: “I think they started very nervous. There are many girls for whom this is their first time playing for the national team, and the middle blockers in particular were very nervous, especially facing such a strong team. Tapia (Alondra) is very intimidating; these are world-class players, and I felt we started very timidly. Little by little, though, they loosened up and began playing more calmly. The idea is for them to gain experience at this level for future Central American competitions, which are the competitions we have ahead of us. Overall, I think they did well.”
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