GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 19, 2025.– Belize made history after defeating Panama 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-18) in the women’s volleyball tournament of the 12th Central American Games Guatemala 2025, advancing for the first time ever to the semifinals of the regional event.
Belize finished pool-play undefeated (3-0) and on top of Pool B, securing their spot in the semifinals, where they will face Nicaragua, second place in Pool A, on Monday. Panama (0-3) will play for 6th/7th place on the final day of competition.
Team Belize not only achieved their first-ever qualification to the semifinals in the history of the Central American Games, but did so as pool leaders, maintaining a perfect record through the preliminary round.
Belize started strong, building a five-point lead (10-5) with Nelissa Ramírez leading the offense. Panama responded through Angela Evans and Anabel Mackenzie, tying the score at 22 points, but serving proved decisive for Belize to take the first set.
In the second set, Panama gained a three-point lead with Hashlyn Cuero’s blocking and Belize’s errors, but from point 15 on, Belize regained control. Ramírez remained unstoppable, while Gareth Bruce joined the attack to extend the advantage.
The third set was tight, with both teams showing great defense. After a long rally, Samantha Smith scored the attack that put Belize at match point, and they sealed the historic victory following a Panamanian error.
AFECAVOL: GUATEMALA 2025 – VOLEIBOL
Belize held statistical advantages in attacks (38-33), blocks (9-5), and service aces (6-1). Both teams committed 22 unforced errors.
Nelissa Ramírez led Belize with 15 points, the only player on her team with double digits. For Panama, Hashlyn Cuero scored 13 points, while Angela Evans added 11.
Nelissa Ramírez spoke after the win: “We played tactically, we were able to give hard kills and overall, we played smart. Our blocking was very good today and that helped us get more free points – the more, the better”.
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