Posted: Saturday, September 28, 2024. 11:26 am CST.
Belize celebrate against Honduras on Friday, September 27; Sara Safa, 4, served seven aces – Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize worked hard to defeat Honduras 3-1 (25-12, 25-17, 18-25, 25-14) on Friday, improving their record to 2-2, and remain in contention for a medal at the the first-ever Central American U17 Women’s Championship in Managua, Nicaragua. The regional tournament, organized by the Association of Central American Volleyball Federations (AFECAVOL).
The victory keeps Belize in fourth place behind Guatemala, who have 12 points, also from a 2-2 record. Costa Rica beat Nicaragua 3-2 and retained first place with an undefeated 4-0 record and 17 points. Nicaragua remains in second place with a 3-1 record and 15 points.
For all intents and purposes, Costa Rica will win the first U17 championship as their next rivals are Honduras, who’ve only won against El Salvador, while Nicaragua will have a very tough challenge from Guatemala in the closing match of the tournament. Whoever wins that game should capture the silver medal.
Belize can earn the bronze medal with a 3-0 win over El Salvador and a Guatemala loss to Nicaragua.
Emaun Marín boletin-5-i-campeonato-u-17-femenino.pdf (afecavol.org) , Akili Jones totaled 13, while Sara Safa added ten. AFECAVOL reported that Safa served seven aces out of Belize’s 16. Honduras made six serving aces. Belize dominated Honduras 41-25 in attacks but conceded 4-10 in blocks. Belize earned 35 points from Honduras’ unforced errors and conceded 30.
“I feel that we could have done better and I feel that there are many things we all need to work on,” fourteen-year-old Marin told AFECAVOL.
“What was different for me today is that I stepped up when I saw the short balls and read the plays better.”
Marín said she just started playing volleyball three years ago when she was eleven.
“Another important victory in our quest for a medal, I believe that since we are here, that is the goal,” said Belize’s coach, Cuban José Fontes.
“The girls came out a bit pressured, and Honduras’ good service complicated the game for us. They raised their game and got back into the competition. In the end, they secured the important victory and we can still aspire for a medal.”
The tournament comes to a close on Saturday with Belize playing the first game against El Salvador at 1:30 p.m. Costa Rica face Honduras at 4:00 p.m., and Nicaragua close against Guatemala at 6:30 p.m.
AFECAVOL said all matches will be broadcast live on NicaSports en YouTube.
Belize’s Match Schedule:
September 24
- 1:30 pm: Costa Rica 3-0 Belize (25-14, 25-16, 25-23)
September 25
- 1:30 pm: Belize 3-1 Guatemala (25-17, 25-21, 26-28, 25-21)
September 26
- 6:30 pm: Nicaragua 3-1 Belize (26-24, 25-16, 20-25, 25-21)
September 27
- 4:00 pm: Belize 3-1 Honduras (25-12, 25-17, 18-25, 25-14)
September 28
- 1:30 pm: Belize vs El Salvador
Full schedule
September 24
1:30 pm Costa Rica 3-0 Belize (25-14, 25-16, 25-23)
4:00 pm Guatemala 3-0 Honduras (25-22, 25-20, 25-21)
6:30 pm Nicaragua 3-0 El Salvador (25-12, 25-09, 25-19)
September 25
1:30 pm Belize 3-1 Guatemala (25-17, 25-21, 26-28, 25-21
4:00 pm Costa Rica 3-0 El Salvador (25-13, 25-19, 25-19).
6:30 pm Nicaragua 3-1 Honduras (25-6, 17-25, 25-11, 25-15).
September 26
1:30 pm Costa Rica 3-1 Guatemala (25-17, 17-25, 25-23, 25-23)
4:00 pm El Salvador 3-1 Honduras (22-25, 25-18, 25-11, 25-23)
6:30 pm Nicaragua 3-1 Belize (26-24, 25-16, 20-25, 25-21)
September 27
1:30 pm Guatemala 3-0 El Salvador (25-18, 25-14, 25-20)
4:00 pm Belize 3-1 Honduras (25-12, 25-17, 18-25, 25-14)
6:30 pm Costa Rica 3-2 Nicaragua (25-22, 19-25, 18-25, 26-24, 15-9)
September 28
1:30 pm Belize vs El Salvador
4:00 pm Costa Rica vs Honduras
6:30 pm Nicaragua vs Guatemala
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The post Belize beat Honduras 3-1, remain in contention for a medal at Central American U17 Women’s Championship appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, September 28, 2024. 11:26 am CST. Belize celebrate against Honduras on Friday, September 27; Sara Safa, 4, served seven aces – Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
The post Belize beat Honduras 3-1, remain in contention for a medal at Central American U17 Women’s Championship appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.