ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 22, 2026.- The United States earned its second consecutive straight-set victory at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Final Six, defeating Cuba 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-13) on Tuesday.
The Americans improved to a 2-0 record in the round robin, while Cuba dropped to 1-1.
The United States delivered a dominant offensive performance, outscoring Cuba 48-21 in attacks and holding an 8-2 advantage in blocks. The Americans also collected six aces while keeping Cuba without a service point. USA limited its unforced errors to 13, compared to Cuba’s 29.
Eva Hudson spearheaded the American offense with a match-high 17 points, including 14 kills, one block and two aces. Jessica Mruzik and middle blocker Callie Schwarzenbach contributed 13 points apiece. Mruzik produced 11 kills and two aces, while Schwarzenbach was a force at the net with eight kills and a match-high five blocks.
Cuba’s outside hitter Evilania Martínez led her team with seven points.
The United States established its offensive rhythm early, taking control of the opening set behind its attacking advantage and defensive presence at the net to secure a 25-17 win.
Cuba put up a stronger fight in the second set, keeping the contest close and taking an 18-17 lead. The teams were tied at 20 before the Americans pulled ahead, with a kill by Hudson and an ace by middle blocker Anna DeBeer Francis helping USA reach set point at 24-20. Cuba saved two set points before Hudson sealed the 25-22 victory with a kill.
The Americans carried that momentum into the third set, racing to a 7-1 advantage and extending their lead to 16-8. Cuba struggled to contain the American attack, and Hudson delivered the final point to close out the match 25-13.
On Wednesday, September 23, the United States will face the Dominican Republic at 4:00 p.m., while Cuba will meet host Mexico at 8:00 p.m. The top four teams after the round robin will advance to the semifinals.
Eva Hudson, USA’s Top Scorer: “I think it was a lot quieter today than yesterday, so we had to generate a lot of energy from within our team. We weathered the storm well. Our passing has been absolutely awesome. We can always rely on our liberos to come in and make that pass, and then everybody does their job.”
Luizomar de Moura, Cuba’s Head Coach: “It is important for our players to face the United States, one of the most important volleyball programs in the world. I gave everyone the opportunity to gain experience and put into practice what we have worked on in training. This is part of the development process of Cuban volleyball, allowing the players to show what they can execute and how they can perform.”