The stage is set for the grand final of the 2023 NORCECA Senior Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship, with USA and the Dominican Republic triumphing in their respective semifinal matches against Cuba and Canada. The championship battles are taking place at PEPS’ Amphithéatre Desjardins-Université Laval.
In an electrifying atmosphere fueled by over 2,500 home fans, Canada lost to the Dominican Republic in a four-set thriller, 1-3 (25-27, 22-25, 25-23, 20-25). Gaila Gonzalez spearheaded the Dominican effort with 16 points, including 13 from attacks, a block, and two aces. Yonkaira Peña contributed 15 points. Despite Kiera Van Ryk’s match-high 25 points for Canada, the Dominican team excelled in blocking (11-8) and aces (8-2) and capitalized on Canadian errors to win 28-24 in that category.
Earlier in the day, the United States cruised past Cuba with a straight-set win, 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-16). U.S. opposite Jordan Thompson led the scoring board with 13 points, supported by teammates Jordan Larson with 12 and Dana Rettke with 11. Greisy Fine was Cuba’s top scorer with nine points. The United States dominated in attack points (40-18), blocking (10-5), and serving (11-1), even though Cuba made one fewer error (14-15).
The Dominican Republic is set to square off against the United States in the eagerly anticipated gold-medal match, while Canada and Cuba will vie for the bronze.