Mexico Sets the Pace with Strong Offense Against Nicaragua

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 1, 2026.- Mexico defeated Nicaragua 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-21) in the final match of the opening day of the NORCECA U23 Women’s Pan American Cup.

Nicaragua managed to stay close during the first half of the opening set, with Mexico holding only a three-point lead (11-8). From there, Mexico began to pull away with its offense, led particularly by Michelle Lizarraga and Aime Topete, to take the set 25-15.

Mexico dominated the second set. With Lizarraga leading the offense with nine points in the set and taking advantage of Nicaragua’s difficulties in reception, Mexico built a 19-4 advantage on its way to a 25-8 win.

Nicaragua showed a better version in the third set. The hosts tied the score at 14 and remained close at 19-20 before Mexico regained control down the stretch. Topete was decisive in the closing points with her attacks to secure the victory.

Topete led Mexico with 16 points, while Lizarraga added 12. María José Rivera contributed six points for Nicaragua.

Mexico held the advantage in attacks 51-23, blocks 6-2, and serves 2-0. Mexico scored 16 points from Nicaragua’s errors while conceding 19.

Mexico will face the Dominican Republic on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., while Nicaragua will play Canada at 7:00 p.m.

Luis León López, head coach of Mexico: “We talked with the players and told them there would be an opportunity in this match to rotate everyone, maybe for one set and some for two. We tried the different substitutions we might use during the competition, tried to keep the team in rhythm, and worked on correcting the mistakes we made today. Tomorrow will definitely be a very difficult match, and with this competition format there is no margin for error; one match can determine whether you compete for a medal or not. It’s not like other competitions where you can play quarterfinals, semifinals and, obviously, the final. Here, every match is extremely important.”

María Cruz, captain of Mexico: “It was a little difficult at the beginning to adjust because this is a completely new group, but I think we did well as the match progressed. These situations are good for us because they help us learn what to do and how to handle them. The match gave us an opportunity to see how we can respond in different situations and what we can do, and I think we handled it pretty well. Tomorrow we’re going to go out and do what we know how to do, only better, more connected and more united as a group, and try to learn from our mistakes and not make as many, especially when it comes to communication.”

Claudia Noguera, head coach of Nicaragua: “I think the players were a little nervous at the beginning, but that went away in the third set and we were able to score more points because we did things better, especially overcoming the reception problems that affected us a lot in the second set. We’ve improved a little in that area because the players have committed themselves to improving our K1. We have done that; we still go through some difficult stretches, but I think we have made considerable progress.”

Franchesca Viera, captain of Nicaragua: “We feel extremely happy and proud of ourselves because, even though these matches aren’t easy at all, we tried to give our best and put on a good show. We were nervous at the beginning, but we were really eager to play. I think we can still improve a lot, continue gaining experience that will allow us to reach a good level of play and keep learning.”