Mexico Opens the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Four with

a Straight‑Set Victory Over Cuba

PONCE, Puerto Rico, June 5, 2026.- México opened the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Four with a strong performance, defeating Cuba in straight sets (25–19, 25–10, 25–23) at the Salvador Dijols Coliseum.

Mexico took control early in the match. After securing the first set, the team dominated the second, building a 22–9 lead thanks to a back‑row attack and an ace by Samantha Bricio. A Cuban attack error sealed the 2–0 advantage.

Cuba showed its best rhythm in the third set, improving its play at the net. Two consecutive blocks tied the score at 16. The set remained close through 22–22, but Mexico pulled ahead with two straight points: one from a service error by Jessica Aguilera Carbajal and another from a clean kill by Sofía Maldonado.

A zone‑two attack by Samantha Bricio closed the match 25–23.

Mexico’s top scorers were Sofía Maldonado with 18 points, Samantha Bricio with 11, and Grecia Castro with 10.

For Cuba, Evilania Martínez and Dezirett De La Caridad Madan contributed 9 points each.

Mexico outperformed Cuba 42–31 in attacks, 7–6 in blocks, and 7–0 in aces.

Post‑Match Reactions

Samantha Bricio – Mexico

On the key to the victory: “I think we were able to fix the mistakes we made at the beginning of the first set and again in the third. We kept a cool head, and that helped us.”

On adjustments needed for tomorrow’s match: “The first match of any tournament is always unpredictable. It’s not nerves, but adapting to the travel and the court. Hopefully tomorrow it will show that we’re more comfortable.”

On Sunday’s big match against Puerto Rico:  “We’ve had very good weeks of training, working on our system. If we execute it, it should be enough to compete one‑on‑one.”

Dezirett De La Caridad Madan – Cuba

Impressions of the match:  “For a first match, it was a bit complicated for us. We didn’t have the ideal preparation to arrive at the tournament, even dealing with visa issues. But we went out there to give our best.”

On what was missing to extend the match:  “Maybe a bit more attack and defense. But personally and collectively, I think it was a good start considering the circumstances.”

Next Matches

On the second day of competition, Mexico will face Costa Rica at 7:00 p.m. (local time).

Meanwhile, Cuba will take on host Puerto Rico at 9:00 p.m.