MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 5, 2026.- The United States completed the preliminary round undefeated with a 5-0 record after defeating a determined Mexico 3-2 (27-25, 18-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13) at the NORCECA U23 Women’s Pan American Cup.
Mexico entered the match needing a victory to secure its place in the gold medal match and responded with outstanding defense, pushing the United States to the limit in a five-set battle.
The United States held the advantage in attacks 58-46 and blocks 17-12, while Mexico led 7-2 in aces. USA committed 46 errors compared to Mexico’s 30.
Kendall Omoruyi led the United States with 18 points, followed by Megan Hodges with 16, including a match-high seven blocks, and Shayla Rautenberg with 12. For Mexico, Aime Topete finished with 17 points, Michelle Lizarraga with 16, and Maria Solar with 11.
The first set was a preview of what was to come, with a point-by-point battle decided by the smallest of margins. Mexico had two opportunities to close the set, leading 24-23 and 25-24, but the United States responded, and two consecutive blocks by Shayla Rautenberg gave USA the set 27-25.
Mexico responded by taking the second set 25-18, maintaining a lead of around five points for much of the set. Maria Oregel and Michelle Lizarraga stood out with four points each, including two aces apiece.
The third set was another close contest. The United States gained the advantage late and relied on its blocking to take the set 25-23 and regain the lead in the match.
Mexico refused to back down and responded in the fourth set. Its defense and pressure from the service line troubled the United States, and Mexico built an advantage down the stretch. USA pulled within 23-24, but Mexico closed the set 25-23 to force a fifth.
The tiebreaker maintained the same intensity. Mexico led 8-7 at the change of sides, but the United States responded immediately and moved ahead. Mexico continued to apply pressure and pulled within 13-12 before USA closed the set 15-13 to complete its fifth consecutive victory.
The United States, which had already secured its place in the gold medal match, awaits its opponent following the result between the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Mexico, with a 3-2 record, also awaits that result to determine whether it will play for gold or bronze.
Alexandra Dunphy, head coach of the United States: “Wow, Mexico plays incredible defense. They serve really, really tough and play great defense, so getting a point was very difficult. We had to earn every point, every kill. For tomorrow’s match, we’ll be ready and we’re really excited to be there. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, we’re very excited. Today was a tough match and a great win against a good Mexico team, and it doesn’t matter who comes next.”
Ireland Real, captain of the United States: “I feel like we were really trying not to give up at any point. I was trying to bring as much energy as I could to the team, always cheering, and I feel like that helped us fight. I was trying to be loud even when I wasn’t playing. But I think it was a really, really great team win, and we fought for it.
“Being in a final is definitely great. I mean, I think knowing that we can beat anyone is pretty cool. That gives us a lot of confidence going into tomorrow.”
Luis León López, head coach of Mexico: “We fought from the start. We had certain details that ultimately cost us the match because we had a set that we could have closed out, but in the end, our unforced errors hurt us, without taking any credit away from the United States. They are a great team and physically they have a big advantage over us, and that also played a role in the end. But I’m calm because the girls played, showed their level and their talent, and we battled the United States until the end, although this makes it more difficult for us to play in tomorrow’s final.”
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