TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, June 30, 2026. – Costa Rica opened the II AFECAVOL U17 Girls’ Central American Volleyball Championship with a 3-1 (25-14, 22-25, 25-16, 25-15) victory over El Salvador in Pool A at Jorge Galeano Volleyball Gymnasium in the Simón Azcona Sports Complex.
With the win, Costa Rica will face Guatemala on Wednesday, July 1, at 4:00 p.m. in a showdown between the two unbeaten teams for the top spot in Pool A. El Salvador finished the pool stage with a 0-2 record. The pool winner advances directly to the semifinals, while the second- and third-place teams will compete in the quarterfinals.
After comfortably taking the opening set, Costa Rica was challenged by a determined Salvadoran side that evened the match by claiming the second set. However, Costa Rica regained control behind an outstanding serving performance that consistently disrupted El Salvador’s reception and allowed the team to dictate the pace for the remainder of the match.
Costa Rica held a 41-24 advantage in attacks and a commanding 16-5 margin in aces. El Salvador led in blocks (4-2). Both teams committed a high number of unforced errors, with 38 by El Salvador and 37 by Costa Rica.
Jimena Rodríguez led Costa Rica with 13 points, followed by Diana Espinoza with 11 and María Gabriela Andrade with 10, including nine aces. For El Salvador, Giselle Landos and Andrea Guatemala each scored 11 points.
Costa Rica head coach Kareem Richards: “The second set became very difficult for us, but we have to remember that the opening match is always challenging. We’re talking about girls who are 13 and 14 years old, with even a few who are only 12. The most important thing was the way they responded. This is all part of their development process as they work toward becoming high-level players.”
Costa Rica captain María Gabriela Andrade: “We’re very happy. For many of us, this was our debut with the national team, and I think we got off to a good start. Even though we lost one set, we were able to respond and turn it into a learning experience. It made us stronger, gave us more character, and showed the fighting spirit of this team.”
Andrea Guatemala of El Salvador: “I feel good because we gave our best and fought for every point. This time we didn’t get the result, but we’re confident that if we keep working like this, the victory will come in our next match. Volleyball is a physical sport, but it’s also very mental. Every mistake teaches us something, and that’s what we take away from this match.”
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