ZINACANTEPEC, Mexico, September 27, 2026.- The United States successfully defended its NORCECA Women’s Final Six title, defeating Mexico 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-22) in the gold medal match on Sunday at the Unidad Deportiva Juan Fernández Albarrán.
USA completed a perfect run through the tournament with a 7-0 record to earn its second consecutive title and third gold medal in Final Six history. Mexico finished 5-2 and earned its third silver medal.
For the second year in a row, the United States defeated Mexico in the championship match, controlling the final with advantages of 43-35 in attacks, 8-4 in blocks and 3-1 in aces. USA also capitalized on 21 Mexican errors while committing 17.
The United States established the pace in the opening set, pulling away in the latter stages for a 25-20 win. The defending champions were even more commanding in the second, using their blocking and defense to contain Mexico’s offense and take the set 25-15.
A key part of the U.S. defensive effort was limiting the impact of Sofía Maldonado, who had been one of Mexico’s leading offensive weapons throughout the tournament. Mexico turned to Uxue Guereca, who finished with a team-high 11 points, all on kills.
Mexico stayed close throughout the third set and battled to keep the match alive, but the United States remained composed down the stretch and closed out the championship 25-22.
Onyedikachi Ofoegbu delivered a strong performance at the net for the United States, finishing with 11 points on six kills and a match-high five blocks. Jessica Mruzik added 10 points, all on kills.
Erik Sullivan, head coach of the United States: “Amazing. I feel like by far this was our best effort, maybe over the last two tournaments. This week has been hard for us. I just don’t feel like we got into a very good rhythm as the week went on, dealing with other things off the court, so for us to come out and do that in the gold medal match was very special.
“A 3-0 win against a very, very good Mexican team. I can’t applaud enough the city of Toluca and everyone here. It’s been a phenomenal tournament, with a great turnout and a great atmosphere. It’s been an awesome experience.”