HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 23, 2023.- Dominican setter Ariana Rodríguez was selected as the Most Valuable Player MVP of the sixth edition of the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup that concluded on Sunday at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
The MVP award was handed to Ariana Rodriguez after her team won the Championship match to Mexico 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-12, 26-24) and she scored the dramatic match point from the service line when the ball tipped over the net.
Ariana was also the Best Setter of the tournament. Other three awards were granted to the Dominican Republic, with Flormarie Heredia as the 2nd Best Spiker, Geraldine González as the 1st Best Blocker and the 2nd Best Blocker went to Florangel Terrero.
U23 Women’s Pan American Cup Individual Awards
Mexican Sofía Maldonado received the recognitions for 1st Best Spiker and Top Scorer. Her teammate Ximena Cruz was awarded as the Best Service.
Pamela Cuya of Peru was the Best Libero and Best Defense. Also from Peru, María Paula Rodriguez, was distinguished as the Best Opposite.
From Argentina, libero Victoria Caballero was the Best Receiver of the event.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 23, 2023.- Dominican Republic remains the U23 Women’s Pan American Champions winning the gold medal match to Mexico 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-12, 26-24) on Sunday at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
This was the second consecutive time that Dominican Republic beat Mexico in the championship match of the event. Dominicans won first place undefeated (5-0), earning their sixth U23 Pan American Cup title and Mexico (4-1) won their second silver medal.
Dominicans led in blocks by a huge 14 to 5 advantage, a comfortable 8 to 4 margin in points from serves and scored on 28 unforced opponent errors while giving up 14. Mexico did better in attacking points 51 to 49.
The dramatic match point came from Ariana Rodriguez, whose service dropped over the net.
Outside hitter Flormarie led Dominican Republic with 18 points (17 kills, one ace), followed by outside hitter Madeline Guillen who produced 16 points (14 kills, two blocks) and opposite hitter Alondra Tapia with 13 points (9 kills, three blocks, one ace).
Mexico’s outside hitter Sofia Maldonado was the top scorer of the match with 21 points (20 kills, one ace) and opposite hitter Katherine Ramírez added 15 points (13 kills, one block, one ace).
Award Ceremony
Flormarie Heredia, top scorer of the Dominican Republic: “We reached our goal, and I feel very happy for the effort of the whole team, each one fought hard. The decisive factor was the support among us and following the instructions of our coaches”.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of the Dominican Republic: “That last point from the serve was surprising. The team felt a lot of pressure from the crowd, and we struggled a lot. But we remain champions”.
Luis Alberto, coach of Mexico: “I’m happy because most of the players on the team are from the under-21 category , and we continue preparing for the world championship in August. I am satisfied with the team’s performance against a very good opponent that has been working together for a longer time. In the last set, some bad decisions cost us two or three actions. It was a surprise to see the last two plays from the Dominican Republic, with the libero’s defense and the final point from the serve that dropped over the net”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 23, 2023.- Argentina defeated Peru 3-1 (24-26, 25-19, 25-21, 25-21) to win the Bronze Medal at the sixth edition of U23 Women’s Pan American Cup on Sunday at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Argentina ends the event in third place with 4-2 record and Peru in fourth with 3-3.
This Argentina’s second bronze medal in the history of the event, they finished third in 2012 and in 2016 they won the silver medal.
Argentina recovered from losing the first set to win the second coming from a four-point deficit (15-19) to win the set 25-19 scoring 10 consecutive points. Peru trailed in the third 16-24 but came off short with Argentina finishing 25-21. Argentina won the fourth and final set 25-21.
Argentina led 53-48 in attacking points. They held a slight 10-9 margin in blocks and finished with a comfortable 11-6 advantage in points from serves. Argentina committed 24 unforced errors and Peru 25.
Monster block from Argentina to Peru
Middle blocker Avril Garcia of Argentina led all scorers with 24 points, on 17 attacks, five blocks and three aces. The other Argentinean player who scored double digits was outside hitter Milena Margaria who contibuted with 13 points.
Three players from Peru finished with double digits, led by opposite Maria Paula Rodriguez (17 points), team captain Alondra Alarcon (15 points) and outside hitter Aixa Vigil (12 points).
Martin Ambrosini, coach of Argentina: “We lost the first set playing better than Peru, but we were a bit shaky in crucial moments, and it cost us. We were trailing in the second set, and some of the girls felt the fatigue from the previous matches, so we rotated the team, and the players who came in did well. That gave us some breathing, and we were able to play our game, which we could sustain in the following sets”.
Julieta Aruga, captain of Argentina: “I’m happy with the bronze medal. We started well in the first set, but at one point, we stopped fighting, and they took advantage. We were able to turn the match around by playing well from the second set forward. The serving helped us a lot”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 23, 2023.- Canada beat Cuba 3-0 (25-18, 25-9, 25-20) for fifth place at the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup on Saturday at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Canada ended the event with a 3-3 record for fifth place and Cuba with 1-4 record in sixth. Canada also beat Cuba in the preliminary round in four sets.
