SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, November 4, 2025. – Mexico delivered a strong performance to open the 2025 NORCECA Girls’ U17 Continental Championship with a straight-set victory, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-20), over Cuba at the Gimnasio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica.
The event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIVB Under-17 World Championship.
In day two Pool B action, Mexico (1-0) will face the United States (1-0), while Cuba (0-1) will meet Puerto Rico (0-1).
Mexico opened the match in dominant fashion with a 7-0 run, taking advantage of Cuba’s early unforced errors. Emily Camarena and Karina Campos led the way offensively, while Cuba’s Yusdely Cabrera tried to respond but fell short of closing the gap.
In the second set, Cuba responded with stronger defense, highlighted by Sahily Prats’ impressive blocking. The score remained tight, but Mexico maintained a slim lead behind the spikes of Evelyn Díaz and Isabella Gallardo (16-14). With effective serving from Louanne Negrete, Mexico extended the gap to 20-15 and went on to secure the 2-0 set advantage.
Cuba showed greater consistency in the third set, starting with a 5-1 lead thanks to Cabrera’s effective kills. Mexico, however, maintained pressure, tying the score at 6-6 and later pulling ahead 15-11 with strong attacks from Díaz and a key serving run by Sofía Rodríguez. Despite a late Cuban push led by Cabrera and Clara Alfonso’s serves (20-22), Mexico closed out the match following two Cuban errors.
Mexico dominated the offensive stats, holding an overwhelming 44-17 advantage in attacks and 12-5 in aces. Cuba led in blocks (7-2) and committed fewer unforced errors (17-24).
Outside hitter Evelyn Díaz topped Mexico’s scorers with 12 points, all on kills. Team captain and opposite hitter Emily Camarena and middle blocker Isabella Gallardo each added 11 points. For Cuba, outside hitter Yusdely Cabrera led with 11 points, while middle blocker Sahily Prats contributed 5 blocks, the highest of the match.
Emily Camarena, captain of Mexico, commented after the victory: “We are very eager to play. We’ve worked really hard in training over the past few weeks. We’re very motivated and hungry to win. In the third set, we came from behind; I think we started off too fast, but then we calmed down and focused on our game to move forward.”
Helen Berriel, captain of Cuba, said about her team’s performance: “In the third set, we lifted our spirits; our reception improved, and we were more dynamic. Even though we didn’t win, we gave our best effort. The loss doesn’t matter, tomorrow we’ll come out stronger.”
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