The Cuban women’s national water polo team got off to a strong start in the qualifying tournament for the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, defeating host nation Colombia 14-11 at the Hernando Botero O’Byrne Olympic Pool in Cali.

The match was intense from the first quarter, with the lead changing hands several times and both teams displaying highly effective offense.

The Cubans relied on the scoring prowess of their leader, the experienced Mairelis Zunzunegui Morgan, who netted four goals, and the versatility of Caridad Indiaskys Suárez, who added three goals at key moments.

Aliannis Ramírez White, rookie Anyeli Cuba, and Surisleidis Haber Suárez also stood out, each contributing two goals. The Cuban offense capitalized on their numerical advantages and showed greater efficiency at the end of each period (5-1/2-5/1-3/6-2).

“Tactical discipline was fundamental to the victory. The Colombian defense couldn’t contain Cuba’s quick transitions in the final minutes,” Ms. C. Nildee Molina, the national water polo commissioner, told JIT from the venue.

“Several of the players made their international debuts. It’s been three years since we last played at this level,” added the former Cuban team water polo player.

For Colombia, Sara Vanegas Morales stood out with five goals that kept her team in contention until the final quarter.

With this result, Cuba, which will face Costa Rica this Tuesday, earns its first three points in the tournament, which runs until the 19th. The Cuban men’s team is scheduled to make its debut against Trinidad and Tobago.