Puerto Rico triumphed over Mexico in four-set match, securing the NORCECA Women’s Final Four Championship at the Salvador Dijols Coliseum. The home team won 3-1 with set scores of 25-20, 25-20, 19-25, and 27-25.
This victory marks Puerto Rico’s second consecutive title in this event and their fourth overall medal (two golds, one silver, and one bronze). Mexico, who won gold in 2022, earned their first silver medal in the Final Four, adding to their previous bronze in 2019.
Paola Santiago was the top scorer for Puerto Rico with 14 points, while Marian Ovalle and Uxue Guereca each scored 16 points for Mexico.
Shara Venegas, Puerto Rico’s team captain, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Additional accolades for Puerto Rico included Stephanie Rivera as Second Best Spiker, Diana Reyes as Best Blocker, Wilmarie Rivera as Best Server and Best Setter, and Grace López as Best Opposite. Mexico’s Uxue Guereca was Best Spiker and Best Scorer, Karina Flores Second Best Middle Blocker, and Joseline Landeros Best Receiver and Best Libero. María José Castro of Costa Rica received the Best Digger award.
In the bronze medal match, Cuba defeated Costa Rica 3-1 (24-26, 25-19, 25-21, 25-21). This is Cuba’s second medal in the event, having previously finished second in 2022. Cuba was led by Alejandra Gómez with 26 points and Lianet García with 15 points, while Costa Rica’s Julissa Rodríguez scored 11 points.
