By William Ysaguirre

BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 21, 2025

The Belize National Under-23 Volleyball girls got off on the right foot towards another gold medal performance, as they dominated Panama, 3-0, in their debut of the 7th AFECAVOL Central American U-23 championships at the Belize City Civic Center on Sunday night, July 20.

Outside hitter Khaya Gordon hammered 13 kills at the net on plays set by setters Ziane Henderson, Sara Safa and Jaycee Usher, had a kill block, and served 2 aces to tally 16 pts. Nisaan Martinez hammered 7 kills at the net, and had 5 kill blocks to tally 12 pts, as the home girls dominated the 1st set, 25-14.

Middle blocker Herdie Castillo scored 5 hits and 4 kill blocks for 9 pts; and Fatoumata Ramirez scored 5 hits, 2 kill blocks and served an ace for 6 pts, as they crushed the canaleras, 25-6, in the 2nd set.

Middle blocker Blessed Omamurhe scored 5 kill blocks and served an ace, outside hitter Akili Jones spiked 2 hits, and Ziane Henderson scored 2 blocks, as they profited from the canaleras’ 20 unforced errors and service faults to sweep the 3rd set, 25-17.

In the opening match, Guatemala similarly prevailed, 25-19, 25-11, and 25-16 over El Salvador.    Belize plays E Salvador on Monday evening, rest on Tuesday, and play Honduras on Wednesday, before they challenge Guatemala on Thursday, which will be the trophy awards night