Defending Champion United States Advances to the Gold Medal Match

Defending Champion United States Advances

PONCE, Puerto Rico, October 11th, 2025.- The United States earned a chance to defend its NORCECA Final Six title, advancing to the gold medal match after a thrilling five-set victory over Mexico (22-25, 25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13) at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium.

The first set was highly competitive. Both teams were tied at 12-12, but Mexico gained momentum and pulled ahead with a 5-point lead at 20-15. However, two aces from Kyler Wade closed the gap to 21-23. Despite the late push, Mexico’s consistent attacking secured the set, 25-23.

The United States started strong in the second set, but Mexico found their rhythm, narrowing the gap from 8-4 to tie it at 8-8. The United States regained control and maintained the advantage despite Mexico’s pressure. A monster block by Cameron Thorne sealed the set for the United States, 25-22.

The United States took an early lead at 11-6 on the third set Mexico responded with pressure and tied the score at 15-15. The teams were level again at 18-18, but a combination of attacks from Yasutaka Sanay and Ridl Garcia guided Mexico to win the set 25-19.

The United States didn’t give up and came out focused, building a solid 11-5 lead. Mexico tried to close the gap, narrowing the score to 16-18, but the USA remained stronger and forced a tiebreak after winning the set 25-23. The tiebreak was evenly matched until the United States gained a four-point advantage at 8-4. Mexico pushed back to tie the score at 9-9, but the USA held firm and closed the match with a 15-13 win in the fifth set.

Mexico outperformed the United States in attacks (54-49), but the USA committed fewer errors (37-40). Both teams were even in blocks (9-9) and serves (8-8).

Kyler Wade, the United States’ opposite, led their offense with 20 points, followed by team captain Sebastiano Sani with 13. For Mexico, Ridl Alexis Garay was the top scorer with 20 points, while teammate Yasutaka Sanay added 18.

Cameron Thorne, middle blocker of the United States: “it was our second five-setter in a row, a long but great match and it is a team win. We have everybody in the game but had some blocking trouble and our coaches were guiding us through that. We are an energetic team, so we really show passion. There are some small mistakes that we must fix up to face either the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico tomorrow but is going to be a fun game. Now, we are going to rest, watch a lot films and bring our best game because what matter is tomorrow, tomorrow is the biggest game.

Luis Ordoñez, setter of Mexico: "We knew it was going to be a tough, long game, and whoever made the fewest mistakes at the end would take the win. In this case, we missed key points at the end, and the game slipped away from us. Tomorrow is the bronze medal match, and We have to work a little on closing the sets. We have to prepare mentally and come here with the desire to win, with the goal of earning that third place."