CHITRÉ, Panama, October 11, 2024.- In a dramatic finish, Belize defeated Nicaragua 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 29-27) to start the 20th AFECAVOL U21 Men’s Central American Championship at Papa Francisco Gymnasium in Chitré, Panama.
Nicaragua lost three set points in the third set on a kill from Kaelen Ingram and a Belizean error. Despite Kenneth Martínez managing to tie the set at 27 points for Nicaragua, Ingram, along with Eleazar Mejia, sealed the victory for Belize with their attacks.
Belize dominated every skill of the game: attacking (40-29), blocking (8-5), and serving (8-0). Nicaragua committed fewer errors (23-29).
Belizean Kaelen Ingram was the top scorer of the match with 26 points (22 attacks, 3 blocks, one ace). Eleazar Mejía contributed 13 points to the victory.
Yader León led Nicaragua with 13 points, while Kenneth Martínez added 11.
On the second day of the event, Belize will face Costa Rica at 3:00 pm (local time), while Nicaragua has a rest day.
Eleazar Mejía, captain of Belize: “I felt we played today’s game very well, exceptional. Nicaragua is a very tough team. We hope to move forward in this tournament, working on the little mistakes and go for a gold medal”.
Felix Palacios, captain of Nicaragua: “The game was not easy. The team gave it their all, but the result didn’t go our way. However, I know we will improve, and we will push through in the remaining matches because we have a good team, and I know we can do it”.
English 
Spanish