ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 26, 2026.- Mexico delivered a dominant performance to defeat Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, 25-9) in the semifinals of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Six on Saturday at the Unidad Deportiva Juan Fernández Albarrán in Zinacantepec.
Mexico advanced to Sunday’s gold medal match against defending champion United States at 4:00 p.m., a rematch of the 2025 final. Puerto Rico will face Cuba for the bronze medal at 2:00 p.m.
Mexico set the tone immediately, jumping to a 4-0 lead in the opening set and steadily increasing the margin. Strong blocking and defensive pressure prevented Puerto Rico from establishing its offense, as Mexico pulled away 16-5 before comfortably taking the set 25-10.
Puerto Rico produced its best stretch of the match in the second set. After a close start, the Puerto Ricans stayed within reach and eventually moved ahead 16-15. Mexico responded immediately, with Sofía Maldonado continuing to lead the offense as the hosts regained control and closed the set on a 10-3 run for a 25-19 win.
Mexico carried that momentum into the third set, racing to leads of 4-0 and 10-2 behind strong serving, blocking and an effective attack. Maldonado remained a constant offensive threat as Puerto Rico struggled to find openings against Mexico’s defense. The hosts extended the advantage to 19-7 before completing the sweep 25-9.
Mexico finished with commanding advantages of 41-29 in attacks, 12-3 in blocks and 7-0 in aces, while committing only six unforced errors compared to Puerto Rico’s 15.
Sofía Maldonado continued to lead Mexico’s offense with a match-high 23 points on 19 kills and four aces. Uxue Guereca added 14 points on 12 kills and two blocks. Opposite hitter Dariana Hollingsworth led Puerto Rico with 11 points.
Mexico will play in the gold medal match for the third time, after earning silver medals in its previous two appearances in the final. Puerto Rico, which has one bronze medal in the competition, will look to add another medal against Cuba.
Nicola Negro, head coach of Mexico: “Today we came onto the court and executed a great match. The players prepared themselves very well mentally, and our blocking and defense were perfect. We put enormous pressure on Puerto Rico and didn’t allow them to play their game. Honestly, Puerto Rico had been playing very well since León and here as well, but today we didn’t give them any space.”
Yaleimid Charie Correa, libero of Puerto Rico: “It wasn’t the match we expected. We have the team and the talent to get the result. It’s not an excuse, but you could see a little fatigue. We have to be mature, turn the page and focus on tomorrow’s bronze medal match against Cuba. It’s a match we have to go out and win.”