ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 24, 2026.- Cuba improved to 2-2 at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Six with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-22) victory over Canada on Thursday at the Unidad Deportiva Juan Fernández Albarrán in Zinacantepec, Estado de México.
With one match remaining in the preliminary round, Cuba earned an important victory in its battle for a top-four finish and a place in the semifinals. Canada dropped to 0-4.
On the final day of the preliminary round, Cuba will face the Dominican Republic at 4:00 p.m., while Canada will meet host Mexico at 8:00 p.m.
Cuba controlled the first two sets, pulling away after the early stages of the opening set and establishing a commanding advantage in the second. Canada offered greater resistance in the third and stayed within reach late in the set, but Cuba held its lead to complete the straight-set victory.
Cuba led 39-28 in attacks and 7-4 in blocks, while Canada held a 2-0 advantage in aces. Cuba also capitalized on 29 Canadian errors while committing 19.
Jessica Aguilera led Cuba with 11 points, including six kills and a match-high five blocks. Yalain Regla De La Peña added 10 points, all on kills. Naomie Sinclair and Laila Johnston led Canada with nine points each.
Daima Del Río Preval, middle blocker of Cuba: “This was a very important victory, especially winning 3-0 because when the points are taken into account, it will give us an opportunity to finish among the top four and compete in the semifinals. The match was even at times, and we just needed to stay a little more focused on our game plan to take control. Our serving accuracy was good, and as a team we performed well, especially in attack.”
Carolyn O’Dwyer, head coach of Canada: “I think it’s a really good experience for us. We’re developing and we’re getting better, which is awesome. I think our ability to not hurt ourselves at the end of sets is something we’ve got to do a better job of. We’re in it, but then we make things a little too easy for the other team. We have to understand that we can do it, we can win a set, and we have to believe that a little bit more.”