Mexico’s Powerful Serving Fuels Opening

Win over Dominican Republic

ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 21, 2026.- Host Mexico used an aggressive serving performance, led by Arleth Márquez’s four aces, to defeat Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20) on Monday in its opening match of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Six at the Unidad Deportiva Juan Fernández Albarrán in Zinacantepec, Estado de México.

Mexico’s aggressive serving and consistent offense proved decisive. The hosts held a 44-33 advantage in kills, 3-0 in blocks and 7-1 in aces. Both teams committed 21 errors.

Sofía Maldonado led all scorers with 19 points, all on kills, while Grecia Castro added 12 points, including 10 kills and two aces. Arleth Márquez contributed 10 points, highlighted by a match-high four aces. Flormarie Heredia led Dominican Republic with eight points.

Mexico established a 14-10 lead in the opening set, with Maldonado and Castro providing the offensive firepower. Dominican Republic narrowed the gap to 19-17, but Maldonado's attack stopped the comeback. Márquez then took over from the service line, delivering three  consecutive aces to extend Mexico's lead to 24-17 before the hosts secured the set 25-17.

In the second set, Márquez continued to trouble the Dominican reception with an early ace, while Maldonado helped Mexico build a 10-6 advantage. Dominican Republic responded through Flormarie Heredia and Alondra Tapia, cutting the deficit to 18-17. Maldonado and Castro restored Mexico's momentum, and Castro's service rotation fueled a five-point run that stretched the lead to 24-17. Márquez sealed the set with a kill for a 25-18 finish.

Mexico maintained its pressure in the third set. Castro delivered an ace to establish a 10-7 lead, and the hosts extended their advantage to 18-12. Dominican Republic reduced the deficit to 19-16, but Maldonado answered with a kill. Castro then closed the match with an attack for the 25-20 victory.

Grecia Castro, outside hitter of Mexico: “We were decisive and eager to start on the right foot. We knew this match would not give us ranking points, but achieving the best possible result in the tournament still matters. I think we were consistent, enjoyed ourselves and knew how to handle the difficult moments.”

Camila de la Rosa, setter of Dominican Republic: “Mexico played very well, maintained its rhythm and did what it needed to do. They put us under a lot of pressure with their serves, and there were moments when we couldn't attack the way we normally do. Several things affected us, including a lack of concentration. Things didn't go our way but tomorrow is a fresh start.”

On Tuesday, Dominican Republic will face Canada at 6:00 p.m., while host Mexico takes on Puerto Rico at 8:00 p.m. Defending champion USA will meet Cuba at 4:00 p.m. The top four teams after the round robin will advance to the crossover semifinals.