TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, May 31, 2026. – The United States was crowned undefeated champion at the Girls’ U17 Pan American Cup, after defeating Venezuela in the gold medal match 3-1 (25-14, 25-16, 20-25, 25-20) in Sunday’s final at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
In their tournament debut, USA finished undefeated with a 4-0 record, while Venezuela claimed silver with a 4-1 record, their second medal in the history of the event after winning bronze in 2024.
The Americans dominated the opening set with a disciplined and organized performance, led by Madlen Gloessner, Mary-Christine Crutcher, and Sophia Gregg, whose serving proved decisive. Jael Smith and Naomi Stevenson anchored the blocking line, helping USA secure a comfortable 25-14 win.
The second set was more competitive, with Venezuela briefly leading 10-8 thanks to Yalesca Colina’s blocking. However, USA quickly regained control through Crutcher’s kills and Smith’s blocks. Gregg added an ace to reach set point, and Mesa Jameson sealed the set 25-16.
Venezuela fought back in the third set, overcoming an early deficit with strong contributions from Colina, Victoria Sanoja, and Claudia La Rosa. A powerful block from Antonella Lovera gave Venezuela their first lead of the match at 14-13. Despite an injury to opposite hitter Maria José Rondón, Venezuela maintained momentum, with Colina scoring the decisive kill to force a fourth set.
In the final set, USA never trailed, building a 21-15 lead with balanced offense from four different players. Venezuela attempted a late push through Angelina Zerpa’s serves, but the Americans held firm. Stevenson delivered the championship point, securing USA’s historic gold medal.
USA’s blocking proved crucial, finishing with a 12-5 margin, alongside advantages in attacks (44-30) and aces (7-5). The United States benefited from 32 opponent errors, however they conceded 35.
Jameson and Gloessner led USA’s scoring with 14 and 12 points respectively, while setter Gregg recorded a match-high five aces. Venezuela’s Yalesca Colina stood out with 15 points, the only player in double digits for her team.
Head coach Marie Zidek praised both sides: “Venezuela was a very tough opponent. Both teams had to show mental strength with the delay caused by the energy outage. It’s impressive that these young athletes put on such a show. Testament to Venezuela’s strength and to the depth of USA; it was a great spectacle for the fans today.”
Venezuela’s head coach, Cuban Ihosvanny Chambers, reflected: “When we lost a player to injury, it was the moment to give an opportunity to other girls who hadn’t participated. We knew we had a strong opponent; we are not used to playing against girls of that height and that affected us. I am very happy with what the girls did. I am satisfied with the result.”
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