Mexico Defeats Costa Rica and Advances

to Semifinals Against the United States

LEÓN, Guanajuato, July 30, 2025. – Mexico advanced to the semifinals of the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup after decisively beating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-13) at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.

With this victory, the hosts will face the United States in the semifinal. In the other bracket, defending champions Cuba will take on Canada in a rematch of the intense pool play match that Cuba won in five sets.

Mexico dominated from start to finish, leaving Costa Rica with few opportunities to respond. The home team outperformed in attacks 47-17, blocks 5-0, and service aces 1-0, while committing fewer errors than their opponents (16-22).

Mexico’s captain and middle blocker María Ximena Cruz was the top scorer of the match with 11 points, including 10 attacks and one block. Aitana Rettke followed with 9 points on 7 attacks, one block, and one ace.

For Costa Rica, Ivanny Blackwood once again stood out as the most effective player with 7 points.

The Women’s U23 Pan American Cup semifinals will be played this Thursday, where Mexico will aim to capitalize on their home advantage against the United States, while Cuba and Canada are set to revive one of the most thrilling clashes from the group stage.

Cassandra Simental, Mexico’s libero, said, “We were strong in attack, our serve was more consistent, and our blocking was effective. We came in aiming for a spot in the semifinals, and we achieved it. Tomorrow, we want to put on a great performance against the United States; we are prepared and want to reach the final. I hope we can be just as strong as we were today.”

Costa Rica’s outside hitter Tatiana Rodríguez said, “We are a very young team and didn’t have the opportunity to spend much time together. I feel we’ve done a good job reaching this stage of the tournament. We faced a great opponent, the home team, and in the end, it was a tough match.”