ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 23, 2026.- The United States remained unbeaten at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Six after defeating the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25) on Wednesday at the Unidad Deportiva Juan Fernández Albarrán in Zinacantepec, Estado de México.
The United States earned its third consecutive victory to improve to 3-0, while the Dominican Republic dropped to 1-2.
The United States held the advantage in attacks 60-54, blocks 10-7 and aces 3-1. Both teams committed 27 unforced errors.
Caitlin Baird led the United States with 19 points on 17 kills and two blocks. Onyedikachi Ofoegbu added 16 points, including three blocks, Samantha Francis scored 14 and Claire Hoffman contributed 13.
Alondra Tapia led all scorers with 20 points for the Dominican Republic, including 16 kills, three blocks and one ace. Flormarie Heredia finished with 12 points and Yanlis Félix added 11.
The United States controlled the first two sets, but the Dominican Republic responded in a closely contested third set. With the score tied at 23-23, the Dominicans scored the final two points, with Alondra Tapia delivering the set-winning attack to extend the match.
The fourth set developed into another tight battle. After the United States built a six-point advantage at 21-15, the Dominican Republic fought back and eventually tied the score at 23-23. The teams exchanged points through 25-25 before Oluwatoyosi Onabanjo put the United States ahead with a block, and Ella Powell followed with another block to seal the 27-25 win and the match.
On Thursday, the Dominican Republic will face Puerto Rico at 6:00 p.m., while the United States meets host Mexico at 8:00 p.m.
Caitlin Baird, top scorer of the United States: “It was a great match. It was a lot of fun. We knew it was going to be a battle because they are a good team. I think we just stuck to our game plan. We really had each other’s backs, and whenever things weren’t going our way, we talked through it and stayed together well. We’re undefeated so far, and hopefully we can keep it going.”
Alondra Tapia, top scorer of the Dominican Republic: “It was a very good match. Although it wasn’t the result we wanted, we played well and fought hard. We’re adjusting better each time, and I think those small details are what we need to correct. I think we rushed too much in our execution, and that led us to make mistakes.”