SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, November 5, 2025. – The United States defeated defending champion Mexico in straight sets 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-15) in Pool B action at the NORCECA Girls’ U17 Continental Championship being held at the Gimnasio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica.
This is the United States’ second win in the tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship. The U.S. will face Cuba on Thursday, the final day of pool play, while Mexico will go up against Puerto Rico. The top team in each pool advances directly to the semifinals.
The match was full of energy, with the U.S. leading in kills (33-25), blocks (10-3), and serves (9-6). The United States committed 19 unforced errors to Mexico’s 23.
Mary-Christine Crutcher and Taylor Johnson led the U.S. scoring with 12 points each, followed by Madison Middleton with 11 points. Madlen Gloessner contributed significantly at the net as the top blocker in the match (4 blocking points). For Mexico, outside hitter Evelyn Díaz scored a match-high 13 points.
The U.S. pulled ahead early in the first set (13-7) with powerful kills from Johnson and Julia Masselink, and strong blocking from Gloessner. Despite efforts from Díaz and Louanne Negrete to close the gap, the Americans maintained control to take the first set.
Mexico started strong in the second set (4-1), but the U.S. quickly recovered with solid blocking and offensive contributions from Crutcher. Mexico rallied late behind Negrete’s serves to narrow the gap (18-19), but the Americans held firm. Middleton sealed the set with a kill and an ace for a 2-0 lead.
In the third set, the U.S. jumped to a 6-1 lead before Mexico leveled at 11-all, powered by Díaz and opponent errors. However, the Americans regained momentum with key plays from Ellie Enger, Crutcher, and Johnson, pulling away 17-13. Two consecutive blocks from Gloessner and Crutcher closed out the sweep.
Taylor Johnson, outside hitter of the United States, said: “Today’s victory was so fun. We had a new rotation on the court today, so it was great that we could all come together and work hard for the same team. Everyone off the court was cheering for us, just like yesterday. The win was so well deserved—we worked so hard for this game. Our motivation was our best feature, our eagerness to go out there and play our best no matter what.”
Evelyn Díaz, Mexico’s top scorer, said: “It was a very good game; I think we did well. Obviously, the United States is a stronger team, but that didn’t stop us from facing them with determination. There was a lot of energy on the court, both teams fought hard. I think our attack was very good, regardless of the tall players we had on the other side.”
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