The Peruvian women's national volleyball team suffered a straight-sets 3-0 defeat against Argentina in the opening match of the 2026 Salta Volleyball Cup on Saturday.
Argentina dominated the match played at the Microestadio Delmi in Salta, winning with set scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-12. The host team took control early, preventing coach Antonio Rizola's Peruvian side from finding answers throughout the three sets.
The friendly tournament serves as a key preparation event for both nations ahead of the 2026 Volleyball South American Championship. Both teams are seeking to build momentum as they look to secure qualification for the upcoming World Championship and the Olympic Games.
Match analysis and set scores
In the opening set, Argentina established a commanding presence on court, taking it 25-15. Peru produced a closer contest in the second set, pushing Argentina before falling 25-22. Argentina then closed out the victory comfortably in the third set, winning 25-12 to finish with a total point tally of 75 compared to Peru's 49.
The fixture marked the first of three planned friendly encounters between the two South American rivals. Peruvian head coach Antonio Rizola used the match to evaluate his squad, while Argentina coach Facundo Morando guided his side to a decisive opening win.
Outside hitter Kiara Montes addressed recent reports regarding her national team future alongside the match. Montes confirmed that her commitment to the Peruvian national team remains firm until the end of the tournament cycle. Meanwhile, former player Julieta Lazcano reflected on public discussions following her departure from Peruvian club Alianza Lima, stating that she would not act hypocritically regarding her decision.
National squad selections
Coach Rizola named a 16-player squad for the Peruvian national team for the Salta tournament. The roster features outside hitters Aixa Vigil, Alondra Alarcón, Karla Ortiz, Kiara Montes, Daniela Muñoz, and Sandra Ostos. Middle blockers Claudia Palza, Coraima Gómez, Diana de la Peña, and Saskya Silvano were also selected, along with opposite Thaisa Mc Leod. The squad is completed by setters Lucía Magallanes and Yadhira Anchante, alongside liberos Andrea Villegas, Mirian Patiño, and Rachell Hidalgo.
Argentina coach Facundo Morando called up a 19-player squad for the tournament. The Argentine squad includes opposites Bianca Cugno and Anahí Tosi, as well as setters Victoria Mayer, Melany Detzel, and Morena Chiappero. Outside hitters Bianca Bertolino, Daniela Bulaich, Nicole Pérez, Elina Rodríguez, Martina Bednarek, and Núria Farriol were selected alongside middle blockers Bianca Farriol, Candelaria Herrera, Avril García, Micaela Cabrera, Martina Da Dalt, and Julieta Medina. Liberos Victoria Caballero and Agostina Pelozo round out the roster.
Venue and upcoming match schedule
All matches in the series are being hosted at the Microestadio Delmi, an indoor sports venue in Salta with a seating capacity of more than 3,000 spectators. The stadium will host two further friendly clashes between the two nations.
The second match of the series takes place on Sunday, August 23, at 5:00 p.m. local time. The final friendly between Peru and Argentina will be played on Monday, August 24, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Broadcast and viewing information
In Peru, live television coverage of the series is provided by Latina TV on Channel 2 and Channel 702 in high definition. Digital coverage is accessible online through the Latina TV website and mobile application, with match updates provided by La República Deportes.
Broadcast coverage begins at 5:00 p.m. in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Viewers in Mexico can watch from 4:00 p.m., while coverage starts at 6:00 p.m. in Bolivia, Chile, and Venezuela. In Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, the match starts at 7:00 p.m., with broadcast timing set for midnight in Spain on Sunday, August 23.
