MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 6, 2026.- Costa Rica closed its participation in the NORCECA U23 Women’s Pan American Cup in fifth place after defeating Nicaragua in straight sets 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-12) on Sunday at the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello.
Blocking was one of the main differences for Costa Rica, which held a commanding 12-2 advantage in that category and also led in attacks 39-28. The Costa Ricans held a 6-4 edge in service points, while Nicaragua committed 19 unforced errors to Costa Rica’s 17.
After controlling the first set 25-15, Costa Rica faced stronger resistance in the second. Nicaragua took a 22-19 lead and eventually reached set point, but Costa Rica responded with an attack by María del Sol Venegas and a Nicaraguan error to take the set 26-24. Riding the momentum of that comeback, Costa Rica quickly took control of the third set, jumping ahead 7-1 on its way to a decisive 25-12 finish.
María del Sol Venegas led Costa Rica with 22 points, scoring eight in the first set and seven in each of the next two. Melina Abarca added 15 points, with five in each set. Valentina Martínez led Nicaragua with 10 points.
Costa Rica head coach Braulio Godínez highlighted the level of the competition and the challenge presented by their opponents. “Traditional teams such as the Dominican Republic, the United States, Canada and Mexico came with very strong squads, and that raised the level of the competition. We tried to field a team with good height, although perhaps not at its best technical level, and Nicaragua was better than us in some aspects of the game.”
Godínez added that his team’s physical advantage played an important role in securing the victory. “Fortunately, we were able to prevail in blocking and attacking and take advantage of our height. Today it was less difficult for us than in the first match. Nicaragua has very good jumping ability, good control in attack, very good defense and a strong serve.”
Nicaragua head coach Claudia Noguera viewed the tournament as an opportunity for her team to grow. “The tournament was very beneficial for us because it helped us identify our weaknesses, and we are confident that the players are committed to continuing to improve so they can compete in these types of events.”
Noguera also pointed to the physical toll accumulated throughout the competition. “It has been a long and difficult journey for them, but they realized that they need to prepare better for future competitions. I believe both the physical and mental aspects affected us, especially physically, with six matches in one week and having to face tall and physically strong teams.”
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