The **Dominican Republic women`s national volleyball team**, supported by **FIVB Volleyball Empowerment**, earned a bronze medal at the Junior Pan American Games held in Asunción. Brazil ultimately claimed the gold medal, triumphing over Mexico in the final match.
To date, the Dominican Republic has received a significant investment of **USD 1,050,000** in coaching support through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program. This crucial funding has enabled their women`s national teams to benefit from the expert guidance of Brazilian head coach Marcos Kwiek and his dedicated staff.
The Dominican team commenced the tournament in Paraguay with a strong **3-0 shutout victory** against Chile. Despite this promising start, they concluded Pool B in third place with a 1-2 win-loss record, finishing behind the two teams that would later contest the final: undefeated pool winners Brazil and pool runners-up Mexico (2-1). Under the strategic direction of Brazilian coach Wagner Rocha Pacheco, the Dominican squad advanced to deliver a decisive **3-0 (25-20, 27-25, 25-18) sweep** of their quarterfinal match against Pool A runners-up Cuba. Their path to the gold medal match was halted when they faced Brazil once more in the semifinals, resulting in a **3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-13) loss**. However, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back to secure the bronze medal with an impressive **3-1 (25-17, 25-21, 21-25, 25-19) victory** over Pool A winners Argentina in the third-place play-off.
Dominican Republic`s captain, Florangel Terrero, expressed her profound satisfaction with the achievement: “Winning the bronze medal is a great feeling! We have a great responsibility to take this medal back home.” She further highlighted the team`s unwavering commitment: “It was a hard match and we fought strong, giving our all to win it. The team followed our coaches’ instructions and I motivated them to play with all our hearts. I want to thank everyone for giving it all.”
Mexico`s journey to the final included a **3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-19) shutout** of Costa Rica in the quarterfinals, followed by another **3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-16) sweep** against Argentina in the semifinals. In the ultimate championship match, Brazil showcased their dominance, securing an unbeaten tournament run with a **3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-14) victory** over the Mexicans to claim the top spot on the podium.
In the final standings, Cuba secured fifth place, followed by Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Chile, who rounded out the places from fifth to eighth respectively.
**Julliana De Andrade (Juju)**, Brazil`s 21-year-old middle blocker and captain, was deservedly named the **Most Valuable Player (MVP)** of the tournament. She also earned a spot on the prestigious Dream Team, alongside setter Heloise Soares (Brazil), opposite Katielle Alonzo (Dominican Republic), outside hitters Whitney James (Cuba) and Ana Luiza Rüdiger (Brazil), middle blocker Maria Victoria Matich (Argentina), and libero Rashanny Solano (Costa Rica). Rashanny Solano received additional recognition as both **Best Digger** and **Best Receiver**. The **Best Scorer** award went to the Dominican Republic’s **Alondra Tapia**, while Cuba’s Lianet Garcia was honored with the **Best Server** award.
Further details on the women`s volleyball tournament, including comprehensive results, statistics, and final standings, are available for the Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood