Belize U‑15 Girls’ National Volleyball Team celebrate bronze medal at the Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Afecavol
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize U‑15 Girls’ National Volleyball Team showed remarkable resilience at the 2nd Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship, bouncing back from three consecutive defeats to secure the bronze medal with a commanding 3–0 victory over hosts Nicaragua at the Nicaragua Sports Institute Gymnasium in Managua on Sunday.
The campaign began with a 3–1 loss to Honduras, where Belize managed to take a set but couldn’t sustain momentum against the eventual finalists. What followed were two exhausting five‑set battles that underlined the team’s fighting spirit. Against Guatemala, Belize stormed into a two‑set lead (25–20, 31–29) before being edged in a thriller that went all the way to 15–13 in the decider. A day later, they pushed Nicaragua to the limit, winning the first and fourth sets but falling short in the fifth, 15–9.
Three defeats in as many days might have broken lesser sides, but Belize refused to bow out quietly. In their final group match against El Salvador, the girls produced a stirring 3–0 sweep, showing composure and power to finish fourth in the table and earn a shot at the bronze medal.
Belize U‑15 Girls’ National Volleyball Team celebrate bronze medal at the Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Afecavol
On Sunday, they faced Nicaragua once more — the same team that had beaten them in five sets just two days earlier. This time, Belize were relentless. They controlled the match from start to finish, winning 25–18, 25–21, 25–21 to avenge their earlier loss and secure a podium finish.
For a young side that had endured heartbreak in back‑to‑back five‑set defeats, the bronze medal was more than just a consolation prize. Their win reflects their determination, growth, and refusal to let setbacks define them.
Meanwhile, Honduras and Guatemala will contest the gold‑medal final later today, with Honduras unbeaten in group play and Guatemala riding high after edging Nicaragua in another five‑set thriller.
Belize U‑15 Girls’ National Volleyball Team celebrate bronze medal at the Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Afecavol
Tournament journey:
- Debut vs Honduras (Dec 10): Belize fell 3–1 (25–23, 22–25, 25–18, 25–16). Despite rallying to take the second set, they couldn’t sustain momentum against the eventual finalists.
- Five‑set thriller vs Guatemala (Dec 11): Belize stormed into a two‑set lead (25–20, 31–29) but Guatemala fought back to win 3–2 (25–23, 25–17, 15–13).
- Battle vs Nicaragua (Dec 12): Belize struck first (25–21) but Nicaragua replied with two straight sets (25–16, 25–16). Belize forced a decider by taking the fourth 25–16, only to fall 15–9 in the fifth, losing 3–2.
- Final group match vs El Salvador (Dec 13): With bronze hopes on the line, Belize swept El Salvador 3–0 (25–17, 25–13, 25–19), finishing fourth in the table and booking their place in the medal round.
Bronze medal play‑off (Dec 14): Facing Nicaragua again, Belize were relentless. They controlled the match from start to finish, winning 3–0 (25–18, 25–21, 25–21) to avenge their earlier five‑set defeat and secure the bronze medal.
Belize U‑15 Girls’ National Volleyball Team overwhelmed Nicaragua 3-0 to take the bronze medal at the Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship in Managua, Nicaragua on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Afecavol
Belize U‑15 Girls’ National Volleyball Team celebrate bronze medal at the Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Afecavol
The post Belize beat Nicaragua 3-0, claim bronze at Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship in Managua appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Belize U‑15 Girls’ National Volleyball Team celebrate bronze medal at the Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Afecavol By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize U‑15 Girls’ National Volleyball Team showed remarkable resilience at the 2nd Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship, bouncing back from three consecutive defeats to secure the
The post Belize beat Nicaragua 3-0, claim bronze at Central American U‑15 Invitational Volleyball Championship in Managua appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
