TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, November 14, 2026. – Honduras concluded its participation in the 21st AFECAVOL Central American U21 Women’s Championship with a straight-set 3-0 (25-21, 27-25, 25-19) victory over Belize, securing fifth place in the tournament.
The Hondurans, who experienced a competition filled with ups and downs and valuable lessons, came out determined to impose their rhythm against a Belizean team that entered the match following a hard-fought five-set loss to Guatemala.
Honduras showed greater consistency in the decisive moments to finish the match in three sets. In the opening set, the hosts quickly built a lead, and although Belize attempted to respond through Amaun Marín and Jameliee Espejo, Honduras maintained control to take the set 25-21, with Valeria Aquino contributing five points.
The second set was the most closely contested of the match. Belize took the lead, forcing Honduras to fight from behind. With patience and greater efficiency at the net, the Hondurans managed to level the score and extend the set beyond 25 points before prevailing 27-25 to take a 2-0 advantage.
In the third set, Honduras maintained its momentum and never relinquished control. With Luna Janania and Sasha Kawas leading the offense, the hosts held their advantage and sealed the victory 25-19 to finish the championship in fifth place.
Statistically, Honduras led in attacks 43-32 and service aces 8-5, while Belize held a 7-4 advantage in blocks. Honduras benefited from 22 points on opponent errors, compared to 21 for Belize.
Luna Janania led Honduras with 14 points, followed by Sasha Kawas with 12. For Belize, Amaun Marín was the top scorer with 15 points, while Jameliee Espejo added 11.
Belize will face Panama on Sunday in the match to determine sixth place in the competition. Panama finished fourth in its pool.
Marvin Andino, head coach of Honduras: “Personally, this tournament helped us assess the level of each Central American national team ahead of the next U21 championship, because most of our players will be eligible to compete again; perhaps only two or three won’t. Today, we gave several 14-year-old players an opportunity, and they performed well despite their nerves.”
Sasha Kawas, captain of Honduras: “I’m very proud of how the team played. It’s really difficult to come back from a match like yesterday’s, get up this morning and come here determined to win, but we did it. We won in three sets, and I think we played even better than in our group match, when we defeated Belize in four. I’m very proud to represent my country.”
Valeria Aquino, player of Honduras: “It was a wonderful tournament. I feel that with every match, we grew more united as a team, showed each player’s strengths and proved that we could give our best until the very end. I’m leaving very satisfied with how we finished this tournament and very proud of all of us.”