LEÓN, Guanajuato, August 1, 2025.– Mexico claimed the bronze medal at the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup after defeating Cuba in a thrilling five-set battle 3-2 (25-21, 22-25, 19-25, 25-15, 15-11) at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.
This is Mexico’s second bronze medal in the history of the tournament, repeating the feat achieved in the previous edition. The country also holds two silver medals earned in 2021 and 2023.
In the opening set, Aimé Topete led the Mexican offense while Yalain de la Peña did the same for Cuba. Mexico built a 19-16 lead and closed the set in their favor.
The second set started with Mexico ahead 3-0 thanks to a spike from Katherine Ramírez, a block by Andrea Félix, and a Cuban reception error. However, Cuba responded, and in a close finish with the score tied at 22 points, Whitney James powered the Caribbean side to even the match.
Cuba dominated the third set, taking a comfortable 20-15 lead behind James’ backcourt defense and Yalain de la Peña’s blocking to move ahead 2-1.
Mexico answered with force in the fourth, surprising with strong serves to go up 13-5 and relying on the star of the match, Aimé Topete, to force a decisive set. In the tie-break, Aitana Rettke was key with points on attack, block, and serve, while captain María Ximena Cruz sealed the victory through the middle of the net.
Serving was crucial for Mexico, with a big 10-2 advantage in aces. The host team also led in attacking 56-51, while Cuba was superior in blocking 14-11.
Aimé Topete was the top scorer of the match with 24 points (18 attacks, 4 blocks, 2 aces). Aitana Rettke contributed 15 (9 attacks, 3 blocks, 3 aces), and Andrea Félix added 12 for Mexico. For Cuba, Yalain de la Peña finished with 22 points (16 attacks, 5 blocks, 1 ace), and Whitney James chipped in 12, all on attacks.
Mexico’s head coach Luis León said, “I’m happy with the result. We knew that the team that came in mentally stronger had a better chance of winning. I think the game was a roller coaster of emotions for both teams. After losing to Cuba in the group stage, we can now celebrate the bronze medal.”
Middle blocker Aitana Rettke expressed, “I think both came from losing five-set semifinals and we were tired, both physically and mentally. Our desire to win a medal showed; we didn’t want to stand by watching other teams receive medals, and that motivated us.”
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