Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic women’s volleyball team, known as the “Reinas del Caribe,” will battle for the bronze medal this Sunday at the NORCECA Women’s Final Six 2025, after falling to the United States in the semifinals. The third-place clash against Puerto Rico is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (Dominican time).
Semifinal Recap: USA Stops the Reinas del Caribe
In a tense semifinal held at the Unidad Deportiva López Mateos in Guadalajara, Mexico, the U.S. team defeated the Dominicans 3-1 (25-20, 16-25, 25-18, 25-22) to secure their spot in the gold medal match against Mexico.
Despite the loss, several Dominican players shined:
- Massiel Matos led all scorers with 17 points,
- Madeline Guillén added 15,
- Alondra Tapia contributed 13,
- and Geraldine González closed with 11.
First-Ever Bronze Medal Match for the Dominican Republic
For the “Reinas del Caribe,” this marks a historic first: it is the first time they will compete for bronze at this tournament. In past editions, the Dominican Republic consistently reached the final, capturing three consecutive gold medals before this year’s campaign.
The United States, meanwhile, continues an impressive run of consistency. This marks their fourth straight appearance in the Final Six championship match: bronze in 2021, silver in 2022 and 2024, and champions in 2023.
Key Stats and Previous Duel
Earlier in the group stage, the U.S. had also beaten the Dominican squad in four sets. The semifinal numbers reflected a similar pattern:
- USA led in blocks (11-10) and aces (4-3),
- while Dominican Republic dominated in attacks (54-48) but suffered from too many unforced errors (28 compared to 18).
U.S. Offensive Leaders
On the American side, Reagan Cooper stood out with 14 points, all from spikes, while Samantha Francis scored 13 (six spikes, six blocks, and an ace). Khori Louis and Skylar Fields also chipped in 10 points each, showcasing the depth of the U.S. roster.
What’s Next for the Reinas del Caribe?
All eyes now turn to Sunday’s bronze medal showdown against Puerto Rico, a rivalry that promises intensity and pride. For Dominican fans and international volleyball followers, this match will be a chance to witness whether the Caribbean Queens can close NORCECA Final Six 2025 with a podium finish.
