Havana, September 22 (RHC) – Cuba was unable to get even with Canada, which defeated them 3-0 for fifth place in the 2025 NORCECA Women’s Volleyball Final Six Tournament, held at the López Mateos Sports Complex in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The northern team won 25-16, 25-22, and 25-21 to leave the Caribbean team in the cold basement with just one win in six outings. It was their second victory, both against the Caribbean team, whom they defeated in five sets the day before in an emotional duel that prevented them from advancing to the semifinals.
According to the tournament’s official website, despite the impressive blocking trio consisting of middle blockers Laura Suárez and Dayana Martínez, and setter Brenda Ferrer, Canada controlled the opening set with solid work from Sydney Grills from the service line and on offense, and constant support from Maryn Boldon.
The second quarter was very even, with the score tied at 18 before Cuba took a 20-18 lead, fueled by Dezirett Madan, Yensy Kindelán, and Evilania Martínez. However, the northerners responded with kills and benefited from their opponents’ errors.
In the third quarter, the Canadians built a comfortable 18-13 lead thanks to Isabella Noble’s acing streak. Whitney James led the late offensive surge for the island’s squad, and their opponents maintained their momentum to secure fifth place in the tournament.
The winners finished ahead in blocks (10-6) and serves (6-3), and committed only nine unforced errors, compared to 19 by their opponents, who held a slight advantage on offense (41-42).
Maryn Boldon led the scorers with 14 points, followed by Veronica Dickson and Sydney Grills, each with 10.
Cubans scoring in double figures were cornerbacks Whitney James (12) and Evilania Martínez (10).
