TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, November 11, 2026. – Costa Rica earned its second consecutive victory with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-22, 25-19) win over Nicaragua in Pool B of the 21st AFECAVOL Central American U21 Women’s Volleyball Championship, taking place in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Costa Rica dominated the opening set, but faced stronger resistance in the next two as Nicaragua raised its level of play and challenged the Costa Ricans. However, Costa Rica remained composed in the decisive moments to secure the straight-set victory and move one step closer to clinching first place in Pool B.
Costa Rica held the advantage in attacks (33-29), blocks (8-4), and serves (4-3). The Costa Ricans also capitalized on Nicaragua’s 30 unforced errors while committing only 16 of their own.
Nicole Leiva led Costa Rica with 12 points, including four blocks, while Luciana Vargas contributed 11. For Nicaragua, Karen Bird was the leading scorer with 10 points, followed by Ixtchel Talavera with 9.
Costa Rica will look to secure first place in Pool B on Thursday against Panama at 4:30 p.m., which would earn the team a direct berth in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Nicaragua will conclude pool play against Guatemala in a match that will help determine the final standings and quarterfinal matchups.
Braulio Godínez Blanco, head coach of Costa Rica: “Every match is different, and you have to play each one. Today, we were able to maintain continuity in our game plan, although sometimes things work well and other times they don’t go as expected. I really liked Nicaragua’s team. They also go through ups and downs, just like we do. Tomorrow against Panama, we hope to secure first place, earn a day of rest, and wait for our opponent in the semifinals.”
Nicole Leiva, Costa Rica’s leading scorer: “The tournament is just getting started, but we feel very confident because of all the work we have put in, both during these matches and throughout our preparation. Patience and unity were key today. There were moments when Nicaragua was ahead, but we managed to stay in control and come through with the victory.”
Claudia Noguera, head coach of Nicaragua: “In the first set, we lacked concentration and mental toughness, but we showed a better version of ourselves in the following two sets. We know there are areas we need to improve heading into the next matches. Tomorrow, we face Guatemala, a team just as capable as any other in this championship, and we need to approach the match with strong focus, determination, and the desire to win.”