Puerto Rico Opens Strong and Sweeps Costa Rica

in Final Four Debut

PONCE, Puerto Rico, June 5, 2026.- Puerto Rico opened its 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Four campaign on the right foot, delivering a solid performance as tournament hosts and defeating Costa Rica in straight sets (25–19, 25–16, 25–12).

After taking the first two sets, Puerto Rico started the third with full control, jumping to a 10–4 lead following a kill by Decelise Champion from the left side. The home team continued to build its advantage to 20–9 with an attack by Valeria Rosado, also from zone four.

Puerto Rico reached set point with a comfortable 24–11 lead thanks to an effective block and sealed the set — and the match — 25–12 with a back‑row attack by Nataly García.

Statistically, Puerto Rico outperformed Costa Rica 35–30 in attacks, 10–2 in blocks, and 7–1 in aces.

Post‑Match Reactions

Wilmary Rivera (Puerto Rico)

On Puerto Rico’s first victory: “I’m super happy with the win. I’m proud of the girls, especially the younger players who made their debut today. I think it was a match we fought from the beginning; once we found our rhythm, we played much better and much more relaxed. So yes, I’m very happy with the victory.

We know the big match is on Sunday — everyone is waiting for that one. We’ve won three consecutive gold medals. After watching Mexico earlier against Cuba, what do we think? Well, we only saw a little bit of Mexico, but again, we go one match at a time. All the matches this weekend are big, especially with the new players we have. We’re helping them every step of the way — with each match, with the scouting report, with the process, with everything.

So tomorrow, one step at a time. We know Mexico is an excellent team, and Cuba as well. We’re going hard against Cuba, and then we’ll think about Mexico.”

Tatiana Sayles Marín (Costa Rica)

On Costa Rica’s opening match: “We know this is a very demanding tournament. We’re very happy to be here because it’s an important competition before the Central American and Caribbean Games. We know Puerto Rico is a very tough team, very powerful, and with a strong serve. We tried to do our best. I think in the first and second sets we were consistent, followed our game plan, and stayed close in the score. In the third set, maybe we came in a bit unfocused.

But I think this is a tournament where we can grow from match to match, and that’s our goal — to give our best in the games ahead.”

On what the team must improve for tomorrow: “We need to be more focused on our reception and more decisive in our attacking options.”

Costa Rica’s next opponent will be Mexico at 7:00 p.m. (local time), while Cuba will face Puerto Rico at 9:00 p.m.