DR will debut against Puerto Rico in the U-17 Pan American Cup; Priscila Rivera trusts in conquering a medal

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. The Dominican Republic’s U-17 women’s national team will begin their participation this Wednesday in the second edition of the U-17 Pan American Volleyball Cup, facing Puerto Rico at 7:00 PM Dominican time, at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa.

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The tournament, which will be held until June 1st in Honduras, brings together nine teams from the continent and will serve as a development platform for young female volleyball talents, as well as being an important preparation for the FIVB U-17 World Championship to be held this year in Chile. Dominican coach Priscila Rivera assured that the team arrives with enthusiasm and with the goal of fighting for a medal, despite not having had ideal preparation. “The girls have matured a lot since last year’s NORCECA tournament. We have new members with great talent and we come with great enthusiasm to compete and seek a medal,” said Rivera. The former captain of the Caribbean Queens highlighted the integration of players such as Crisbel Payano, Joanna Fanil, and Yolgeissy Ozuna, who will reinforce the Dominican Republic team in this continental competition. Dominican Republic is in Group A with Puerto Rico and the United States, while Honduras, Canada, and Peru make up Group B, and Costa Rica, Mexico, and Venezuela compete in Group C. The tournament format stipulates that the two best teams finishing in first place in their groups will advance directly to the semifinals, while the best third-place group leader will play the quarterfinals along with the second-place teams. Puerto Rico arrives at the event as defending champion after winning the gold medal in the inaugural edition held in Guatemala in 2024, while Peru obtained the silver and Venezuela the bronze. The Dominican selection will return to the court on Thursday to face the United States in the closing of the preliminary phase.