LEÓN, Mexico, September 15, 2026.- USA secured second place in Pool B and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Pan American Cup after defeating Guatemala in straight sets Tuesday at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.
USA dominated Guatemala 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-14) to close the pool-play round with a 3-1 record. Guatemala finished with a 1-3 record and will continue in the classification matches for positions 7-10.
The U.S. team set the pace from the start with pressure from the service line and superiority at the net. After controlling the first two sets comfortably, Guatemala put up more resistance early in the third, taking a 4-3 lead. USA quickly regained control and gradually pulled away to complete the straight-set victory.
USA held a commanding advantage in attacks 38-13, blocks 8-1 and aces 9-0. Guatemala committed 20 unforced errors compared to 17 by USA.
Samantha Francis led the U.S. offense with 10 points on seven attacks, two blocks and one ace. Eva Hudson added nine points on seven attacks and two aces. Melissa Guerra and Andrea Garcés scored four points each for Guatemala.
USA libero Elena Oglivie: “I thought we did a good job just taking care of business and really focusing on our side of the net and just getting better as a team. We didn’t have too much time preparing, so we’re just coming here and finding our way to mesh together, and I think it’s going really well for us.”
Guatemala libero Regina Porres: “Despite the loss, we worked together as a team, and we’re happy about that because it was what we had in mind to do: stay true to who we are and support each other. Tomorrow, we’re focused on playing strong against Venezuela.”
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