Puerto Rico started strong in the Women's Pan American Volleyball Cup, defeating Venezuela in straight sets (25-19, 25-13, 25-11) in the tournament's Group A opening match in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. The Puerto Rican team found success with their service, which helped control the match. After a competitive first set, Puerto Rico dominated the next two sets, with Dariana Hollingsworth's serving streak key in the second set.
Wilmarie Rivera, Puerto Rico's captain, expressed satisfaction with the win, stating the team will take the tournament day by day. Puerto Rico outperformed Venezuela in statistics, with advantages in service points (9-0), attacks (39-23), and blocks (6-3). Ivania Ortiz led the Puerto Rican offense with 15 points, followed by Valeria Vázquez with 13 and Hollingsworth with 11.
Venezuela, competing with a U-19 selection, is using the tournament as preparation for the South American U-19 Championship. Puerto Rico will face Canada on Saturday, while Venezuela will play against the Dominican Republic. The Pan American Cup is important for accumulating ranking points with an eye towards potential future Olympic qualification, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.