United States Stays Unbeaten and Secures Semifinal Spot

ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 24, 2026.- The United States remained undefeated and secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Six after defeating host Mexico 3-1 (25-27, 25-19, 25-23, 28-26) on Thursday at the Unidad Deportiva Juan Fernández Albarrán in Zinacantepec, Estado de México.

With one match remaining in the preliminary round, the United States improved to 4-0, while Mexico moved to 3-1.

On Friday, the final day of the preliminary round, the United States (4-0) will face Puerto Rico (2-2) at 6:00 p.m., while Mexico (3-1) meets Canada (0-4) at 8:00 p.m.

The United States held an 11-7 advantage in blocks and a slim 4-3 edge in aces, while both teams finished with 59 kills. USA committed 28 unforced errors and Mexico 31.

Mexico took a closely contested opening set 27-25, with Sofía Maldonado and Uxue Guereca providing key points down the stretch. The United States responded in the second, using its blocking presence to gain control and level the match with a 25-19 win. Callie Schwarzenbach was a key factor at the net and closed the set with a block.

The third set remained tight until the end. Schwarzenbach put USA ahead 24-22, Mexico pulled within one behind Aimé Topete, and Jessica Mruzik delivered the final attack for a 25-23 win and a 2-1 United States lead.

Mexico came out strong in the fourth set and built a 10-5 advantage, but the United States steadily worked its way back into contention. The teams were tied at 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 before USA completed the comeback 28-26. Caitlin Baird and Temitayo Thomas-Ailara delivered important attacks during the dramatic closing stretch, as the United States completed the four-set victory.

Schwarzenbach led the United States with 19 points on 15 kills and a match-high four blocks. Thomas-Ailara added 14 points and Eva Hudson finished with 11.

Maldonado led all scorers with 22 points for Mexico, including 18 kills, three blocks and one ace. Guereca contributed 18 points and Topete added 16.

United States head coach Erik Sullivan praised his team’s ability to stay in the match, particularly after falling behind in the fourth set.

“It was a very exciting match. First of all, congrats to Mexico, and a great atmosphere,” Sullivan said. “It wasn't our best volleyball all the time, but I thought we did a good job competing, especially in the fourth set when we got down early. We made some changes and we just didn't give up. I'm very happy with that.”

Mexico middle blocker Karina Flores said the match could have gone either way and highlighted the intensity of the closing stages.

“I think the match could have gone either way. Both teams fought hard, with good defense and a lot of effort,” Flores said. “We had some small errors at the end. The finish of the last set was dramatic; it was a very high-level match. At this point in the tournament, the loss doesn’t weigh too heavily in the standings, and it’s possible we could face the United States again.”