Three teams supported by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program secured podium finishes at the recent NORCECA Women’s Final Four tournament held in Manati. Host nation Puerto Rico claimed their third consecutive title, with Mexico earning silver and Costa Rica taking bronze.
The Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation received USD 84,000 for coach support for their women`s national team and an additional USD 75,000 for equipment. Mexico`s national volleyball and beach volleyball teams have collectively benefited significantly, receiving USD 1,328,000 in coaching support and USD 115,000 in equipment. Italian coach Nicola Negro has been at the helm of Mexico`s women`s national team since 2023. Similarly, the Costa Rican Volleyball Federation (FECOVOL) received USD 84,000 for national team coaching support, alongside USD 131,500 for volleyball equipment.
The NORCECA Women’s Final Four was a three-day round-robin tournament hosted at the Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu Coliseum in Manati. The home team started their campaign strong, delivering dominant 3-0 sweeps against Costa Rica (25-12, 25-10, 25-7) in their opening match and Trinidad & Tobago (25-17, 25-9, 25-9) in their second game.
Mexico also maintained an unblemished record through the first two competition days, securing 3-0 victories against Trinidad & Tobago (25-8, 25-11, 25-14) and Costa Rica (25-15, 25-13, 25-18).
Consequently, the tournament`s concluding game between Puerto Rico and Mexico became a direct and thrilling duel for the coveted trophy. After an intense five-set struggle, the home team celebrated a hard-fought 3-2 victory (25-19, 24-26, 25-18, 20-25, 15-13) to clinch the top spot on the podium.
“We knew the match was going to be intense. They brought out their best talent,” stated Puerto Rico’s coach Juan Carlos Nunez. “We played at home seeking qualification for VNL 2026, and in every match where we have the opportunity to earn points, we have to play to win. Offensively, we were at their level, and defensively, we played well. Now we have two days of rest, and then we begin training for the Pan American Cup.”
“First, congratulations to Puerto Rico for the victory! It was a very intense match that ended in five sets, but I always have great respect for Puerto Rican volleyball,” commented Mexico’s coach Nicola Negro. “I want to congratulate my players because we are in a new process of growth, and it was a match we played point by point.”
In what was the de facto bronze medal match, Costa Rica demonstrated strong performance, securing a 3-0 (26-24, 25-14, 25-15) win over Trinidad & Tobago.
Individual excellence was also recognized at the tournament. Puerto Rico’s 28-year-old setter Wilmarie Rivera was honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition. The prestigious Dream Team included setter Argentina Ung (Mexico), opposite Decelise Champion (Puerto Rico), outside hitters Karla Santos (Puerto Rico) and Samantha Bricio (Mexico), middle blockers Neira Ortiz (Puerto Rico) and Diana Reyes (Puerto Rico), and libero Maria Castro (Costa Rica). Maria Castro also received the award for Best Receiver. Her Costa Rican teammate Lakysha Thompson was recognized as the Best Server. Furthermore, Puerto Rico’s Shara Venegas was named Best Digger, while her teammate Paola Santiago emerged as the Best Scorer.
NORCECA Women’s Final Four: Results, Statistics, and Standings
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood