COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 18, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team captured the gold medal at the Pan American Cup, defeating the Dominican Republic 3-0 in the final match held in León, Guanajuato, Mexico on Friday night. This victory marks the United States’ return to the top of the podium for the first time since 2019 and their eighth overall championship title in this tournament.
Match Overview
The U.S. team finished the tournament with a record of 6-1, having last secured a medal in 2024 when they placed second. In the final match against the Dominican Republic, the U.S. displayed a dominant offensive performance, registering 56 kills compared to 35 by their opponents. The team also led in service aces with three, although the Dominican Republic outperformed them in blocks, recording eight to the U.S. five.
Callie Schwarzenbach stood out in the match, contributing 15 points with 12 kills and three blocks. She was supported by Jess Mruzik and Temi Thomas-Ailara, who each delivered 12 kills, while Caitie Baird added 10 kills. Other contributors included Onye Ofoegbu, Sami Francis, and Claire Hoffman. Notably, libero Elena Oglivie excelled defensively with 19 digs throughout the match.
The first set proved to be a challenge as the Dominican Republic took an early lead at 8-4. The U.S. fought back, overcoming a deficit to ultimately win the set 28-26 after being pushed into extra points. In the second set, the U.S. was more commanding, winning 25-19 behind a strong performance from Mruzik, who scored seven points in that set. The third set saw a tight battle early on, but the U.S. eventually distanced themselves to secure a 25-18 victory, concluding the match decisively.
The U.S. women’s volleyball team’s impressive performance not only highlights their resilience but also cements their status as a powerhouse in the sport, having now won the Pan Am Cup eight times—a record in the tournament’s history.
Why It Matters
This victory is significant for the U.S. Women’s National Team as it demonstrates their return to form after a brief period of alternating success in international competition. Winning the Pan American Cup not only boosts the team’s confidence but also showcases their preparedness for upcoming challenges on the international stage.
