MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 27, 2024. – Belize (2-2) earned an important victory that keeps their medal hopes alive by defeating Honduras (0-4) 3-1 (25-12, 25-17, 18-25, 25-14) with one match left in the First AFECAVOL U17 Central American Girls’ Championship.
Belize’s powerful serve caused significant damage to Honduras, with Sara Safa scoring 7 aces out of her team’s total of 16, leading that skill 16-9. Belize led in attacks 41-25, while Honduras had the edge in blocking 4-1.
Emaun Marín with 17 points was Belize’s top scorer, followed by Ikili Jones with 13 and Safa with 10; for Honduras, Ruth Villegas finished with 11.
On Saturday, in the final day of competition, El Salvador faces Belize at 1:30 p.m., while Honduras will take on Costa Rica at 4:00 p.m.
Emaun Marín, Belize’s top scorer: “I feel it could have been better, and I think there are many things we all need to work on. What was different for me today was that I stepped up when I saw the short balls and read the game better. I’m 14 years old and I just started playing volleyball about three years ago (in 2021)”.
José Fontes, Head coach of Belize: “Another important victory as we aim for a medal. I think, since we’re here, that’s the goal. The girls came out a bit pressured, and a good serve from Honduras complicated things for us. They improved their game and got back into competition. In the end, they secured the crucial win to keep our medal hopes alive”.
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