SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 21, 2026.- Canada opened the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-22) victory over Mexico in Pool A action at the “Prof. Ricardo Gioriver Arias” Volleyball Palace.
In addition to the continental title, three berths to the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship are at stake. The competition also plays an important role in the qualification pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
On the second day of Pool A action, Canada (1-0) will face Trinidad and Tobago (0-1), while Mexico (0-1) will take on the United States (1-0).
Despite the straight-set result, Mexico held the advantage in attacks (43-35) and aces (4-3), while Canada made the difference at the net with a 9-4 advantage in blocks.
Kiera Van Ryk led Canada with 18 points, followed by Nyadholi Thokbuom with nine and Alexa Grey with seven.
Mexico’s Grecia Castro led all scorers with 23 points on 22 attacks and one ace. Uxue Guereca added 12 points and Sofía Maldonado finished with nine.
Giovanni Guidetti, Canada coach: “Mexico played very well against us. We had some difficulties during the match, but in the end, we were able to close it out and start the tournament with a victory.”
Nicola Negro, Mexico coach: “We are positive. We return to the Dominican Republic playing a more consistent style of volleyball. We faced a top-level team, and we know this is going to be a very tough competition, so we have to keep playing.”
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