Canada outperformed Cuba in every skill of the game, in attacks (33-22), in blocks (11-3) and points from serves (9-0). Both teams gave away 22 points from unforced errors.
Canada’s leading scorers were middle blockers Kaylee Plouffe and Jessica Andrews with 13 and 10 points respectively. Plouffe on 11 kills and two blocks and Andrews on 6 blocks and 4 aces. Opposite Lucy Borowski added 10 points on 6 kills, one block and three aces.
Opposite hitter Claudia Tarin led Cuba with 7 points, and outside hitter Thainalien Castillo with 6 points.
Andrews (CAN) blocks Cuba
Isabella Noble, setter of Canada: “Our team came out really excited today and I think we performed really well. We came together as a team, and it felt so good to end the tournament on a high. Our serves were really aggressive, we kept Cuba low at the beginning of sets and that helped us later on”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, coach of Canada: “I am really proud how we came out and we were in an aggressive mode to start, that’s how we wanted to serve this match. I think it’s really easy in these matches to not fight and battle, but I am proud my group did, making sure that every match matters”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 23, 2023.- Honduras finished seventh place at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup with a five-set win 3-2 (13-25, 25-18, 25-23, 19-25, 15-13) over Costa Rica at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Honduras (1-4) previously lost to Costa Rica (1-5) in the preliminary round.
Honduras led in blocks 11 to 8 and scored 35 points on opponent errors, giving up 28. Costa Rica held advantage in points from attacks 56-45 and in points from serves 12-6.
Opposite Rocio Duron of Honduras. led all scorers with 27 points, producing 24 points on kills, two blocks and the final match point on an ace. Team captain, middle blocker Natalia Reyes and outside hitter Andrea Aceituno collected 13 points each; Reyes on 5 attacks, a match-high of 6 points on blocks and two aces, while Aceituno on 10 kills, two blocks and one ace.
Honduras celebrates victory over Costa Rica
Costa Rican team captain, middle blocker Lakysha Thompson led her team with 17 points (12 kills, four blocks, one ace), followed by outside hitter Nicole Mata with 15 points (11 kills, two blocks, two aces) and middle blocker Melina Abarca with 12 points (9 kills, one block, two aces).
Marvin Ulloa, coach of Honduras: “This is the representation of Central American volleyball up to last year. I think we weren’t at our level of play, we had better performances with other teams. It’s a mentality issue and we are going to work on it. Our goals must be higher now that we have a Japanese coach”.
Andrés Carvajal, coach of Costa Rica: “I am disappointed. The team had no attitude, they didn’t fight. It’s clear that we must restructure the team, there are under-21 and under-19 players who can be part of this team to compete at this year’s under-23 Central American championship. It wasn’t only this match; the players didn’t assume their role during the entire tournament. We must take radical decisions when things aren’t going well; in Costa Rica we are used to winning at a Central American level”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 22, 2023.- Mexico beat Peru in Saturday’s semifinals 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-21) to reach their second championship match at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup being played at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico, in addition to winning a ticket to the next Junior Pan American Games.
Mexico will battle in Sunday’s title match against five-time reigning champions Dominican Republic, who earlier prevailed in four sets over Argentina. This is the second occasion Mexicans face Dominicans to battle for gold, they met in the previous edition.
Mexico also won a berth to the 2025 Junior Pan American Games. Peru will face Argentina in the bronze medal match.
Despite the close scores, Mexico held the advantage in all three sets that had battled rallies. The crowd at the Sonora Arena cheered for their team enjoying their dominant force in every skill.
Mexico edged Peru with 43-37 advantage in attacks, 6-3 in blocks and 5-2 in aces. The host scored 20 points on Peruvian errors and while giving up 17.
Mexico celebrating
Outside hitter Sofía Maldonado led all scorers with 19 points on 15 kills, three blocks and on ace point. Middle blocker Arleth Marquez followed with 11 points and outside hitter Alexandra Goris chipped in with 7 points.
Aixa Vigil was the only player of Peru to score double digits, with 10 points on 9 kills and one ace. Opposite Maria Paula Rodriguez and team captain Alondra Alarcon produced 9 and 7 points respectively.
Luis Albero León, coach of Mexico: “It benefited us that we had a rest day yesterday, which we used for training, therapy, and rehabilitation. Today, the girls followed all the tactical instructions, which was reflected in the 3-0 score. Tomorrow will be a good match against the Dominican Republic, the girls are motivated, it’s a rival we know well, and we will go in to earn the medal”.
Francisco Hervas, coach of Peru: “Today, we didn’t play well. We were less responsive, and we had a more serious atmosphere on the court in our previous matches. Losing a semifinal is disappointing, but we’ll keep on working because that’s why we came here. Tomorrow, we’ll face Argentina for the bronze medal, a familiar rival”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 22, 2023.- Five-time champion Dominican Republic beat Argentina 3-1 (20-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-19) in semifinals to move into their sixth U23 Women’s Pan American Cup championship match in a row and qualified to the Junior Pan American Games.
