GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, July 30, 2025. – Guatemala defeated Costa Rica 3-1 (19-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20) on Wednesday, moving within one win of clinching a direct berth to the semifinals of the Men’s U23 Pan American Cup, held at the Domo Polideportivo in Zone 13.
Costa Rica started strong, dominating Guatemala in all aspects and building a six-point lead (19-13) to take the first set. In the second, Guatemala recovered, taking a four-point lead to tie the match. In the third and fourth sets, Guatemala controlled the game, though Costa Rica made several attempts to turn the tide.
Guatemala will face Venezuela at 8:00 p.m. on the final day of pool play in a match that will decide the top spot in Pool A. Costa Rica will take on Suriname at 6:00 p.m. to determine who advances to the quarterfinals.
In the Central American clash, Guatemala outperformed Costa Rica in attacks (61-47) and service aces (4-1), while Costa Rica held the advantage in blocking (12-7).
Four Guatemalan players scored in double digits, led by captain Jerry Duran with 19 points (17 kills, 1 block, 1 ace). Roberto Mendizábal added 16 points, José Pablo Pérez tallied 14, and José Luis Samayoa chipped in 12.
For Costa Rica, Ignacio Morales finished with 17 points and Dowshel Jekeal Mc Donald with 15.
Jerry Duran, captain of Guatemala: “We started playing Costa Rica’s game, but we were able to capitalize on their mistakes. In the second set, we began playing our own style and controlling the pace. We always managed to stay ahead on the scoreboard. Tomorrow, we play Venezuela, a tough opponent, but we know we can beat them.”
Jeremy Vanega, captain of Costa Rica: “It was a very important match for us. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the result we wanted, but Guatemala made fewer mistakes, and that helped them. I hope we can keep advancing and reach the quarterfinals, but to do that we need to fix our errors.”
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