PONCE, Puerto Rico, June 7, 2026.- In the bronze‑medal match of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Four, Cuba prevailed over Costa Rica 3-1 (25–7, 25–21, 22–25, 25–18).
In the opening set, Cuba jumped to a 5–0 lead and never looked back. Their momentum continued as they extended the advantage to 18–0 with an ace by Evilania Martínez Luis.
The Caribbean squad closed the set 25–7 after a service error by María Fernanda Alfaro Bolaños.
Cuba maintained control in the second set, but the third became complicated in the final stretch, with Costa Rica defending intensely to claim an emotional set and extend the match.
Cuba secured the fourth set and the victory with three straight points, including a successful block against Costa Rica, and sealed the match 25–18 following two attack errors by Nhya Raldisha Barley Morgan.
Statistically, Cuba led in blocking y aces 11–6, and both teams finished with 38 kills.
Evilania Martínez led Cuba with 15 points, including 7 aces, while Laura Suárez added 10 points.
Nhya Barley of Costa Rica was the match’s leading scorer with 21 points.
Statements from Laura Beatriz Suárez Hernández (Cuba)
Suárez Hernández described the tournament as “very productive” for such a young team with limited preparation, emphasizing that the progress shown is the result of steady work. She acknowledged that the match became complicated at times due to overconfidence and accumulated fatigue from a lack of physical training but highlighted that “the important thing is that the victory came.”
Reflecting on the team’s overall performance in the tournament, she expressed strong confidence in the group and in the long‑term process they are building. She noted that the team maintains a positive mindset heading into upcoming commitments, including the Central American Games, which she described as a very demanding competition. She added that Cuba’s participation in this Final Four “was better than expected.”
English 
Spanish