Dominicans have dominated the event since its inception and are seeking their sixth title. Dominican Republic earned a berth to the 2025 Junior Pan American Games as one of the top two ranked NORCECA teams of the event.
On Sunday´s gold medal match, Dominicans will face the winner of the semifinal between host Mexico and Peru, while the loser will play for the bronze medal against Argentina.
Argentina controlled the actions of the first set, jumping to a comfortable 13-8 lead, scoring on several opponent errors, and dominating in blocks. The second set was balanced but Dominicans carried with the win and then they moved into the third set to an 8-0 point lead, their best set of the match. The fourth set was balanced up to an even 18, when Dominicans used their strength in attacks and block-defense for the victory.
The defending champions led Argentina in attacks 51 to 46, in blocks 14 to 11. Both teams scored three points on serves. Dominicans scored 28 points on Argentina’s errors while handing out 14 points from their own errors.
Dominican Republic celebrate after winning semifinal match to Argentina
Outside hitter Madeline Guillen led all scorers with 23 points on 21 kills and four blocks. Her teammate Flormarie added 21 points on 16 kills, four blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Florangel also contributed to the semifinal win with 10 points.
Outside hitter Milena Margaria and middle blocker Avril Garcia led Argentina with 14 points each. Garcia scored a match-high of seven blocks. Outside hitter Nicole Perez collected 10 points.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of the Dominican Republic: “We are two good teams, playing tactically. In the first set, Argentina scored points on our errors, but we balanced the game with the change of setter and opposite, and that’s when the game started to flow. In the second and third sets, we had few errors. The girls are happy”.
Matías Ambrosini, coach of Argentina: “We had to play a neat, well-organized match because we knew about the potential of the Dominican Republic. The girls entered the game convinced and executing our game plan as we had designed it. I think we played a great match until halfway through the second set, and then they changed the setter and the team´s structure, which worked for them, and we struggled to respond. We gave everything we had, giving it our all, but it slipped away from us”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 22, 2023.- Cuba beat Costa Rica in straight sets 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-20) to play for fifth place against Canada in the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Sunday’s fifth place between Cuba and Canada will be a rematch of the preliminary round of the tournament where Canada topped Cuba in four sets. Costa Rica and Honduras will play for seventh place, who also met in the preliminary round won by the Costa Rican squad.
Cuba struggled to close all three sets. Cuba lost three set points before moving on top. In the second set, Costa Rica recovered from a seven-point deficit (12-23) edging Cuba up to a close 25-20 set finish for Cuba. Once again Costa Rica pressed hard in the final and third set but came off short.
Cuba’s serves were definitely a key element to beat Costa Rica, leading by a huge 11 to 3 advantage. The Caribbean team also led in attacks 38-34 and in blocks 9-5. Both teams scored on 17 opponent errors.
Grafort serves for Cuba against Costa Rica
Middle blocker Edisleidys Reyes led Cuba with 13 points on 11 attacks and two blocks. Opposite hitter Alejandra Gomez contributed with 12 points on 6 kills, two blocks and five impressive points on service aces.
Costa Rican team captain Lkysha Thompson was the leading scorer of her team with 12 points, scoring on 10 attacks and two blocks.
Wilfredo Robinson, coach of Cuba: “I made changes in the lineup to continue defining possible scenarios for the U21 World Championship and the aspiration to obtain fifth place tomorrow, which we would be satisfied with our performance here in the competition. We hope to show another level tomorrow; the team has the conditions to win it”.
Andrés Carvajal, coach of Costa Rica: “The team had a good attitude, showing a different face compared to previous matches. Some of the players come with a load of international games in the senior category and from our national league, so we were in a comfort zone without responding to the level of the competition and taking the responsibility to represent our country. Today, we enjoyed it, and we hope it gets even better, showing an evolution of the team for tomorrow against Honduras”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 22.- Canada defeated Honduras 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-12) and will battle for the fifth place of the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Canada will face the winner between Cuba and Costa Rica on Sunday and the losers go up against Honduras will go for seventh.
Canada outperformed Honduras in every skill, 46 to 15 in points from attacks, 5-3 in blocks and 7 to none in serves. Honduras committed fewer errors than Canada 17-20.
Canada blocks Honduras
Outside hitters Jane Austin and Raya Surinx led Canada’s offense with 15 and 13 points respectively; Austin with 11 kills, two blocks and two aces, and Surinx all on kills. Middle blocker Kaylee Plouffe added 10 points on 9 kills and one ace.
Rocío Duron was once again Honduras top scorer with 6 points.
Carolyn O’Dwyer coach of Canada: “Yesterday was a disappointing match for us, we didn’t get the result we wanted but it pressed us to come back today to show energy and life, which is a great opportunity for this young group. We try to teach our team that every game matters and tomorrow hopefully we’ll show up to be the team we want to be”.
Marvin Ulloa, coach of Honduras: “When the team feels they can win they get anxious. Today we played with an open mind, trying to do our best. Canada was more aggressive from the second set forward because the first set was closer in the beginning, they are physically superior than us and this is a great experience for improvement for my players”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 21, 2023.- Peru swept Costa Rica 3-0 (25-10, 25-14, 25-9) in quarterfinals on Friday to reach the semifinals of the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Peru is set to meet host Mexico in Saturday’s semifinals and Costa Rica will play against Cuba in a classification match for positions 5 to 8.
