GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 21, 2025.– Costa Rica captured its ninth Central American Games gold medal after defeating Nicaragua in straight sets (25-20, 25-20, 25-19) in the women’s volleyball final of the 12th Central American Games Guatemala 2025.
With this victory, Costa Rica extends its record as the most successful team in the history of the Games, claiming its fifth consecutive gold medal. In total, Costa Rica now owns 11 medals in the event’s history: nine gold, one silver, and one bronze. Nicaragua, meanwhile, earned its fifth silver medal, bringing its total to eight, including three bronze.
The opening set was evenly matched at 9 points apiece before Costa Rica pulled ahead 15-11, led by Tatiana Sayles’ powerful attacks against the Nicaraguan block of María Belén Arcia, combined with defensive errors and strong serves from María Fernanda Alfaro. After a long rally, Costa Rica extended the lead to 19-13 with a spike by Lakysha Thompson, while Dalia Calero responded for Nicaragua. Two decisive kills from Sayles sealed the first set for Costa Rica.
Nicaragua came out strong in the second set, taking a four-point lead behind Josafat Díaz, Gilmary Smith, and Calero. Costa Rica rallied to tie at 16 points, with Sayles and Ana Victoria Rojas leading the charge. Sayles then gave Costa Rica the lead for good, supported by key blocks that neutralized Díaz and Smith. Costa Rica then led 2-0.
The third set followed a similar pattern. Unfortunately, Gilmary Smith suffered a serious knee injury when Costa Rica was ahead 22-19, briefly halting play. When the match resumed, Costa Rica closed it out with a spike by Melina Abarca, followed by two consecutive blocks from Sol Venegas against Brisa Pérez and Lolette Rodríguez.
AFECAVOL: GUATEMALA 2025 – VOLEIBOL
Costa Rica led in attacks (50-36), blocks (8-6), and service points (5-3), while Nicaragua committed fewer errors (12-14).
Tatiana Sayles was the top scorer and a key factor for Costa Rica with 22 points, followed by Ana Victoria Rojas with 11 and Tannia Carazo with 10. For Nicaragua, Dalia Calero and Josafat Díaz each contributed 12 points.
Costa Rica’s captain Tatiana Sayles said: “We focused a lot on our own game, and I think that was the key throughout the tournament. We started slowly but kept improving. We’re so happy to have achieved our goals — finishing first in our group, winning the semifinal, and today reaching the biggest goal: the gold medal for Costa Rica. We worked as a team and managed to overcome a tough Nicaraguan side. It was a collective achievement — everyone contributed, even those who came off the bench gave us a boost at key moments. It was truly a team victory.”
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