Mexico Finishes Fifth at Santo Domingo 2026

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 7, 2026.- Mexico finished in fifth place in the women’s volleyball tournament of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 after defeating Venezuela 3-1 (25-15, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20).

Mexico took control of the match from the opening set, relying on its offense and blocking to build a comfortable lead. The Mexicans maintained control throughout the remainder of the set and won it 25-15.

Mexico continued to set the pace in the second set. After a more balanced start, the team pulled away on the scoreboard and maintained the advantage until closing it 25-18 to move one set away from victory.

Venezuela responded in the third set in a closely contested battle that reached a 20-20 tie. From that point on, neither team was able to pull away, with the score tied again at 21, 22 and 23, before Venezuela scored the final two points to take the set 25-23 and extend the match.

The fourth set also began evenly and reached a 9-9 tie. Mexico gradually built an advantage and, although Venezuela stayed within reach for much of the set, the Mexicans entered the final stretch ahead 22-18 and closed it 25-20 to secure fifth place.

Mexico held a huge advantage in attacks 57-37 and was also superior in blocks 15-9, although it committed 26 errors compared to Venezuela’s 23. Venezuela led in aces 6-3.

Grecia Castro led Mexico’s offense with 21 points, followed by Sofía Maldonado with 20 and Uxue Guereca with 16. Karina Flores recorded a match-high five blocks.

For Venezuela, Mariangel Vivas was the only player in double figures with 14 points, including a match-high four aces.

Mexico head coach Nicola Negro reflected on his team’s performance throughout the tournament.

“It was a tournament below our level of play. Unfortunately, along the way we lost some players and we need to find a new balance within the team. Our attack is struggling, and the level of offense we need is difficult to reach. In a few days, we hope to be in better shape for the NORCECA Championship,” Negro said.