Peru was dominant the entire match while pressing Costa Rica’s offense and defense. The South Americans led with a huge 41 to 18 points from attacks, 7 to one in blocks and 6-0 in aces. Peru committed 14 unforced errors and Costa Rica 21.
Peruvian outside hitter Kiara Vicente topped all scorers with 17 points on 13 kills, one block and three points from serves. Also joining the winning campaign were middle blocker Jade Rodriguez with 12 points and outside hitter Daniela Muñoz adding 10 attacking points.
Peru celebrating
Pamela Cuya, libero of Peru: “Every match is important, and this was an opportunity for everyone to show their abilities, practicing things that can come useful for future matches. Every team is different, and you need different strategies to win each match”.
Francisco Hervas, head coach of Peru: “We continue developing players and opportunities to have their own space, no match is the same. Tomorrow will be a different story against Mexico, it will be a complicated match, a tough team that plays at home, but that is what we want, play difficult matches”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 21, 2023.- Argentina beat Canada 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-18) to reach the semifinals at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup being held at Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Argentina will most likely face reigning champions Dominican Republic in semifinals, Peru and Costa Rica are yet to play in the other quarterfinal; while Canada will play classification matches for positions 5 to 8 starting with Honduras.
Argentina was dominant in the first set jumping to a 12-5 lead, Canada battled hard scoring six points in a row, but Argentina kept the lead. In the second set Argentina recovered from a three-point deficit (9-12) to an even 13 to finish with a comfortable lead. Argentina led from an even 14 point forward in the third and final set.
Argentina held a 38 to 28 advantage in kills, producing 9 points from blocks against 4 and a slight 4-3 margin in points from serves. Argentina committed 20 unforced errors and Canada 24.
Argentina blocks against Canada
Two players of Argentina scored double figures, outside hitter Milena Margaria with 11 attacking points and middle blocker Avril García adding 10 points, including a match-high of 5 blocks.
Lucy Burowski and Raya Surinx scored 9 and 8 points respectively for Canada.
Milena Margari, top scorer of Argentina: “What’s important is we came out of rough spots as a team, with a cold head and moved forward without thinking about the result or the opponent. Tomorrow’s semifinal will be tough, and it will be great to get experience, more time to play and we will enjoy it. Hopefully we can win a medal in the tournament”.
Lucy Burowski, captain of Canada: “We start off a bit slow in every set and we start getting momentum but lose a set and then just can’t get it back. I think we can get more aggressive in our attack”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 20, 2023.- Defending Champions Dominican Republic beat Cuba 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-23) to advance into the semifinals of the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup being played at the Sonora Arena of Hermosillo, Mexico.
Dominican Republic won Pool A undefeated 3-0, earning a berth in Saturday’s semifinals. Peru earlier beat Canada, both advance into quarterfinals as second and third place respectively. Cuba will play in classification matches for positions 5 to 8.
Cuba battled stronger forcing Dominicans to lose three-match points before their definitive 25-23 win.
Dominicans dominated thanks to their 11 to 3 advantage. The other skills were balanced, with Dominican Republic leading 37 to 35 in kills, a slim 2-1 in serves and scoring on 25 Cuban unforced errors against 20.
Arianna Rodriguez (DOM) attacks against Cuba
Dominican Republic’s offense was led by middle blocker Geraldine Gonzalez who scored 13 points on 8 kills and a match-high of 5 impressive blocks. Madeline Guillen added 11 points on 7 kills, two blocks and two aces, while Flormarie Heredia collected 10 points from attacks.
Middle blocker Lisania Grafort and opposite hitter Claudia Tarin led Cuba with 9 points each. Outside hitter Thainalien Castillo contributed with 7 points.
Ariana Rodríguez, setter of Dominican Republic: “I am playing a new position, it’s a challenge and a responsibility; sometimes things don’t come out like I want them, and I get frustrated. The team was stable, but we can improve. With each match I’m improving”.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: “Cuba served well, and we committed errors that we shouldn’t have failed. The players responded well. Now we have a day off to rest and wait for our opponents in semifinals”.
Edisleidys Reyes, middle blocker of Cuba: “Today we improved in strength and attitude, with more energy to look for the win. The last set was well contested, we had more confidence, we could have done it better from the beginning”.
Wilfredo Robinson, coach of Cuba: “We showed our strength and quality of play. I gave everyone a chance because we are here to develop them for the world championship”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 20, 2023.- Costa Rica beat Honduras 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 25-14, 25-19) to move into the quarterfinals of the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Costa Rica recovered from losing the first set to finish in third place of Pool B with 1-2 win-loss record, advancing into Friday’s quarterfinal round. Honduras will play in classification matches for positions 5 to 8.
In the first set, Honduras suffered the loss of Genesis Oyuela due to an ankle injury, one of their key players, but managed a close win. Costa Rica came back stronger earning their first tournament win.
