In a thrilling five-setter, Argentina emerged as the champion of the XX Senior Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup, besting Puerto Rico 3-2 (25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-6). The iconic victory took place at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce, marking their first-ever gold in the competition.
Guided by the experienced Daniel Jorge Castellani, an Olympic and world medalist, the Argentine team showed resilience against a tenacious Puerto Rico, clinching the gold. Argentina’s Bianca Cugno was instrumental, leading her team with 16 points. Paula Nizetich and Daniela Bulaich contributed 12 and 11 points respectively. However, Pilar Victoria of Puerto Rico shone as the match’s top scorer with 22 points.
Argentina’s previous best at the Pan American Cup was three bronze medals. On the other hand, Puerto Rico added a second silver medal to their tally, having previously secured three bronzes.
The Argentine coach, Castellani, expressed immense pride, “Resisting was the key. We managed to control the match despite the support Puerto Rico got from their home crowd.” Victoria Mayer, the team’s captain, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s aggressive approach.
On the Puerto Rican side, Coach Fernando Morales highlighted the hard work of his team, “This group grows playing in finals; win or lose, the group grows.”
In the battle for third place, the United States reconfirmed their prowess, securing a bronze medal by overcoming the Dominican Republic 3-1. Simone Lee was a standout for the U.S., putting up 23 points.
Bianca Cugno’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed. The Argentina National Team’s opposite was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Cugno also bagged the titles of Best Scorer, Best Serve, and Best Opposite, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
Individual Awards:
- Best Spiker: Simone Lee (USA)
- Second Best Spiker: Ana Karina Olaya (COL)
- Best Blocker: Geraldine González (DOM)
- Second Best Blocker: Jocelyn Urias (MEX)
- Best Receiver: Ysabella Sánchez (PER)
- Best Defense: Joseline Landeros (MEX)
- Best Setter: Ivonne Martínez (MEX)
- Best Libero: Joseline Landeros (MEX)
- Best Opposite & Scorer: Bianca Cugno (ARG)
- Most Valuable Player: Bianca Cugno (ARG)
Finals
Gold medal match
Argentina vs Puerto Rico 3-2 (25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19- 25, 15-6)
Bronze medal match
USA vs Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 27-25)
