There was drama in the women’s final with Mexico edging Puerto Rico 21-20 in a thrilling tussle at the Plaza Merliot.

It was nip and tuck from start to finish with Puerto Rico getting their nose in front late on thanks to Mari Placido’s basket only for Karina Esquer to land a two-pointer to secure victory for Mexico.

The Dominican Republic saw off Venezuela 21-12 to win the bronze medal.

Puerto Rico responded from their gut-wrenching defeat to Mexico with a brilliant performance in the final of the men’s competition against Venezuela.

Antonio Ralat led the way in the scoring as he notched eight points, while Brian Vazquez weighed in with six as Puerto Rico claimed a 21-12 victory over Venezuela.

The bronze medal was claimed by the Dominican Republic following their 21-20 triumph against Mexico.

The men's volleyball competition also reached its conclusion today with Cuba coming out on top at the Palacio de los Deportes Carlos el Famoso.

Miguel Lopez, Javier Concepcion, Jesus Herrera and Jose Masso all hit double figures in the scoring department as Cuba defeated the Dominican Republic 25-17, 25-17, 25-22.

There was also a straight sets victory for Puerto Rico in the bronze-medal match as they beat the Guatemalan neutral team 25-19, 25-23, 25-14.

Panama enjoyed equestrian jumping success with Victoria Heurtematte, on board Scarlett du Sart Z, winning the individual speed competition with 66.94 points.

Colombia’s Camilo Rueda, on board Indus van het Keysereyck, had to settle for silver with 68.06, while the Dominican Republic’s Maria Gabriela Brugal Gasso, riding J’Adore Flamenco, earned bronze with 68.19.

The first medals were also awarded in fencing as Mexico’s Denisse Hernandez struck women’s individual foil gold with a 15-11 success over Venezuela’s Anabella Acurero.

The two bronze medals went to Colombian pair Laura Guerra and Tatiana Catalina Prieto Aljure after reaching the semi-finals.

Colombia emerged victorious in the men’s individual épée competition as Jhon Rodriquez beat Grabiel Lugo of Venezuela 15-9 for the title.

Another Venezuelan in Francisco Limardo picked up bronze along with Mexico’s Pablo Florido.

The opening day of athletics competition saw Guatemalan neutral Alberto Gonzalez win the men’s half marathon title in a time of 1hr 3min 50sec.

Colombia’s Jose Gonzalez posted 1:04:23 for silver, while Mexico’s Juan Barrios claimed bronze in 1:05:13.

Joselyn Brea of Venezuela won by just six seconds to secure the women’s half marathon crown as she crossed the line in 1:15:04.

Mexico’s Margarita Hernandez came up just short in 1:15:10, closely followed by Angie Orjuela of Colombia in 1:15:19.

The men’s 20 kilometre race walk title was won by Mexico’s Jose Doctor in 1:22:35, finishing just two seconds ahead of Colombia’s Cesar Herrera.

Noel Chama joined compatriot Doctor on the podium after sealing bronze in 1:23:09.

Mexico also enjoyed success in the women’s 20km race walk final as Alejandra Ortega crossed the line first in 1:35:43 to take gold.

She was followed by two Guatemalan neutral runners in Maria Peinado and Maritza Poncio who sealed podium spots after finishing in 1:35:59 and 1:36:25 respectively.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.