Cuba has claimed its first-ever Women’s U23 Pan American Cup championship after a 3-1 (26-24, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20) victory over the Dominican Republic at the Xalapa International Velodrome in Veracruz, Mexico. The win ends the Dominican Republic’s dominance in the competition, as they had previously won every edition since its inception in 2012.
Cuba’s powerful performance was led by opposite hitter Lisania Grafort, who scored 24 points, with captain Whitney James contributing 15 points. Yensy Kindelan and Yalain De La Peña added nine points each. The match saw Cuba outshine the Dominican team in attacks (55-42) and serves (8-4), though the Dominicans led in blocking (8-6).
In the bronze medal match, Mexico defeated Chile 3-1 (20-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-13) to secure bronze medal. Mexican players Michelle Lizárraga and Marcela Herrera played key roles in the win, scoring 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Cuba’s opposite Lisania Grafort was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
