SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, September 26, 2026.- Nicaragua secured seventh place at the Men’s U23 Pan American Cup after defeating Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 (25-18, 25-22, 15-25, 19-25, 16-14) in San Salvador.
Nicaragua held a slight edge in the first two sets, committing few unforced errors and playing with greater confidence. Trinidad and Tobago put up strong resistance, but the Nicaraguans managed to close out both sets to take a 2-0 lead.
In the third set, Trinidad and Tobago’s attack was clearly superior, allowing them to cut the deficit. The Trinidadians maintained their offensive pressure in the fourth set to even the match and force a tiebreaker.
Nicaragua regained its level in the fifth set, although Trinidad and Tobago kept the battle close until the final points. The Nicaraguans eventually sealed the victory 16-14.
Despite the loss, Trinidad and Tobago held the advantage in the main team statistics: attacks 62-58, blocks 13-8 and aces 7-4. However, Trinidad and Tobago committed more unforced errors, 30 to Nicaragua’s 22.
Three Nicaragua players scored in double figures: Josué León with 22 points, Devin Taushaun with 17 and Jafrank Quesada with 10.
For Trinidad and Tobago, Jahreef Miguel led the offense with 24 points, including three blocks and three aces. Michael Burkett added 18 points, Janeiro Atherley 16 and Ayden Austin 15, including three blocks.
Osmar Peralta, Nicaragua libero: “It was a very nice tournament and at the same time quite difficult. We came with a very young team. We came here to give it everything we had, and we’re happy with seventh place because I think it opens the door for future generations.”