CHILE, August 6, 2026.- The United States and Mexico opened the Girls’ U17 World Championship with victories as the tournament got underway Thursday in Chile, while Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic fell in their respective opening matches.
United States Defeats Egypt
The United States, competing in Pool A, started the Girls’ U17 World Championship with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17) victory over Egypt.
Julia Masselink was the match’s leading scorer with 17 points, including three blocks, while Maya Ogbogu contributed 15 points, including three aces. Kari Knotts also reached double figures with 11 points.
The United States held the advantage over Egypt in every scoring category, leading 48-22 in attacks, 10-4 in blocks and 5-0 in aces.
Mexico Outlasts Venezuela in Five Sets
In a closely contested match, Mexico defeated Venezuela 3-2 (25-21, 10-25, 15-25, 25-20, 15-7) in its Pool B debut.
Mexican opposite Gabriela Ayala was the match’s leading scorer with 21 points, including four blocks and three aces, while Katherine Camacho finished with 13 points.
In the team statistics, Mexico held the advantage over Venezuela in blocks, 12-9, and aces, 11-7, while the South Americans led in attacks, 53-38.
Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic Fall in Opening Matches
Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic fell in their respective opening matches. Puerto Rico lost to Korea 1-3 (10-25, 23-25, 25-19, 24-26), while the Dominican Republic was defeated by Chinese Taipei 0-3 (12-25, 19-25, 19-25).
Both teams are competing in Pool D.
Schedule for Friday, August 7 (Local time)
United States vs. Türkiye – 2:00 p.m.
Mexico vs. Philippines – 5:00 p.m.
Puerto Rico vs. Algeria – 5:00 p.m.
Dominican Republic vs. Italy – 8:00 p.m.
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