SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 7, 2026.- Costa Rica closed its participation in the women’s volleyball tournament of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 30-28) victory over Trinidad and Tobago to finish in seventh place.
Costa Rica dominated the first set, putting pressure from the service line and showing greater offensive efficiency to quickly take control of the score. The Costa Ricans maintained a comfortable lead throughout the set before closing it 25-11.
The second set was more closely contested. Trinidad and Tobago stayed within reach for much of the set, but Costa Rica found better solutions down the stretch to extend its lead and go up 2-0 with a 25-20 win.
Trinidad and Tobago responded in the third set and built a seven-point lead at 21-14. Costa Rica gradually cut into the deficit and tied the score at 24, extending the set. Both teams had opportunities to close it before the Costa Ricans prevailed 30-28 to complete the straight-set victory.
Serving was one of the keys for Costa Rica, which held a 9-0 advantage in aces, also led in attacks 42-30 and committed 21 unforced errors compared to 23 by its opponents. Trinidad and Tobago held a 6-4 advantage in blocks.
Krystel Vargas led Costa Rica’s offense with 22 points, including a match-high five aces. Tannia Carazo added 13 points. For Trinidad and Tobago, Kiune Fletcher was the top scorer with 18 points.
Costa Rica head coach Ciro Zoratti highlighted the importance of finishing the tournament with a victory.
“We wanted to finish with a win. We prepared very well for the match and tried to be in our best shape. We had two players who were not in their best condition. Our main outside hitter was out, but I have other players who are ready,” Zoratti said.
Regarding the difficult finish to the third set, he added: “It was probably my fault because I thought the set was going in the right direction and I wanted to give all the players an opportunity to play and share the court. But at this stage, that doesn’t work. It’s my responsibility. In the end, we’re happy to have finished with a win.”
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