Posted: Monday, August 4, 2025. 6:37 pm CST.
Belize U-23 Men’s Volleyball Team finished seventh at the 2025 Pan Am U23 Men’s Volleyball Championship in Guatemala City. Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
Belize wrapped up their campaign Belize concluded their campaign at the 2025 NORCECA Men’s Under-23 Pan American Cup on a high note, triumphing over Suriname in a tense five-set contest (16–25, 25–14, 27–25, 22–25, 15–8) on Sunday at the Domo Polideportivo in Guatemala City, securing seventh place overall.
Mejia and Ingram Lead Belize’s Offensive Charge
In a game dominated by offensive fireworks, Belize landed 71 successful attacks to Suriname’s 48, with Eleazar Mejia and Kaelen Ingram leading the charge. Mejia, who was later honoured as Second Best Spiker of the tournament, scored 22 points with a blistering 58.33% attack efficiency. Captain Ingram topped the scoreboard with 31 points and added three blocks to his haul.
Daniel Musa contributed nine kills and tallied 13 digs, while middle blocker Hakan Godoy led the team in blocks with three kill blocks. Libero David Garbutt anchored the backcourt with 15 digs, and setter Brayden Richardson managed eight running sets from 119 total attempts.
Set-by-Set Drama
- Suriname struck early, taking the first set 25–16.
- Belize responded sharply in the second with a dominant 25–14 win.
- The third set was a nail-biter, but Belize edged Suriname 27–25.
- Suriname kept the fight alive in the fourth, winning 25–22.
- Belize surged in the fifth, closing the match 15–8.
Belize U-23 Men’s Volleyball Team co-captain Eleazar Mejia named 2nd Best Spiker at the 2025 Pan Am U23 Men’s Volleyball Championship in Guatemala City. Photo Credit: NORCECA
Coaches Reflect
“We came out really focused today,” said Belize’s assistant coach Brandon Reeves.
“This tournament has been a learning curve for us. I’m very proud of the guys. I think we had ups and downs, but today they went out and proved to themselves that they are a great team. I think after this tournament we have a lot to work on, and I believe we will be better.”
Suriname’s head coach Carlos Orta acknowledged Belize’s superiority.
“We expected to win, but Belize played better and I congratulate them. That’s why they won,” Orta said.
Presidential Recognition
Belize Volleyball Association President Allan Sharp praised the team’s achievements.
“Belize shows it belongs on the big stage, playing in the group of death and winning a set from Mexico and playing close sets against DR and USA,” Sharp told Breaking Belize News.
“Another success for Belize Volleyball.”
Saturday’s loss to Costa Rica Cost Belize a Shot at Fifth
On Saturday, August 2, Belize fell agonizingly short in a five-set clash against Costa Rica (25–23, 21–25, 22–25, 25–16, 10–15). A victory would have propelled them into the 5th/6th playoff against Guatemala, but Costa Rica edged them out, leaving Belize to contest the 7th/8th match.
Final Tournament Rankings
- Dominican Republic
- United States
- Venezuela
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Costa Rica
- Belize
- Suriname
Dominican Republic Clinch Gold in Dramatic Final
The Dominican Republic captured the gold medal after edging United States 3–2 (25–23, 21–25, 23–25, 25–19, 16–14) in a gripping final. Venezuela swept Mexico for the bronze, while Guatemala defeated Costa Rica to claim fifth.
Bright Future for Belize Volleyball
From tight match losses to individual accolades, Belize’s U23 squad showed resilience and remarkable potential. With Mejia’s standout performance and Ingram’s leadership, the team have laid groundwork for continued growth and regional competitiveness. Their seventh-place finish and competitive spirit signal encouraging growth for the nation’s volleyball prospects on the continental stage.
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The post Belize grab 7th place at 2025 NORCECA U23 Pan Am Cup with tight 3-2 win over Suriname appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, August 4, 2025. 6:37 pm CST. Belize U-23 Men’s Volleyball Team finished seventh at the 2025 Pan Am U23 Men’s Volleyball Championship in Guatemala
The post Belize grab 7th place at 2025 NORCECA U23 Pan Am Cup with tight 3-2 win over Suriname appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
