Dominican Republic Defeats Cuba in Straight

Sets in NORCECA Women’s Final Six Opener

GUADALAJARA, Jalisco, September 15, 2025. – The Dominican Republic opened the 2025 NORCECA Women’s Final Six with a straight set 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-21) victory over Cuba at Unidad Deportiva López Mateos in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

The round-robin tournament features the top six teams in the region, with the four best-ranked squads advancing to crossover semifinals.

The Dominicans’ aggressive serving set the tone early, pressuring Cuba’s reception and cruising through the first set. The second set was a much tighter battle, but the Dominican Republic maintained composure in the key points to take a two-set lead. In the third, strong blocking allowed “Las Reinas del Caribe” to stay in control despite a late push from Cuba.

The Dominican Republic dominated in kills (38-26), blocks (12-5), and aces (9-3), though they committed more unforced errors (26-16).

Opposite hitter Alondra Tapia led all scorers with 19 points (14 kills, 2 blocks, 3 aces), followed by outside hitter Madeline Guillén with 15 points (10 kills, 2 blocks, 3 aces). Dezirett Madan was Cuba’s top performer with 9 points.

Next up, the Dominican Republic will face Puerto Rico, while Cuba meets the United States in day two action.

Camila De la Rosa, Captain of the Dominican Republic: “We are a group that has known each other since the youth categories, our chemistry is good, but it had been a long time since we last played together. We had studied Cuba and tried to keep the match at our pace despite the ups and downs. In the end, we got the win.”

Laura Suárez, Middle Blocker of Cuba: “I don’t think it was a good start. We still have many matches left to keep moving forward, and I have faith in the team that we can improve our attitude and playing rhythm.”