LEÓN, Mexico, September 16, 2026. – Dominican Republic bounced back from losing the opening set to defeat Cuba 3-1 (18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-21) on Wednesday and advance to the semifinals of the 2026 Women’s Pan American Cup at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.
The Dominican Republic will face host Mexico on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Cuba will play for fifth place on Friday against the loser of the quarterfinal between the United States and Canada.
Blocking proved decisive in the Dominican comeback. Middle blocker Geraldine González scored nine of her team’s 16 blocks, the highest individual total of the match, while Cuba recorded 12 blocks.
After Cuba took the opening set 25-18, Dominican Republic responded in a closely contested second set. Cuba held a 20-18 lead, but the Dominicans tied the score at 20-20 on a kill by Katielle Alonzo. A block by Geraldine González put them ahead 23-21 and, after another Cuban comeback, Flormarie Heredia closed out the set 25-23 with a kill.
Dominican Republic carried that momentum into the third set, winning 25-15. Cuba put up another fight in the fourth and moved ahead 15-13, but the Dominicans battled back and the teams were tied at 21-21. A kill by Alonzo and a block by Massiel Matos gave Dominican Republic a 23-21 advantage before it sealed the victory 25-21.
In addition to its advantage in blocks (16-12), Dominican Republic led in attacks (46-42) and aces (3-2). Both teams gave up 28 points on errors.
Florangel Terrero led the Dominican offense with 15 points, including nine kills, four blocks and two aces. Geraldine González contributed 14 points, Flormarie Heredia added 13 and Katielle Alonzo finished with 11, all on kills.
For Cuba, Yalain Regla De La Peña scored 15 points, all on kills. Evilania Martínez added 11, while Laura Suárez and Whitney James finished with 10 each.
Katielle Alonzo, Dominican Republic outside hitter: “It was a good, hard-fought match because Cuba is a powerful team. We came in mentally prepared to earn a spot in the semifinals. It’s another step forward for us in the tournament, and we’re already focused on tomorrow’s match.”
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