MANAGUA, Nicaragua, October 17, 2026.– Nicaragua staged one of the most thrilling comebacks of the year, rallying from two sets down to defeat Costa Rica 3-2 (14-25, 20-25, 25-19, 27-25, 15-8), sparked by an inspired Samantha Vargas, who contributed 21 points. Both teams will meet again on Sunday in the championship match of the AFECAVOL Women’s Final Four.
Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Belize each finished the round-robin stage with two wins and one loss. Costa Rica secured first place with 11 points, while Nicaragua and Belize finished tied with nine. The second berth in the final went to the hosts based on the points scored-to-points conceded ratio.
The match appeared to be all but decided. Costa Rica, led by Tannia Carazo, had convincingly won the first two sets 25-14 and 25-20. In the second, the Costa Ricans overturned an 18-15 deficit with an eight-point scoring run to take a 23-18 lead and move within one set of victory.
But Nicaragua refused to give up. Vargas stepped up in the third set, scoring nine points and energizing the packed IND Volleyball Gymnasium, where the home crowd never stopped cheering for its team.
The excitement reached its peak in the fourth set. Costa Rica led 21-16 and later moved within two points of victory at 23-21. However, Nicaragua responded when it mattered most, turning the score around to claim the set 27-25 and force a tiebreaker, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
In the fifth set, Nicaragua played with greater confidence, maintaining its defensive intensity and combining it with effective attacking to take control of the scoreboard. Backed by its enthusiastic supporters, the home team sealed the victory 15-8 and secured its place in the final.
Samantha Vargas and Britani Forbes led Nicaragua’s offense with 21 points each, followed by María José Rivera with 14. For Costa Rica, Tannia Carazo and Tatiana Sayles contributed 20 points apiece, while María del Sol Venegas added 11.
Nicaragua held the advantage in attacks 65-59 and service aces 5-2, while Costa Rica led in blocks 8-5. The hosts committed 32 unforced errors compared to 27 by their opponents.
The championship match between Nicaragua and Costa Rica is scheduled for Sunday at 5:30 p.m., while Belize and Guatemala will face off for the bronze medal at 3:00 p.m.
“The most important thing was the attitude, the character and the heart they showed in representing their country,” said Nicaragua head coach Claudia Noguera. Referring to Vargas’ contribution, she added, “She came in and made the difference.”
“I love supporting my teammates. I wanted to do everything from the heart,” said Vargas, still emotional after the victory. “Tomorrow we’re going to give our best, we’re going to fight hard. I don’t know how many points I scored because I came in to play with my heart. I was only thinking about giving my best and contributing to the team.”
Costa Rica captain Tatiana Sayles acknowledged Nicaragua’s comeback: “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Nicaragua is a very determined team with a powerful attack. In the first two sets, we followed our game plan and executed it well. Then, in the next three, we lost our focus a little, and they started defending a lot of balls, which affected us. Volleyball always gives you a chance for revenge, and tomorrow we’re going to go out and give our best for our country.”
Costa Rica head coach Ciro Zoratti praised the atmosphere and the effort of both teams: “We knew it would be a battle, especially with this incredible atmosphere. I love competing in this kind of environment, with fans cheering and making noise. I think we played well in the first two sets. Congratulations to Nicaragua because they never gave up and stayed in the match. If you reach the final, it’s because you deserve to be there.”