ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 25, 2026.- Dominican Republic defeated Cuba 3-1 (29-27, 25-18, 26-28, 25-22) on Friday to close the round-robin stage of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Six at the Unidad Deportiva Juan Fernández Albarrán in Zinacantepec.
Cuba secured its spot in the semifinals by winning the third set, the one set it needed to advance. Both teams finished the round robin with a 2-3 win-loss record, but Cuba advanced with 11 points, one more than Dominican Republic with 10.
Dominican Republic will play Canada for fifth place, while Cuba moves on to the semifinals.
The Dominican Republic held a 56-49 advantage in attacks and 7-2 in aces, while both teams finished with 14 blocks. The Dominicans committed 30 errors and Cuba 28.
Dominican Republic prevailed in a tight opening set 29-27 before taking greater control in the second for a 25-18 win and a 2-0 advantage. Cuba, needing only one set to secure its semifinal berth, responded in a dramatic third set. The Cubans fought through an extended finish and won 28-26 to clinch their place among the final four.
With Cuba’s semifinal berth already secured, Dominican Republic regained control in the fourth set. The Dominicans built an advantage and held off Cuba down the stretch to close the match 25-22.
Flormarie Heredia led Dominican Republic with 19 points, followed by Geraldine González with 12. Florangel Terrero and Katielle Alonzo added 11 points apiece, while Alondra Tapia contributed 10.
For Cuba, Yalain Regla De La Peña and Dayana Martínez scored 14 points each, while Whitney James finished with 13.
Luizomar De Moura, head coach of Cuba: “We advanced to the semifinals, and we are having a great tournament. We knew we needed to win one set to advance. It has been a tough competition, with a lot of matches, and we managed to qualify despite dealing with some physical issues. Now it’s time to prepare for the semifinal, and I am very happy that we reached this stage.”