Puerto Rico blanks Costa Rica at Women’s NORCECA Championship

Puerto Rico’s Ivania Ortiz (3) spikes the ball against Costa Rica during their Group B match on Saturday at the Women’s NORCECA Continental Championship in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico won in straight sets.

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-15) at Prof. Ricardo Gioriver Arias Volleyball Palace for its first win at the 2026 Women’s NORCECA Continental Championship in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Saturday.

With the victory in Group B, Puerto Rico regained its momentum after dropping its first match of the tournament to Cuba in five sets on Friday, but also gave playing time to athletes who had not yet seen action, per coach Juan Carlos Núñez’s plan.

“After the loss on the first day, we needed to find our rhythm,” Núñez said.

Puerto Rico (1-1) was to close out the group stage on Sunday against the Dominican Republic, while Costa Rica (0-2) was to face Cuba. The winner of each group will advance directly to the semifinals.

Puerto Rico held the advantage in all three scoring fundamentals, outperforming Costa Rica in attacks (43-26), blocks (9-5), and serves (7-3). Both teams committed 16 errors.

Ivania Ortiz led Puerto Rico -- and all scorers -- with 11 points, tallying seven attacks, a block and three aces. Decelise Champion contributed nine points (six attacks, two blocks and an ace), while Ana Jusino added seven points (six attacks and an ace).

Lakysha Thompson and Sofía Arroyo scored nine points each for Costa Rica.