TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, May 28, 2026. – Venezuela claimed first place in Pool C of the Girls’ U17 Pan American Cup after a thrilling five-set victory over Mexico, winning 3-2 (25-21, 12-25, 25-17, 23-25, 15-13) at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa.
With this result, Venezuela finished pool play undefeated (2-0), while Mexico (1-1) secured second place and a berth in the quarterfinals. Costa Rica (0-2) ended in third place. The best two first-place teams from pool play will advance directly to the semifinals, with Venezuela strongly waiting for the final results.
The opening set saw Venezuela jump to an 11-5 lead, powered by Fabianny Carima and Yalesca Colina. Mexico responded with discipline, mounting a six-point run led by Katherine Camacho and Evelyn Díaz to tie at 11. Both teams exchanged points in a fierce battle, but Venezuela capitalized on Mexican errors late to secure the set.
Mexico took control in the second set, racing to a 14-5 lead behind Maia Villalpando, who excelled from the service line. Supported by Camacho, Mexico dominated to level the match at one set apiece.
Venezuela regained momentum in the third set, starting with a 7-0 run fueled by Carima and Colina, while Mexico struggled with unforced errors. Antonella Lovera added strong kills to extend the lead, and despite Díaz’s efforts to close the gap, Venezuela prevailed to go up 2-1.
Mexico answered in the fourth, building a 13-7 advantage and pressing hard to force a decider. Venezuela fought back with spikes from Colina and Amanda Pacheco, narrowing the score to 22-23. Mexico reached set point with a kill from Camacho and sealed the set after a Venezuelan error, sending the match to a tie-break.
The fifth set was a dramatic contest, with Colina and Pacheco leading Venezuela’s attack while Mexico’s defense kept the score tight. Venezuela reached match point on a kill from Pacheco, and after Mexico extended the battle through Gallardo’s offense, Pacheco struck again to clinch the victory.
Statistically, Venezuela led in kills (66-53), while Mexico held the edge in blocks (5-3) and aces (7-5). Venezuela committed 35 unforced errors compared to Mexico’s 26.
Yalesca Colina was the match’s top scorer with 26 points, supported by opposite Amanda Pacheco with 21. For Mexico, Katherine Camacho led with 19 points, followed by Evelyn Díaz with 16 and Maia Villalpando with 12.
Venezuela’s head coach Ihosvanny Chambers praised his team’s effort: “It was really a very exciting game. In this category it’s normal to have ups and downs, and control the emotions of the girls. I am glad the players are getting in better rhythm, getting this victory and the way they did it. Mexico is a good team; we are in the same pool for the World Championship, so there is much to study.”
Mexico’s captain Emily Camarena highlighted the intensity of the match: “Our opponents have been exceptional. It was a cardiac match. Both teams did a great job. I believe there were some decisions that weren’t the best. We will continue to battle to reach the semifinals.”
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