Canada Sweeps Cuba for Fifth Place

at NORCECA Women’s Final Six

GUADALAJARA, Jalisco, September 21, 2025. – Canada claimed fifth place at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s Final Six with a commanding 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-21) sweep over Cuba on Sunday at Unidad Deportiva López Mateos in Guadalajara.

Canada closed the tournament with a 2-4 record, while Cuba finished 1-5. The Canadians defeated Cuba twice in the event, also prevailing in a thrilling five-set battle during the preliminary round.

Despite Cuba’s impressive blocking trio of Brenda Nold, Laura Suárez, and Dayana Martínez, Canada controlled the first set behind Sydney Grills’ strong performance from the service line and in attack, with consistent support from Maryn Boldon.

The second set was closely contested, tied at 18 points apiece before Cuba surged ahead 20-18 thanks to the efforts of Dezirett Madan, Yensy Kindelán, and Evilania Martínez. Canada responded with a steady rally, capitalizing on opponent errors. Boldon capped off a long rally with a powerful swing and followed up with a key block on Suárez to regain the lead. Veronica Dickson then sealed the set with a block and a decisive kill.

In the third set, Canada jumped out to an 18-13 lead with a serving run from Isabella Noble that disrupted Cuba’s system. Whitney James led Cuba’s late offensive push, but Canada held firm and secured the match on a reception error following a serve from Dickson.

Canada dominated in blocks (10-6) and serves (6-3) while taking advantage of 19 Cuban errors compared to their own 9. Cuba had a slight edge in attacks (41-40).

Maryn Boldon led all scorers with 14 points for Canada, while Veronica Dickson and Sydney Grills contributed 10 points each. Whitney James topped Cuba with 12 points, followed by Evilania Martínez with 10.

Canada’s Head Coach, Mathew Krueger said to be proud of his team “It’s unbelievable to have beaten Cuba twice, they are an unbelievable team, and it was a very good battle. I am proud of our team, all what we worked during the whole summer came in tuition today. The team deserves this one”.

Dezirett Madan, captain of Cuba, said: “We were very desperate, we put too much pressure on ourselves to do things right and give our best. I think that’s not good; you don’t get what you want that way, and desperation led us to make too many mistakes. This is another experience, and we will keep preparing to come back next year with a better version of each of us and give it our all.”