Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico triumph in the start of the women’s handball qualifier

SANTO DOMINGO. The selections from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were victorious in the first date of the Caribbean Women’s Handball Cup being held at the Table Tennis Pavilion of Parque del Este, qualifying for the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026. The Dominican team decisively defeated their Costa Rican counterparts by 33 goals to 18. The first half ended 14-6 in favor of the Dominican women. For the winning cause, Yojavel Brito, Nancy Peña and Mariela Altagracia scored five goals each, while Danilza Liranzo, Florquidea Puello and Olkidia Cuevas added four goals apiece. For Costa Rica, Valeria Taborda scored four goals, while Diana Álvarez and Reychel Vargas finished with three goals each.

Puerto Rico triumphs

In the other match, the Puerto Rico team defeated Cuba 31-26 in a close game that opened the qualifying day, which concludes this Saturday. The first half favored Puerto Rico 17-15, which had the offensive work of Delianne Ceballos, with seven goals, followed by Zuleika Fuentes, with six goals, and Edianed Benítez, with four units. For Cuba, Lietis Beltrán and María de las Mercedes Mazorra scored six goals each, while Zajaris Hernández added five, and Diancy González finished with four goals. The contest continues this Wednesday with two matches at 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon.