TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 1, 2026. – Belize secured second place in Pool B of the II AFECAVOL Girls’ U17 Central American Championship with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-19) victory over Nicaragua in the final day of pool play.
With the result, Belize will face El Salvador, the third-place team from Pool A, in Thursday’s quarterfinals. Nicaragua, which finished third in Pool B, will take on Costa Rica, the second-place team from Pool A. The winners will advance to the semifinals to face undefeated pool winners Guatemala and Honduras.
Belize controlled the match from the opening points, gradually extending its lead behind a solid defensive performance and an offense led by team captain Jamielee Espejo. The Belizeans maintained their momentum throughout the three sets to complete the straight-set victory.
Belize held the advantage in attacks (33-26) and aces (8-5), while both teams finished even in blocks (1-1). Nicaragua committed 33 unforced errors compared to 23 by Belize.
Team captain Jamielee Espejo led Belize with 23 points. Nicaragua’s leading scorer was Alejandra Cisne with 11 points.
Jamielee Espejo, Belize captain: “The key was staying together, communicating, and supporting each other throughout the match. We have a very important game tomorrow, and we need to keep that same mindset and continue competing at our best.”
Sherlene Johnson, Belize head coach: “Today we showed much better teamwork, and that made the difference. We’re a very young team, but when we play together and communicate well, we can compete at a high level. Now we have to get ready for the next challenge.”
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