MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 2, 2026.- The United States earned its second consecutive victory and its second straight-sets win at the NORCECA U23 Women’s Pan American Cup, defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-19).
After an even start, the United States began to pull away after the 11-point mark in the first set. With greater offensive efficiency, the U.S. extended its lead to 20-13 and went on to take the set 25-17 on a powerful attack by Isabel Incinelli.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Costa Rica stayed close early, but the United States once again took control and opened a comfortable advantage with Ireland Real and Nyla Livings leading the offense. The Americans took the set 25-13 to move within one set of the victory.
Costa Rica put up stronger resistance in the third set. With solid defensive plays, they extended several rallies and applied pressure down the stretch, but the United States remained in control. A block by Real made it 24-19 before Livings closed the match with a kill for the 25-19 finish.
Nyla Livings and Ireland Real led the United States with 16 points apiece, while Ava Burgess added 12. Joselyn Moraga scored 6 points for Costa Rica. The United States led 41-21 in attacks, 8-2 in blocks and 9-1 in serves, while committing 25 errors to Costa Rica’s 17.
The United States will face the Dominican Republic on Thursday at 3:00 p.m., while Costa Rica will take on Nicaragua at 7:00 p.m.
Alexandra Dunphy, head coach of the United States: “I think we had some really good plays from Nyla Livings in the middle, and the outside hitters contributed out of system. It was really important to slow down Costa Rica’s fast tempo, and we did that; then we were able to finish each play in transition. Today felt a little different on the court than yesterday, and I think we could feel that, but we’re still really excited to keep improving with every match.”
Nyla Livings, standout player for the United States: “I feel amazing. It was a great match for us, and I think we all did really well, playing and doing our jobs on the court. I think we can prepare by trusting our teammates, being there for each other and working hard together.”
Braulio Godínez, head coach of Costa Rica: “The girls executed well at certain moments, especially on defense, but I do think there is a big difference with these teams. At times, they were able to stay focused and keep the level even; however, the United States can suddenly put together a good run, deliver a strong serve, and then we can’t attack. We have to give them an easy ball, and they are very powerful. We don’t have the blocking; we blocked them very few times. There is a physical difference, and you pay for that. The important thing here is to develop the players. I think the middle blockers who are playing have had very little experience with the national team, and they are taking advantage of this opportunity.”
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