United States Defeats Mexico in NORCECA

U17 Men’s Opening Match 

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, November 18, 2025. – The United States earned a 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-13) victory over Mexico in the opening match of Pool B at the NORCECA U17 Men’s Continental Championship. 

After two very tight sets, with Mexico battling point by point, the U.S. team pulled ahead early in the third set to secure the set and the match without complications. 

Noah Mbaitoloum of the United States led all scorers with 16 points, while Logan Flores added 10. For Mexico, Diego Ibarra finished with 8 points. 

The United States dominated in attacks 41-26, blocking 6-5, and serving 4-1, committing 23 errors to Mexico’s 24. The next opponent for the United States will be Cuba at 2:00 p.m. local time, while Mexico will face the Dominican Republic at 4:00 p.m. 

Brandon Taliaferro, Head Coach of the United States: “Mexico’s team is very good. I’m very pleased with the result because we had a strong team in front of us, and they played very well defensively. At times I thought they were managing their energy, and that was good because we saw what they are capable of under pressure. The boys were very nervous this time, being the first match, so we got through the nerves, and I think we settled in. It was a great win for these guys.” 

Carter Tchaikovsky, Captain of the United States: “I think we did a really good job, clean, consistent, and always maintaining the lead, not letting them get to us. We did a great job putting pressure on our serves. Mexico is always complicated; they’re a really good team, which is why I think we did an excellent job slowing down their offense.” 

Sebastián Merino, Captain of Mexico: “The truth is that the United States is a very tough team. I feel we could have played more, challenged them more, but if we face them again, we’ll try to beat them. We had stretches where we gave a lot, but also moments where we lost focus, and those points made the difference. I think we can improve a lot more and more can be expected from all of us.” 

Denis Rivera, Head Coach of Mexico: “Today the boys’ inexperience took a toll on us, as well as the opponent, who played very well. The important thing is to find our rhythm and focus on the upcoming matches. This is a learning experience for us. We lacked the finishing touch in the first two sets, and now we must focus on what’s next and talk to the boys. We must not lose confidence; on the contrary, let this defeat be a lesson, and tomorrow we’ll get back up with everything.”