Costa Rica controlled every element of the game, leading 57-40 in kills, 9-4 in blocks and 9-2 in points from serves. Honduras handed out fewer points from unforced errors 23-28.
Costa Rica celebrates
Middle blocker and team captain Lakysha Thomspon of Costa Rica led all scorers with 21 points from 18 attacks, two blocks and one ace. Also contributing to Costa Rica’s victory were outside hitter Sofía Arroyo with 17 points on 13 kills, one block and three aces, joined by outside hitter Nicole Mata with 15 points on 12 kills and 3 aces.
Honduras top scorers were opposite Rocío Duron with 15 points on 13 kills and two blocks, outside hitter Andrea Aceituno with 14 points and middle blocker Shantte Clarke with 11 points.
Andrés Carvajal, coach of Costa Rica: “We must study with our players why we lost the first set. I think we were in a comfort zone; we didn’t respect our opponent as they deserved. We let Honduras set the rhythm of play and not the other way around. We adjusted, we made changes and improved as the match developed”.
Andrea Zúñiga, libero of Honduras: “We won the first set well. Genesis is a key piece of our team, and we needed her the rest of the match. We must improve in confidence while attacking, in passing and reading the game”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 20, 2023.- Peru defeated Canada 3-1 (25-14, 25-19, 20-25, 25-17) to finish Pool A with 2-1 record at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup in Hermosillo, México.
Peru advanced into the quarterfinal round and Canada with 1-2 record will wait for the result of the match between Dominican Republic (2-0) and Cuba (0-2) for their final position in Pool A.
Peru was superior in 44 to 28 in points from attacks and 8-4 in aces. Canada held the advantage in blocks 8-6. Both committed a similar number of unforced errors, Peru 35 and Canada 37.
Pefuvian Libero Cuya digging for the ball
Peruvian outside hitter Aixa Vigil led all attackers with 22 points from 20 attacks, one block and one ace. Opposite hitter Maria Paula Rodriguez followed with 13 points, including a match-high of 5 points from serves. Outside hitter and team captain Alondra Alarcon added 10 points.
Outside hitter Raya Surinix led Canada with 12 points on 11 kills and one ace.
Aixa Vigil, top scorer of Peru: “We were able to execute what we’ve been working for the past six months. We were overconfident in the third set. Today we limited our errors compared to yesterday’s match. We have an interesting group that will fight in the next round to win a medal”.
Francisco Hervas, coach of Peru: “I think that leading by two sets we relaxed a bit. It’s good because we learn that we must keep the game rhythm, our philosophy here is to learn. The girls got back their velocity and level of play”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 19, 2023.- Mexico prevailed over Costa Rica in straight sets 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-21) to remain undefeated at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup being played at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Mexico with 2-0 record will face Argentina (2-0) on Thursday to decide first place in Pool B and a ticket into semifinals, while Costa Rica (0-2) will battle Honduras (0-2) for a spot in quarterfinals.
Mexico controlled the first two sets, but in the third set, Costa Rica with a better rhythm of play reached an even 15. The hosts recovered after numerous errors and sealed the win in three sets.
Both teams used all their players where Mexico was dominant in kills (46-26) and in points from serves (8-2). The Central Americans were better in blocks (5-2). Mexico scored 22 points from Costa Rican errors, against 14.
Arleth Marquez (MEX) spikes against Costa Rica
The only player who scored double digits was Mexican outside hitter Alexandra Goris, with 10 points (7 kills, 3 aces). Her teammates outside hitter Sofía Maldonado and opposite Katherine Ramírez added 9 and 6 points respectively.
Outside hitter Krystel Vargas was the leading scorer for Costa Rica with 9 points. María Torres added 6 points.
Argentina Ung, captain of Mexico: “We were overconfident in the third set, we got out of our system, and we allowed them to play their game, improving their level of play. We are happy with the win but not satisfied. For tomorrow we must improve in communicating better at critical moments, not let Argentina to set their rhythm of play”.
María José Castro, libero of Costa Rica: “In the third set we were determined to let go. I think we put a lot of pressure, which was reflected in the score. Tomorrow, we want to improve and beat Honduras for a ticket in the quarterfinals”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 19, 2023.- Dominican Republic beat Peru 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 25-19) to remain undefeated at the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup on Wednesday at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Dominican Republic (2-0) in Pool A will face Cuba (0-2) to finish the preliminary round, while Peru (1-1) goes up against Canada (1-1). The top ranked of each pool advance directly into semifinals.
Dominicans blocked Peru the entire match with a huge 13 to two advantage. Both teams scored on 58 points from attacks, and both handed out 22 points from errors. Peru held a slight 5-4 advantage in points from serves.
Heredia (DOM) digs for the ball
Dominican outside hitter Flormarie Heredia led all scorers with 21 points, from 18 attacking points, two blocks and one ace. Outside hitter Madeline Guillen also chipped in producing 15 points and middle blocker Geraldine Gonzalez added 14 points while scoring a match-high of 7 monster blocks.
