Santo Domingo.- After an exciting comeback that allowed Puerto Rico to advance to the men’s volleyball final of the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, player Pelegrín Vargas Jr. expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and assured that they are now focused on winning the gold medal.
Vargas Jr. explained that the Puerto Rican team arrived at the tournament with the goal of reaching the final, a goal he assured they achieved after prevailing in a match in which they dominated the first two sets, conceded the third, and subsequently reacted to close the match in the fourth set.
“I feel very happy and proud of the team. We came determined to reach that final. I think we achieved that goal,” the volleyball player expressed.
Looking ahead to the gold medal match, Puerto Rico awaits the winner of the matchup between Colombia and Cuba. However, Vargas Jr. downplayed who their next opponent will be and assured that the team’s priority is to focus on their own performance.
“I believe our job as a group is to focus on being our best version,” he/she maintained, highlighting that throughout the tournament they have been improving, getting to know each other better, and strengthening their character as a team.
The player also highlighted that, although the team has some new faces, there is a core group that has been working together for some time, which has allowed them to consolidate their game as the competition progresses.
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A special moment with his father
Beyond qualifying for the final, Vargas Jr.’s participation in Santo Domingo has a special meaning, due to the presence of his father, fellow former Puerto Rican volleyball player Pelegrín Vargas, who participated in the Central American and Caribbean Games held in Santiago de los Caballeros in 1986.
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Four decades later, father and son coincide once again with the Central American Games as the stage, this time with Vargas Jr. defending the colors of Puerto Rico.
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“My dad is my idol and it really touches my heart,” said the emotional player, who recalled that since he was little, he would search the internet for images and references of his father’s participations.
Vargas Jr. stated that he feels blessed to be able to experience this moment accompanied by his parents.
“Having my parents with me means everything to me. I feel very blessed. That we can share moments like these, they make my life. There is nothing else that can replace that,” he expressed.
With the ticket to the final secured, Puerto Rico will now seek to close its participation by winning the gold medal, while Vargas Jr. enjoys a moment that transcends sports and allows him to continue a family history linked to Central American volleyball.
