Dominicans top Olympic champions and retain NORCECA gold

The Dominican Republic women’s national team continues to be a force in the NORCECA region as the Queens of the Caribbean claimed their third-straight and fourth overall continental title on Sunday in Québec, Canada.

With a campaign of five victories in six matches, the Dominicans secured the title with a dramatic five-set (12-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-19, 15-13) triumph over Olympic champions the United States, the only opponents who had defeated them, on Thursday, in pool play.

The NORCECA Continental Championship winners also in 2009, 2019 and 2021, the Dominicans have the third most titles in the event, trailing Cuba, with 13, and the United States, with eight, but have been the most successful in the last decade.

With 20 points, star outside hitter Brayelin Martínez was the main Dominican scorer in the gold medal match, registering 18 kills and two blocks. His sister and the team’s middle blocker Jineiry had 13, with eight kills, three blocks and two aces.

Additionally, libero Brenda Castillo was awarded as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“I am very happy about this great victory,” she commented. “We truly played as a team and that’s what helped us. I am very pleased with the big win against this team, which is the main team of the United States. Thanks to the crowd, wherever we go, there are always many lovely people who support us, many blessings to them.”

American Olympic champion opposite Jordan Thompson led all scorers in the gold medal match, leaving the court with 21 points – 17 kills, three blocks, one ace. Middle blocker Dane Rettke was the other American player to get to double digits in scoring, adding 11 points with eight kills, two blocks and one ace.

Hosts Canada took bronze for a third-straight time, overcoming Cuba in four sets (25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-16) to find their way to the podium.

After retaining their continental title, the Dominicans now focus on the Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifier, from September 16-24. The Caribbean will be in Pool A, in China, where they will face the home team, Serbia, the Netherlands, Canada, Czechia, Mexico and Ukraine for two spots at next year’s Olympics.

The United States will be in Poland, where they will meet the hosts, Italy, Germany, Thailand, Colombia, Korea and Slovenia.