SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, November 5, 2025. – Puerto Rico earned its first win at the 2025 NORCECA Girls’ U17 Continental Championship after defeating Cuba 3-1 (25-13, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16) at the Gimnasio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica.
With the win, Puerto Rico improved its record to 1-1 in Pool B, while Cuba dropped to 0-2. Puerto Rico (1-1) will close pool play against Mexico (1-1), and Cuba (0-2) will face undefeated USA (2-0). The top team in each pool advances directly to the semifinals.
Puerto Rico held the advantage in attacks (44-28) and serves (12-4), while Cuba led in blocks (6-3). Both teams committed a similar number of errors, 35 for Puerto Rico and 38 for Cuba.
Puerto Rican outside hitter Anna Aquino led all scorers with 17 points (14 attacks, 1 block, 2 aces), followed by opposite hitter Viveca García with 11 points (6 attacks, 1 block, 4 aces). Anelys Morales led Cuba with 9 points.
Puerto Rico opened the match strongly, capitalizing on Cuba’s errors and a balanced offense from at least four players to lead 10-4. With Kamila Colón and Viveca García guiding the offense, Puerto Rico controlled the pace to comfortably win the first set.
Cuba improved in the second set, keeping the score even up to 12 points, led by Yusdely Cabrera’s powerful swings and Sahily Prats’ blocking that pushed them ahead 15-13. Puerto Rico maintained pressure, tying the score several times and finally pulling away with the efforts of Aquino and García. A decisive play by Daniela Echeandía sealed the 25-19 win for Puerto Rico and a 2-0 lead.
Set three began as a duel between Aquino and Prats, tied early at 5-5. Carinialys Román added key attacks for Puerto Rico, while Alicia Sengstack’s blocking kept Cuba in contention. Puerto Rico took a 12-9 lead thanks to Eliany Quiñones’ block, an Aquino attack, and a strong serve from García. Cuba responded with huge blocks from Vizcaíno, coming from behind to tie at 22 points and then scoring three points in a row, capped by Amanda Mayor’s serve, to take the set 25-22 and force a fourth.
Puerto Rico jumped ahead 10-5 in the fourth set, with Aquino leading the charge and Román adding support, as Cuba struggled with consecutive errors. Despite Cuba’s late offensive push from Clara Alfonso, Mayor, and Hernández, Puerto Rico maintained control and closed the match 25-16 to secure their first victory of the tournament.
Anna Aquino of Puerto Rico, top scorer of the match, said: “We stayed calm despite losing the third set. We were able to recover in the fourth and come out with the victory. Our passing and attacking were pretty good; I think our serving dropped a bit. Tomorrow against Mexico we must come out strong because they jump a lot.”
Anelys Morales, Cuba’s top scorer, said: “We improved our spirit a lot in the third set. During the match, we made many mistakes, including our serves. I think we’re going to be more focused against the United States.”
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