Belize Edged Honduras to improve record 3-2

CHITRÉ, Panama, October 15, 2024.- Belize edged Honduras 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-20) to improve their record to 3-2 in the XX AFECAVOL U21 Men’s Central American Championship that’s being held at the Papa Francisco Gymnasium in Chitré, Panama. 

Belize holds a record of three wins and two losses, with 15 points. Honduras remains winless with a 0-5 record. 

On Wednesday, October 16, Honduras (0-5) will play their final match of the tournament against El Salvador (0-4) at 3:00 pm. Belize (3-2) has a day off. 

Despite giving up more points from errors (26-16), Belize controlled the game in attacks (39-24), blocks (11-2), and serves (8-6). 

Three Belizean players scored in double digits: Kaelen Ingram (17), Eleazar Mejia (16), and Preston Smith (10). 

Fernando Herrera, with 9 points, was Honduras’ top scorer. 

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From the point 9 in the first set, Belize never trailed. Their blocking was key in fully controlling the second set. The third set was the most competitive, reaching a 13-point tie, but Mejia’s offense, along with Smith and Ingram led Belize to victory. 

Yamill Herrera, Coach of Belize: “In this tournament, every game is like a final. They (Honduras) haven't had a victory, but they show up on the court and play. We didn’t start well, but we knew how to come back. The attack was strong. Our reception didn’t work, but we managed to face the match and resolve it in three sets, which was essential to earn five points and stay in contention for a medal. We have one match left, and we hope to come out on top to finish 4-2 and go for a medal”.

Carlos Funez, Coach of Honduras: “The team showed very little attitude, little desire to win. Given the results we’ve had in previous matches, it's hard to lift morale. There was little drive to want to win. Although it’s true that Belize is a strong team, it wasn’t impossible. We played far from what we had planned. We missed serves that were crucial since we complicated their reception, especially with player #2. We have one match left, and hopefully, things will be different tomorrow”.