LEÓN, Mexico, September 11, 2026.- Puerto Rico earned the first victory of the 23rd Women’s Pan American Cup with a straight-set 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-11) win over Venezuela on Friday at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.
The match opened Pool A action, with Puerto Rico setting the pace, particularly from the service line, which proved decisive in preventing Venezuela from finding a better offensive rhythm.
After a more competitive first set, which Puerto Rico won 25-19, the Puerto Ricans took firmer control in the next two. In the second set, they built a comfortable advantage, with a good serving run by Dariana Hollingsworth helping widen the gap before closing it 25-13. In the third, Puerto Rico again pulled away and cruised to a 25-11 finish.
Puerto Rico held a 9-0 advantage in aces, while also outscoring Venezuela 39-23 in attacks and 6-3 in blocks. Puerto Rico also committed fewer errors, 17 to Venezuela’s 21.
Ivania Ortiz led all scorers with 15 points for Puerto Rico, followed by Valeria Vázquez with 13 and Dariana Hollingsworth with 11.
Amanda Pacheco led Venezuela with eight points.
On the second day of competition, Venezuela will face the Dominican Republic at 2:00 p.m., while Puerto Rico will take on Canada at 4:00 p.m.
Wilmarie Rivera, Puerto Rico captain: “We’re happy to open with a win. We feel very good as a team. We’re taking it day by day because it’s a long tournament, little by little, and we’re going to approach every match with the same intensity.”
Ana Sofía López, Venezuela captain: “We’re a much younger team than the other teams here; we’re an U19 team. This is key preparation for the U19 South American Championship. I’m proud of my team, and it’s an honor to be part of a competition at such a high level. Our goal is to play well, and even though our team is still developing, we’re going to give our best.”
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