PR tops Cuba in 2nd match at NORCECA U-17 Continental Championship

Team Puerto Rico dominated in attacks (44-28) en route to a four-set victory over Cuba.

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico defeated Cuba 3-1 (25-13, 25-19, 22-25 and 25-16) to secure its first victory on Wednesday in the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U-17 Continental Championship at the National Gymnasium in San José, Costa Rica.

Team Puerto Rico evened its record at 1-1 in Group B, while Cuba dropped to 0-2.

“We stayed calm despite losing the third set. We were able to recover in the fourth and come out with the victory,” said Anna Aquino, Puerto Rico’s outside hitter and leading scorer in the match. “Tomorrow against Mexico, we have to come out strong because they jump really high.”

Puerto Rico dominated in attacks (44-28) and serves (12-4), displaying a solid offense led by Aquino, who tallied 17 points (14 attacks, one block and two aces). Viveca García added 11 points, including four timely aces. Cuba, despite having more blocks (6-3), failed to capitalize on their opportunities and committed 38 errors, just three more than Puerto Rico.

After losing the third set, Puerto Rico came out aggressively and took a 10-5 lead in the fourth, with Aquino and Carinialys Román leading the offense. Cuba tried to respond with attacks from Clara Alfonso, Amanda Mayor and Vanessa Hernández, but it wasn’t enough to stop Puerto Rico’s advance, which closed the set 25-16 for the win.

Puerto Rico was to next face Mexico (1-1) in a key match for a spot in the semifinals, while Cuba was to take on group leader United States (2-0).