GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, June 25, 2026. – Venezuela claimed its first victory at the 2026 Men’s U21 Pan American Cup, defeating the Dominican Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-21) to secure third place in Pool A and advance to the quarterfinals, where it will face the second-place team from Pool B.
On behalf of the Pan American Volleyball Union (UPV), the NORCECA Confederation and the South American Volleyball Confederation (CSV), a moment of silence was observed prior to the match between Venezuela and the Dominican Republic in memory of the victims and in solidarity with all those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
Venezuela built its victory on a dominant blocking performance, holding an 11-3 advantage in that category. The South Americans also led in attacks (34-29), aces (2-1), and committed fewer unforced errors (23-28).
Jean Franco Sanabria led Venezuela’s offense with 14 points, followed by Yoisbel Galeno with 11. Malik Britton was the Dominican Republic’s leading scorer with 13 points.
Although the teams battled evenly through the early stages of all three sets, Venezuela gradually took control behind the offensive production of Sanabria and Galeno, Harold Larez’s serving, and an effective blocking scheme that consistently disrupted the Dominican attack. The Dominicans mounted a late push in the third set, but Venezuela remained composed to complete the straight-set victory.
Venezuela’s head coach, Luis Antonio Arias, said: “This is an important victory as we continue fighting for a place in the semifinals. Now a new tournament begins. Despite the difficult situation our country is facing, the players have turned it into extra motivation. They have improved match after match and continue to proudly represent our flag”.
Dominican Republic head coach José Francisco Lerebours commented: “We were placed in a pool with very experienced teams, and we did not have enough preparation time. Our captain was only able to join the team for the second match and is still adapting. We will now work to finish the tournament in the best position possible”.
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