Canada and USA will contend for the title at the NORCECA Women's Continental Championship in Santo Domingo. Both teams reached the final after decisive 3-0 victories in the semifinals, while Cuba and host Dominican Republic will play for the bronze medals. The match between Puerto Rico and Mexico for fifth place will also be particularly important.
Canada – Cuba 3:0(25:19,25:13,25:17)
Canada was the first to secure a spot in the gold medal match after a decisive win over Cuba. This is the first final for the Canadians at the Continental Championship since 1989, and the team will be chasing its first title in history.
After a relatively even first set, Canada established complete dominance. In the second set, the score was 5:5 before the Canadians pulled away to 14:8 and 20:10, and in the third, they took a 20:10 lead, practically deciding the match.
Statistics also show Canada's clear advantage – 42:28 points from attack, 8:2 in blocks, and 7:2 aces. Kiera Van Ryk and Hilary Howe scored 14 points each, while Abigail Gese added 11. For Cuba, Yalain Regla de la Peña finished with 8 points, Diaris Perez with 7, and Evilania Martinez with 6.
USA – Dominican Republic 3:0(25:19,25:18,25:10)
USA left no chances for host Dominican Republic and qualified for the final without losing a set. The Americans will be chasing their eighth title in the history of the Continental Championship.
USA had a huge advantage in blocks – 15:3, and was also more effective in attack – 38:26, as well as from serves – 7:1 aces.
Simone Lee was the top scorer for the winners with 16 points, including 13 from attack and 3 from blocks. Asjia O'Neal and Logan Eggleston added 12 points each, and Jordan Thompson – 11. For the Dominican Republic, Florimarie Heredia finished with 8 points, and Yonkaira Peña with 7.
Thus, in the final, Canada and USA will meet for the second time in the tournament. In their Group A match, the Canadians won 3:2 (22:25, 26:24, 22:25, 25:23, 15:13). Now the stakes will be the title – Canada is chasing its first NORCECA trophy, and USA can become champion for the eighth time.
Puerto Rico – Trinidad and Tobago 3:0(25:7,25:5,25:5)
Puerto Rico achieved a crushing victory over Trinidad and Tobago and secured a match for fifth place.
The difference between the two teams was huge – 39:4 points from attack, 7:1 in blocks, and 13:1 aces in favor of the Puerto Ricans. Ivania Ortiz finished with 15 points, including 5 aces, Leandra Mangual added 14, and Neira Sortis – 12.
The statistics clearly describe the one-sided nature of the match. Trinidad and Tobago scored only four points from attack in three sets, while Puerto Rico also added 13 direct points from serves.
Mexico – Costa Rica 3:0(25:19,25:7,25:15)
Mexico also did not allow a surprise against Costa Rica and secured a match with Puerto Rico for fifth place.
The Mexicans had a significant advantage – 39:17 points from attack, 7:2 in blocks, and 7:0 aces. Aime Topete scored 13 points, Sofia Maldonado – 12, and Karina Flores – 10.
Particularly indicative was the difference in the second set, won by Mexico 25:7. The superiority in attack and serving did not allow Costa Rica to put serious pressure on their opponent.
What's next
Canada and USA will meet in the grand final of the Continental Championship. For the Canadians, this is their first title match since 1989 and a chance for their first gold in history, while the Americans will be chasing their eighth NORCECA trophy.
Cuba and hosts Dominican Republic will play for the bronze medals and third place.
The match between Puerto Rico and Mexico for fifth place is particularly important. As hosts of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the USA is not included in the continental Olympic qualification calculation. Thus, the fifth-placed team in the final standings of the championship will be the fourth best-ranked team without the USA and will earn the right to participate in the NORCECA Olympic qualifier on August 28 and 29.
Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago will play for seventh place.
