Belize earns first U-21 Pan American Cup

victory to reach quarterfinals

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 9, 2026. – Belize secured its first victory at the 2026 NORCECA Women's U-21 Pan American Cup with a straight-set win (25-20, 25-19, 26-24) over the U.S. Virgin Islands in Thursday's opening match at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio.

The victory sends Belize to Friday's quarterfinal round, while the U.S. Virgin Islands will compete in the 5th–8th place classification matches.

Belize appeared to be on its way to a comfortable victory after winning the first two sets, but the U.S. Virgin Islands made a late push in the third, building a 23-20 lead. Belize stayed composed, rallied to tie the score at 24-24, and finished the match with back-to-back points to secure its place in the quarterfinals.

Nisaan Martínez was Belize's top scorer with 22 points, followed by Akili Jones with 11, while Emaun Marin added 9.

For the U.S. Virgin Islands, Nevaeh Jackson led the offense with 9 points, followed by McKaylah Mattis with 8 and Kinsley Taylor with 7.

Belize held the advantage in attacks (43-26) and service aces (6-4), while the U.S. Virgin Islands led in blocks (8-6).

Nisaan Martínez, Belize captain: "We went into the game a bit anxious because of the results from the first two days, but today we were able to execute the fundamentals well. We performed well at the service line and in reception, and that helped us a lot."

Raphael Isaac, U.S. Virgin Islands coach: "This was definitely a game I thought we should have won, but we committed too many unforced errors. However, as I always say, I see the team progressing with each passing day, and I am sure we will learn from this, fix our mistakes, and play at a higher level."