Karen Rivera Serves 16 Aces as Mexico Advances to Quarterfinals

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 23, 2026.- Karen Rivera served 16 aces as Mexico defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 (25-4, 25-10, 25-0) to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship at the “Prof. Ricardo Gioriver Arias” Volleyball Palace.

With the victory, Mexico finished the preliminary round with a 1-2 record, placing third in Pool A and securing a spot in Monday’s quarterfinals. Trinidad and Tobago finished 0-3 and will compete in the classification matches for positions 5-8.

Mexico dominated 39-20 in attacks and 26-0 in aces, while Trinidad and Tobago held a 1-0 edge in blocks. Mexico committed 9 errors compared to Trinidad and Tobago’s 17.

In addition to Rivera’s 16 aces, Aimé Topete contributed 13 points and Karina Flores added 11 for Mexico. For Trinidad and Tobago, Thia Wilson and Deyonce Legall scored 2 points each.

Nicola Negro, Mexico’s coach: “It was a good match for us because we were able to give playing time to those who hadn’t played before. The players who came onto the court performed very well. Tomorrow we have a very difficult quarterfinal against Cuba because there’s a lot at stake, and we need to be fully focused for that match.”

Gideon Dickson, Trinidad and Tobago’s coach: “It was a very difficult match. Our defense didn’t work, and Mexico was very strong from the service line. Our players are very young, so this is a valuable experience for them. We need to regroup and come back stronger for the next match.”