United States Kicks Off Pan American Cup with Victory

LEÓN, Mexico, September 11, 2026.- The United States opened the 23rd edition of the Women’s Pan American Cup with a straight-set 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-20) victory over Cuba on Friday at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.

In the opening match of Pool B, the United States controlled the first two sets before facing greater resistance from Cuba in the third. The Cubans took a 17-16 lead, but the United States tied the score and regained control down the stretch, with Onyedikachi Ofoegbu and Jessica Mruzik contributing offensively to complete the victory.

The biggest difference came in attack, where the United States held a commanding 44-21 advantage over Cuba. The Americans also finished ahead 6-3 in blocks and 6-2 in aces, while Cuba committed fewer errors, 20 compared to 25.

Ofoegbu led the United States with 13 points and Mruzik added 10. Yalain Regla De La Peña was Cuba’s top scorer with 10 points.

On Saturday, Cuba (0-1) will face Guatemala, which will make its tournament debut, at 6:00 p.m., followed by the match between the United States (1-0) and host Mexico.

Rachel Fairbanks, USA captain: “We had two very strong first sets. Cuba is a great team, and we needed to maintain the level we showed in those two sets. We slipped a little in the third, and that’s why it stayed close for so long. First match, first win.”

Laura Suárez, Cuba captain: “We had some ups and downs in the match. This was almost like a training match for us because we’ve gone several days without practicing, and we also have new players who recently joined the roster. It’s the first match, and it’s a very long tournament.”