TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, May 29, 2026. – Canada advanced to the semifinals of the U17 Girls’ Pan American Cup after defeating Mexico in the quarterfinals 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 22-25, 25-20) at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
With this result, Canada moves on to the semifinals, while Mexico will compete for positions 5–6 in the tournament.
In the first set, the duel was close until Canada pulled away with a four-point lead (14-10), driven by at least four players who made the difference at the net. The Canadians relied on their strength in blocking (2-0) and serving (3-1), which allowed them to secure the set despite Mexico leading in attacks.
The second set remained even up to 10 points, when Canada took the lead thanks to Naya Grimm’s attacks and consecutive Mexican errors. However, Mexico responded with blocking pressure led by Maia Villalpando and Gabriela Ayala, tying the score at 18 and again at 21. Canada reached set point at 24-23 after an opponent error, but Mexico leveled with a kill from Adriana Hernández. Finally, Canada claimed the set after a service error by Isabella Gallardo.
In the third set, Canada kept the pressure and led 11-8 with kills from Adeline Manning and Seacret Schick serves, that kept Mexico under control. The Mexicans, however, capitalized on Canadian errors and a block from Evelyn Díaz over Manning to tie at 16. With a serve from Gallardo and two Canadian attacking errors, Mexico took a three-point lead (23-20). Hernández reached set point for Mexico, momentarily denied by a kill from Grimm, but once again Hernández sealed the set to extend the match.
The fourth set began with several ties until Canada jumped to a four-point lead (14-10) thanks to Mexican errors, a service point from Rhael Wan-Gauthier, and a kill from Grimm. Schick maintained the advantage from the service line, while Ella Grapentine contributed in attack to widen the gap to 18-11. Canada held the lead, reached set point at 24-17, and although Mexico scored three consecutive points, Grimm closed the match with a decisive kill.
Canada’s offense was led by Naya Grimm, top scorer of the match with 15 points, supported by Adeline Manning with 12 and Shayla Byrnell with 11. Captain Seacret Schick stood out with 5 aces. Mexico’s main figures were Adriana Hernández with 13 points, Gabriela Ayala with 15, and Isabella Gallardo with 11.
Canada dominated in attacks (49-49) and aces (12-7), while Mexico registered 11 blocks compared to Canada’s 6. Canada capitalized on 30 points from Mexican unforced errors, while conceding 23.
After the victory, outside hitter Naya Grimm stated: “It feels so good. I think we were a bit hesitated in our plays in the set we lost, but we were determined not to let it go to five and came back playing as a team and worked hard.”
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