Cuba Wins Five-Set Thriller Against Puerto Rico

in Women’s Final Six Opener

ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 21, 2026.- Cuba opened the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Six with a thrilling 3-2 (25-20, 21-25, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12) victory over Puerto Rico on Monday at the Unidad Deportiva Juan Fernández Albarrán in Zinacantepec, Estado de México.

After winning the opening set, Cuba dropped the next two before fighting back to force a decisive fifth set and secure its first victory in the round-robin competition.

In the deciding set, the teams were tied at 12-12 before Laura Suárez delivered a kill and Puerto Rico committed two attacking errors, allowing Cuba to claim the final three points and seal the victory.

Puerto Rico held a 66-51 advantage in attacks, while both teams recorded 13 blocks. Cuba led 5-3 in aces and benefited from 31 Puerto Rican errors, compared to 24 of its own.

Evilania Martínez led Cuba with 19 points, followed by Whitney James with 14, captain Laura Suárez with 13 and Yalain Regla de la Peña with 11.

Puerto Rico’s Dariana Hollingsworth was the match’s top scorer with 23 points. Valeria Vázquez added 13, Adriana Rodríguez contributed 11, including a match-high six blocks, and Ivania Ortiz finished with 10.

Laura Suárez, Cuba’s captain: “We are very excited because we had been on a losing streak. A victory always lifts the team’s spirit, especially at the start of a tournament. We knew from the beginning that Puerto Rico would be a tough opponent, and the important thing is that we found a way to win.”

Luizomar de Moura, Head Coach of Cuba: “It was a good start. I am proud of what we are building. We have a new setter, and we need to support and guide her throughout the match. I am happy because it is important to learn while winning. I am proud of the girls and the team.”

Wilmarie Rivera, Puerto Rico’s captain: “I think we struggled in the final set and made some key errors. Cuba was playing very well, just as we were, and that is why they won the match.”

On Tuesday, Cuba will face defending champion USA at 4:00 p.m., while Puerto Rico will meet host Mexico at 8:00 p.m. The top four teams after the round robin will advance to the crossover semifinals.