PONCE, Puerto Rico, June 6, 2026. – Puerto Rico had to dig deep on Saturday night in the continuation of the NORCECA Women’s Final Four, defeating a resilient Cuba squad. The hosts came from behind in the fourth set to secure the victory, their second in as many matches.
The set scores were 20-25, 25-20, 25-13, 25-21.
Puerto Rico, displaying strong net play with the match tied at one set apiece, reached set point with a commanding 24-12 lead following a block by Ana Sofía Jusino. A cross-court attack from Valeria Vázquez from zone four sealed the set 25-13, giving Puerto Rico a two-sets-to-one advantage.
In the fourth set, Cuba was unable to maintain a 15-8 lead after two successful attacks by Yalain Regla De La Peña González, one from zone four and another from zone two. Puerto Rico then responded with an 8-1 run to tie the set at 16 before taking a 21-18 lead on a back-row attack by Decelise Champion.
Puerto Rico reached match point at 24-19 on a service ace by Wilmarie Rivera and closed out the match 25-21 with a successful quick attack through the middle by Ana Sofía Jusino.
In team statistics, Puerto Rico outscored Cuba 58-51 in attacks, 14-5 in blocks, and 7-6 in service aces.
Three Puerto Rican players reached double figures in scoring: offensive leader Decelise Champion with 25 points, Valeria Vázquez with 17, and Nataly García with 13.
For Cuba, Yalain Regla De La Peña González led with 17 points, while Dezirett De La Caridad Madan Rosales added 11.
Cuba Head Coach Luizomar Moura, “I would like to congratulate Puerto Rico. They played at home with a young team that has a lot of potential. It was a great match. Cuba is improving little by little. Now we need to keep working to return to our best level.”
Decelise Champion (Puerto Rico), “It was a very good match, a match that required character. I’m happy that we came out with the win and, above all, that nobody got injured. This prepares us for what’s coming tomorrow, that’s why we’re here. To win a fourth consecutive gold medal, we need to play a clean match, perform as well as possible, and execute everything we can.”
Nataly García (Puerto Rico), “It feels very rewarding. First, thanks to God because we were able to finish with a victory and because nobody got hurt. Did I think the match would go to a fifth set? No, because I knew we would get out of that hole. It was just a matter of being patient, staying calm, and working point by point.
For tomorrow, the first thing is to scout Mexico, which I know the coaching staff is already working on. Then we need to continue preparing mentally and physically, be ready at the net, and give our maximum effort.”
Puerto Rico will face Mexico in the championship match on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in a battle of unbeaten teams. Earlier, at 5:00 p.m., Cuba will take on Costa Rica, with both teams seeking their first victory of the tournament.
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