MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 28, 2024.- Nicaragua won 3-1 (25-18, 15-25, 25-14, 25-17) against Guatemala to claim the second place in the First AFECAVOL U17 Girls’ Central American Championship.
Costa Rica became the champion of this inaugural edition undefeated, while Nicaragua secured the silver medal with a 4-1 record. Belize finished third with a 3-2 record and 14 points. Guatemala was fourth with a 2-3 record, followed by El Salvador with 1-4 and Honduras with 0-5.
For Nicaragua, the top scorer was Luisa Ríos with 10 points, Karen Bird with nine, and Brisa Bermúdez with seven. For Guatemala, Melissa Guerra had nine points, followed by Natalia Pérez with eight and Andrea Garcés.
Nicaragua outperformed Guatemala in blocking 9-7, with four blocks from Karen Bird, and had an advantage in serving 11-7. Guatemala was stronger in attacks 33-26, though they committed 44 unforced errors compared to 27 from their opponents.
Claudia Noguera, Head coach of Nicaragua: “Today, and throughout the tournament, we saw a team full of determination, determination, attitude, and great resolve, and I believe their fight for every point to represent their country was key. The support from the crowd that cheered us on day by day motivated them and encouraged their growth. We’ve been working with these girls since they were in mini categories, in some cases, and I believe we have a good group for future national teams. This year has been wonderful for us with two gold medals and two silver medals”.
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