MANAGUA, Nicaragua, November 18, 2025. – Defending champion Puerto Rico bounced back after losing the first set to claim a 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-17) victory over Costa Rica in the opening match of Pool A at the NORCECA U17 Boys’ Continental Championship.
Costa Rica dominated the first set, capitalizing on Puerto Rico’s errors, which gave them a huge advantage. Puerto Rico improved its focus and gained an edge from the service line, which affected Costa Rica’s attacking efficiency.
Elvis González scored 16 points for Puerto Rico, while Jayden Figueroa added 14. For Costa Rica, Moisés Watson led with 8 points.
Puerto Rico led in attacks 50-32 and in serving 11-2, while Costa Rica held the advantage in blocking 6-3 and committed 31 errors against Puerto Rico’s 39.
Puerto Rico will face Barbados on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. (local time), while Costa Rica will take on Nicaragua at 8:00 p.m.
Hernán Torres, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “The factor here is that we are in a new environment. These kids are in a process, stepping into a higher level, and they’re beginning to understand those situations. We lost the first set, but they are young and not very seasoned yet, and we are trying to instill those details in them so they can continue to grow.”
Walter Jenkins, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “We are completely enthusiastic, even though the boys were extremely nervous, but we placed the match in God’s hands, which is the most important thing. They came out to play well, held on in the first part, and then typical things for their age happened: they got nervous, they collapsed, they looked back at you worried… I told them nothing bad has happened, they must enjoy it, they have to play and enjoy themselves at this age because we are in a learning stage.”
“Obviously, there are expectations when you win the first set. They get motivated, excited, and they go for it, trying to win the match. For me, the outcome is positive. I am happy and proud of the boys”, Jenkins added.
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