Peru’s team captain Alondra Alarcon and outside hitter Aixa Vigil led with 14 points each. Opposite Shanaiya Ayme collected 10 points.
Flormarie Heredia, top scorer of Dominican Republic: “We lacked concentration in the set we lost, we couldn’t adjust our game and positions, they took advantage, we lost our rhythm of play. Peru serves well but our good passing helped us”.
Yadhira Anchante, setter of Peru: “In the first and second sets we committed innocent errors which cost us the match because we were close. In the third set we limited our errors and it worked, but in the fourth we failed again. Tomorrow, we finish pool-play against Canada, another strong opponent and we will come out with our all”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 19, 2023.- Argentina defeated Honduras 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-11) to keep their winning streak at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup being held at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Argentina has a 2-0 win-loss record in Pool B and will finish the preliminary round against the host Mexico on Thursday, while Honduras is 0-2 and will play their Central American rival Costa Rica.
Argentina held a huge advantage in kills (49-13) and serves (13-2), and a 5-3 margin in blocks. Honduras only committed 8 unforced errors and Argentina 22.
Argentina’s Libero LLanos
Three players scored double figures for Argentina, Nicole Perez (11), Magali Marquez (11) and Milena Margaria (10).
Rocio Duron and Genesis Oyuela scored 4 points for Honduras.
Emilia Balague, setter of Argentina: “We are focused in our game, in executing what we’ve been training. This tournament is a preparation for the U21 World Championship. Tomorrow we close against the host and it will be exciting with the support of the crowd, we must play hard”.
Rocío Duron, opuesta de Honduras: “Siento que nos falta mayor comunicación entre nosotras. Dadas las condiciones lo hicimos bien, tuvimos buena actitud y motivación para dar más”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 18, 2023.- Mexico took down Honduras 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-14) on opening day of the sixth edition of the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Mexico started the first set jumping to an early 8-0 advantage. The host moved into the next two sets with overwhelming superiority against Honduras in their Pool B opening match.
Mexico held a huge 47 to 19 advantage in points from attacks as well as a 16-2 margin in points from serves. Honduras scored 2 points from blocks against one from Mexico. Both teams committed similar unforced errors, Honduras a total of 11 and Mexico 14.
Sofía Maldonado (MEX) spikes
Outside hitters Carla Esquer and Sofía Maldonado led Mexico with 13 and 10 points respectively. Middle blocker Arleth Marquez scored a match-high of 6 aces.
Opposite hitter Rocío Duron topped Honduras with 10 points.
Mexico (1-0) will meet Costa Rica (0-1) on Wednesday and Honduras (0-1) against Argentina (1-0).
Luis Alberto León, coach of Mexico: “The pool we’re in is made to come from less to more, the level of play will be more demanding, and we will get into rhythm for the last matches. It’s always good to start with a win, and even more when it’s 3-0”.
Marvin Ulloa, coach of Honduras: “There were good frames during the game. This is a spectacle and in the second set we were one on one, it was nice. Unfortunately, we failed a lot, it’s fine when the opponent plays better than us but not thanks to our errors, it’s something we must improve on”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 20, 2023.- Mexico won Pool B and the ticket to semifinals winning a five-set thriller to Argentina 3-2 (25-17, 23-25, 27-25, 11-25, 15-12) at the sixth edition of the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup in Hermosillo.
México was confident in the first set and Argentina responded winning the second. Argentina reached set point in the third, but Sofia Maldonado’s attacks, who went on to be the leading scorer of the match (28pts) pushed Mexico on top again. Argentina overwhelmed Mexico in the fourth leading 18-6 and closing with a huge 14 point advantage (25-11) . México took the tie-break with María Ximena Cruz serves were decisive.
Argentina led in kills 59-51, in blocks 9-6 and in points from serves 8-6, but their 36 errors against 26 from Mexico made the difference.
Mexico celebrates against Argentina
The leading scorer of the match, Sofía Maldonado scored 28 points from 25 powerful kills, two blocks and two aces. María Ximena Cruz added 14 points on 8 kills, three blocks and three aces.
Constanza Pérez led Argentina with 25 points on 18 kills, the most blocks with 5 and two aces. She was joined by Dalma Pérez with 16 and Milena Margaria with 16.
Luis Alberto León, coach of Mexico: “We had a bad fourth set, we made changes and they didn’t go well. Argentina defended everything. In the fifth set the key element of sealing the win was our serves and a play we hadn’t executed was the surprise element as well”.
Martín Ambrosini, coach of Argentina: “In general the match was balanced; we had troubles in the first set because the girls were too anxious, and Mexico plays well. We started the fourth set very well, and they had difficulties”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 18, 2023.- Defending champion Dominican Republic beat Canada 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-15) in their debut at the sixth edition of the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup debut on Tuesday at Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.
The party of points in the first set was tied on numerous occasions, reaching an even 23 while Canada snatched a set point before the Dominicans started on top 26-24. Dominican Republic came back stronger to finish with comfortable advantages in the last two sets.
All the elements of the game were balanced, with Dominican Republic leading 37 to 31 in attacks, 8 to 6 in blocks and 7 to 4 in points from serves. Dominicans scored 24 points on errors from Canada and committed 16.
