MANATÍ, Puerto Rico, July 18th, 2025. Mexico kicked off the NORCECA Women’s Final Four with a dominant 3-0 (25-8, 25-11, 25-14) win over Trinidad and Tobago at the Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu Coliseum in Manati, Puerto Rico.
Mexico quickly jumped to a 6-0 lead with a block from Karina Flores. Trinidad and Tobago tried to keep up, but Gloria Ung’s tactical serving led them into a nine-point advantage. In the second set Mexico took full advantage of Trinidad and Tobago mistakes taking a 11-3 lead thanks to the offense of Sofia Maldonado. Trinidad and Tobago fought at the beginning of the third set with Mexico’s new rotation, but the Mexicans gained their rhythm and won the set 25-14.
Mexico outperformed Trinidad and Tobago in attacks (39-15), serves (4-1) and blocks (8-1). Trinidad and Tobago capitalized on 24 errors while Mexico finished with 16.
Middle Blocker Karina Angelica Flores was the top scorer for the winning team with 11 points followed by the opposite Sofia Maldonado with 10 points. For Trinidad and Tobago, Delicia Pierre finished with 5 points and middle blocker Destiny Leon with 4 points.
Nicola Negro, head coach of Mexico: “For us, it was a good match, only affected by the serve errors in the final set. It was a match we played in an orderly fashion, doing what we had to do. We must improve a lot for tomorrow. It’s the first game of the season, and it was a good match for the first game, but there’s always room for improvement.”
Jocelyn Urias, Captain of Mexico: “It’s great to be able to return for another year with the national team and play here representing Mexico. I feel like we’re confident in doing our job. Before we go in and play, I tell the girls to work on our own game with a lot of respect for the opponent, but at the same time, we have a lot of room for improvement. The idea is to give everyone a chance to get into rhythm and prepare for tomorrow’s game.”
Daymian Stewart, coach of Trinidad and Tobago: “First, I’m happy for all the girls as we said this tournament is the first of the season and give us an idea where we are and there are some things we need to work on, but I’m satisfied with the overall performance of the girls. For tomorrow’s match we need to make an adjustment at blocking; the girls were playing a little timid at times looking for more control and power but at this level we need to hit the ball”
Kaylon Cruickshank, captain of Trinidad and Tobago: “It was a very good game. I’m really happy with the performance of my team. This was the first time we played at this level and I’m happy that even though we were down in points, we fought till the end. I think that in the third set we improved in our passing, and we adjusted our defense, and we were able to make more points. For tomorrow we need to work a little more in defense and in confidence.”
On the second day of the event, Mexico will face Costa Rica while Trinidad and Tobago will play host team Puerto Rico.
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