COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 6, 2026) — The U.S. Girls’s U23 Staff defeated Mexico Saturday in an exciting five-set (27-25, 18-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13) victory to complete 5-0 in preliminary play on the NORCECA Girls’s Pan Am Cup in Managua, Nicaragua.
The U.S. squad (5-0) faces the Dominican Republic 3-2 Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. PT for the gold. Earlier this week, the U.S. defeated the Dominican Republic 3-1.
The U.S. led Mexico in kills (58-46) and blocks (17-12), however Mexico had the sting in aces (7-3).
Head coach Alex Dunphy used all gamers within the win, with Kendall Omoruyi main the offensive assault with 18 factors on 16 kills and two blocks. Megan Holdges scored 16 with a match-high seven blocks and 9 kills. Additionally in double digits had been Shayla Rautenberg (5 kills, 5 blocks, two aces) and Tessa Larkin (12 kills). Peyton Kubik notched six kills, Eire Actual had 5, and setter Sophee Peterson had a kill and two blocks.
“What a enjoyable staff win,” Dunphy stated. “Each single participant entered the match and positively contributed to this five-set win. “Two passers, (Tessa) Larkin and (Cala) Haffner, obtained over 80% in system, unbelievable for a match of this stage. Pleased with our younger athletes and the way nicely they’re representing USA.”
Rounding out the scorers had been Isabel Incinelli (three kills), Taimane Ainu’u (one ace), AVa Burgess (one block) and Willtrace Ngoh (one kill). Cala Haffner led each groups with an incredible 29 digs.
The fifth set was a becoming finish to an excellent match. With the rating tied at eight, a Rautenberg block and Actual kill gave the U.S. the two-advantage. Mexico scored on a U.S. error, however two kills by Actual gave the U.S. a three-point lead, 12-9. A Hodges block made it 13-10, however Mexico used a U.S. error and kill to chop the result in 13-12. Peterson blocked an assault for 14-12, and Larkin closed it out along with her personal kill.
U23 Pan American Cup Roster
1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 6-0, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-4, 2009, Nice Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Nice Plains)
14 Eire Actual (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Ava Burgess (OH, 6-2, 2009, Lehi, Utah, Lone Peak HS, Intermountain)
20 Willtrace Ngoh (MB, 6-1, 2009, Richmond, Texas, Katy Seven Lakes HS, Lone Star)
21 Sophee Peterson (S, 5-11, Fort Value, Texas, Byron Nelson HS, North Texas)
22 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
23 Nyla Livings (MB, 6-2, The Colony, Texas, Prestonwood Christian Academy, North Texas)
24 Kendall Omoruyi (OPP/MB, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Sierra Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Peyton Kubik (OH, 6-2, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley West HS, Coronary heart of America)
26 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, Phoenix, Ariz., Xavier School Preparatory, Arizona)
27 Mallory Johnson (L, 5-9, Bryon Heart, Mich., Bryon Heart HS, Lakeshore)
Coaches
Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Efficiency Analyst: Thomas Shaffer (Loyola Chicago)
ATC: Anthony Tam, MD, CAQSM (Henry Ford Well being)
Staff Lead (coaching block): Mallory Burbage (NTDP)
Staff Lead (competitors): Courtney Smith (NTDP)
U23 Pan American Cup Schedule
All occasions PT
Tuesday, Sept. 1: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-17)
Wednesday, Sept. 2: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-19)
Thursday, Sept. 3: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22)
Friday, Sept. 4: USA def. Nicaragua, 3-0 (25-10, 25-14, 25-15)
Saturday, Sept. 5: USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (27-25, 18-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13)
Sunday, Sept. 6: Gold medal match: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 4 p.m. PT