Three Dominican players scored double digits, led by outside hitter Madeline Guillen with 14 points (9 kills, 2 blocks, 3 aces), outside hitter Flormarie Heredia with 12 points (10 kills, one block, one ace) and opposite hitter Alondra Tapia with 10 points (9 kills, one block).
Canada’s outside hitters Raya Surinx and Jasmine Rivest topped with 11 and 10 points respectively. Team captain, opposite Lucy Borrowski added 7 points.
On Wednesday, Dominican Republic (1-0) will face Peru (1-0), while Canada (0-1) goes up against Cuba (0-1).
Gonzalez (DOM) overtakes Canada’s block
Camila De la Rosa, captain of Dominican Republic: “We didn’t know Canada’s players and how they played. We did a great job in analyzing what they were doing, that’s how we managed to win the game. I think our block was very important for our victory”.
Lucy Borrowski, captain of Canada: ““We came out strong. Dominican Republic is a tough team, and we lost a bit of our fight, we were playing it smart, and I think we can come out stronger tomorrow”.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: “The first set was battled because I didn’t know Canada’s team, we came out blind. After the first set we played really well, the serves were strong and out counterattack. We leaned fast how to face Canada and that made things easier. We failed in some things, which is normal in a debut”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, coach of Canada: “We came out strong but struggled a bit on our side with first contact and making a few too many errors. With a new team we will get better and better. There’s definitely room for improvement”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 18, 2023.- Argentina started the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup with a straight set win 3-0 (25-12, 25-10, 25-14) over Costa Rica at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo.
Argentina managed to control the entire game from start to finish in their opening victory in Pool B.
Argentina’s advantages in attacks, 39 to 10 and in points from serves, 17 to one, were to thank for their strong debut. They also held a slim 1-0 in blocks. Costa Rica committed fewer errors (18-25).
Outside hitter Nicole Perez of Argentina was the leading scorer of the match with 10 points, from 8 kills and two points from serves. Her teammates opposite Constanza Perez and middle blocker Josefina Ossvald registered nine points each. Ossvald scored a match-high of 4 aces.
Outside hitter Nicole Mata topped Costa Rica with 4 points.
On Wednesday, Argentina goes against the other Central American team of the event, Honduras. Costa Rica will face hosts Mexico.
Margaria (ARG) spikes facking Costa Rica’s blockers
Julieta Aruga, captain of Argentina: “To start a tournament winning is positive, we executed what we’ve been planning during our training and with the coaching staff we’ve been changing our system, it worked. We did well in all the elements of the game, we pressed with our serves, and it made a difference”.
Lahisha Thompson, captain of Costa Rica: “This tournament is to prepare for the U23 Central American championship in November. We can improve our togetherness as a team. The experienced players stood out with their attacks”.
Martín Ambrosini, coach of Argentina: “We played well, we were able to make changes. There were too many nerves because this was the first match for some players with the national team. We were able to serve well, the attack worked well too. When you have an advantage, you must keep your concentration. The team must play point by point, sometimes in favor and sometimes down”.
Andrés Carvajal, coach of Costa Rica: “The opponent is very capable, they had a higher level. The tournament has just begun. We must continue to battle, and we know what we are here for, and the players understand it”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 18, 2023.- Peru opened the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup defeating Cuba 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20) at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo Mexico.
Peru led the first set with a five-point advantage, while Cuba earned their way to move on top on opposite Claudia Tarin serves. Peru battled to recover and earn their first win in Pool A.
The South Americans held a 50 to 46 advantage in points from attacks and a comfortable 11-7 margin in blocks. Cuba did better in points from serves 7 to 3. Peru scored 34 points from Cuban errors and handed out 26.
With impressive 27 points, opposite Maria Paula Rodriguez of Peru led all scorers on 23 kills and four blocks. Outside hitter Daniela Muñoz and team captain Alondra Alarcon contributed in the win with 11 and 10 points respectively.
On Cuba’s side, outside hitter and team captain Hhitney James led with 15 points (13 kills and two aces), joined by outside hitter Yalain De La Peña with 14 points (13 kills and one block) and opposite Claudia Tarin who finished with 12 points (10 kills and two aces).
On day two of the event, Peru faces defending champion Dominican Republic and Cuba plays against Canada.
PERU’S OP RODRIGUEZ SPIKES FACING CUBA’S BLOCKERS
Alondra Alarcon, captain of Peru: “We had difficulties in the first set because we were too anxious to start the competition. We were able to move forward in the next three sets. There are errors we need to work on and improve our game, but in practice we will get it right. We were able to get the win as a team, united and helping each other”.
Francisco Hervas, coach of Peru: “Our goal is to learn. The first match is always hard, it’s hard to get into rhythm. We kept the lead in every set and the first set got away. That is what we need to improve”.
Hhitney James, captain of Cuba: “We were aware that Peru isn’t an easy opponent, they are a disciplined team on the court, something we lack a bit of. We lost the match for bad decisions; in easy points we couldn’t get the point. The beginning isn’t easy, and we will battle harder the next matches”.
Wilfredo Robinson, coach of Cuba: “We recovered the set by scoring, but Peru did the same in the next ones. We recognize that Peru has an excellent defense and with our strong attacks we couldn’t break it. We failed in serves; we made their complex one easy by serving to the libero. And we had bad decisions in defense”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 19, 2023.- Canada earned their first win beating Cuba 3-1 (25-18, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24) in Pool A at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup being held at Hermosillo, Mexico.
It was a rollercoaster performance for both teams. Despite leading, Canada struggled to close the first set. In the second set Canada reached set point but Cuba evened the actions on a block and kill. Canada’s best set was the third, while in the fourth they battled hard coming from behind recovering two Cuban sets points before sealing with a block by Raya Surinx.
Canada led in every skill, in kills 49 to 41, in blocks with a comfortable 13-8 margin and in serves 9-6. Cuba committed fewer unforced errors, 29 to 32.
Middle blocker Jessica Andrews and outside hitter Raya Surinx led Canada’s attackers with 17 points each, with Andrews leading with 4 points from blocks and as well in serves with 4 from aces.
Canada’s setter Noble
Outside hitter Yalain De La Peña and opposite hitter Claudia Tarin scored double digits for Cuba; De La Peña contributed with 11 points and Tarin with 10.
Canada (1-1) will face Peru on Thursday to resume the preliminary round and Cuba (0-2) goes against defending champions Dominican Republic.
Isabella Noble, setter of Canada: “We had a competitive mind-set and it set us up for success really well. We came together as a team well and it feels really good. We hope to bring the same energy for our next match, we’re ready for it”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, coach of Canada: “It feels good to get the result. We made a lot of improvement from yesterday and we’re getting better every day. At times we were still a little shaky on our side, but we were able to pull off the win and that shows a lot of fight from us”.
Wilfredo Robinson, coach of Cuba: “We recover balls, but we can’t’ keep the advantage. In the offense we were weak. We keep failing and handing out opportunities to our rival”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 17, 2023.- The head coaches of the eight participating teams speak ahead of the U23 Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup that starts on Tuesday July 18 at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo.
NORCECA teams are aiming for two berths to the 2025 Junior Pan American Games.
Matches will be streamed on Telemax Sonora on Facebook live and YouTube.
Martin Ambrosini, Head Coach of Argentina: “The team is good. We are bringing a young team, it’s a U-21 team that is preparing for the world championship in a month, so this comes great for our preparation. The Pan American Cup gives a chance to play against teams that we normally don’t and with a great level of play, and that’s just what Argentina’s volleyball needs. We think it will be a good tournament”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, Head Coach of Canada: “We’ve been fortunate to be able to train a group of us for the last few weeks, so we had a longer training block than normal. For several athletes this is their first international competition, which is very exciting. I think we have a really strong group to do our best, we are well prepared for sure”.
Andres Carvajal, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “We are excited after becoming Central American champions for the fifth time in this age-group. We are using this competition to prepare for the Central American championship in November in El Salvador. Our intentions are to compete at our highest level according to this highly leveled competition”.
Wilfredo Robinson, Head Coach of Cuba: “The has the aspirations to win a berth to the Junior Pan American Games. We have worked hard; we have some players who are bringing experience after competing in other events”.
Wagner Pacheco, Head Coach of Dominican Republic: “This team is a mix of our youth and junior categories, this is because of several international competitions and visa arrangements to be here. The combination is good, we will do a good job and we will battle for a medal”.
Marvin Ulloa, Head Coach of Honduras: “We weren’t sure to come, so the preparation was short. Three players who are abroad were able to make the team and we’re bringing four new ones who trained with the U-19 team that is competing at the Central American event in Belize, because we are working on renewing our senior team. This competition will help our preparation for the U-23 Central American championship in November”.
Head Coach of Mexico: “Exciting to start another competition here in Mexico. The team we’re bringing is the U21 that’s preparing for the upcoming world championship in Leon. Our expectations are high, we hope to be in the finals and win a berth to the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion”.
Head Coach of Peru: “We expect a lot of learning. We come to these championships with a clear idea to work for the future and improve our players’ performance who begin their international journey”.
HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 15, 2023.- Reigning champions Dominican Republic will be seeking for their sixth consecutive title at the U23 Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup to be held from July 18 to 23 at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
Five-time defending champions Dominican Republic have won the event in as many editions since its inception in 2012. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru have one silver medal each, while Cuba has finished third in the past three editions. Argentina also has one bronze medal.
The 2023 U23 Women’s Pan American Cup marks the beginning of the qualification process towards the 2025 Pan American Junior Games.
Two (2) vacancies will be granted here in Hermosillo, in the final ranking of the event among NORCECA teams for the 2025 Pan American Junior Games. The South American Volleyball Confederation, CSV, will establish its own qualification system.
The eight participating teams have been divided in two pools, with Pool A consisting of Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Peru; while host Mexico is joined by Argentina, Costa Rica and Honduras in Pool B.
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