SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, September 24, 2026.- Costa Rica finished first in Pool A of the Men’s U23 Pan American Cup after defeating Nicaragua 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-21) in one hour and five minutes.
The match began with some inconsistency on both sides, but Costa Rica gradually found its rhythm and took control of the first set to win comfortably. Nicaragua came out with greater intensity in the second, but the Costa Ricans quickly responded and had taken command before the midway point of the set.
Costa Rica faced more resistance toward the end of the third set, when Nicaragua closed the gap and put pressure on the scoreboard. However, the Costa Ricans held their advantage to complete their second consecutive straight-set victory. Costa Rica also capitalized on Nicaragua’s 29 errors.
With the result, Costa Rica now awaits the outcome of the matches between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, and Guatemala against Grenada, which will determine the two best pool winners that advance directly to the semifinals. The other pool winner will compete in the quarterfinals.
Costa Rica closed Pool A undefeated with a 2-0 record, Mexico finished 1-1, and Nicaragua 0-2.
The differences in the team statistics were narrow. Costa Rica held a 34-29 advantage in attacks and 10-6 in blocks, while both teams scored two aces.
Stanley Grant was once again led Costa Rica’s and was the match’s leading scorer, this time with 15 points. For Nicaragua, Devin Taushaun Hooker finished with 13 points.
Edser Barrantes, Costa Rica setter: “I congratulate Nicaragua; they played a very good match. Today we managed to get the win despite having some difficulties at certain moments. We are very happy to have advanced to the next round, and now we are waiting to see whether it will be the semifinals or quarterfinals.”