MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 28, 2024.- Costa Rica was crowned the first U17 Central American Girls’ Volleyball champion after defeating Honduras 3-1 (25-15, 25-20, 20-25, 25-16).
After battling against a determined Honduran team, Costa Rica secured the gold medal undefeated, showing resilience in every match.
Amada Campos once again led Costa Rica with 15 points, while Nicole Leiva added 10. For Honduras, Ruth Villegas scored 16 points, and Luna Janania contributed 9.
Costa Rica outperformed in attack, 40-26. Both teams tied with 5 blocks, but Honduras had the advantage in serves, 10-5, with Villegas scoring five direct points. However, they committed 43 unforced errors, compared to Costa Rica’s 35.
Jimena Alfaro, Costa Rica’s libero: “This tournament means so much to me. It’s my last U17 competition, and I feel it was our tournament to win because of all the work we’ve put in. I can’t explain the pride I feel for my teammates, who always kept us motivated. From day one, we had our low points, but we learned that we could rise from our mistakes. Everyone taught us, our coaches guided us, the bench players, the parents, they all helped us mentally”.
Kareen Richard, Head coach of Costa Rica: “The level of the tournament was very good; we had elite matches, and that’s why we thank God that Costa Rica won the first U17 Central American Championship. I feel the tournament was a success. AFECAVOL promotes high-level competition from a young age, and I leave satisfied. Beyond the sport, we saw the girls grow.”
Cristiam Rodríguez, Honduras’ coach: “I think it was a good match. Even though we started losing 0-2, we won the third set and fought hard in the fourth, but we lacked that characteristic Honduran grit. This is something that develops over time, with scrimmages and tournaments, and that’s why this age group is so important.”
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