Costa Rica Wins Five-Set Battle Against Nicaragua

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 3, 2026.- Costa Rica earned its first victory at the NORCECA U23 Women’s Pan American Cup, outlasting host Nicaragua 3-2 (26-24, 25-22, 23-25, 25-27, 15-11) in a thrilling five-set battle.

Blocking proved decisive for Costa Rica, which recorded an impressive 22 blocks compared to Nicaragua’s 10. The hosts held the advantage in attacks 59-46 and serves 10-4, while Nicaragua committed 42 errors compared to Costa Rica’s 30.

Costa Rica took a 2-0 lead after winning a tight opening set 26-24 and rallying from a six-point deficit (5-11) in the second to win 25-22. Nicaragua responded by taking the next two sets 25-23 and 27-25, coming back from a two-set deficit to force a fifth, where Costa Rica closed out the victory 15-11.

María del Sol Venegas led Costa Rica with 18 points, including four blocks, followed by Melina Abarca with 16. Sharlin Thorbourn added 11 points, including a match-high eight blocks. For Nicaragua, Valentina Martínez was the leading scorer with 17 points, Samantha Vargas contributed 16 and María Victoria Ebanks added 14.

With the result, Costa Rica improved its record to 1-2, while Nicaragua dropped to 0-3.

On Friday, Costa Rica will face Mexico at 5:00 p.m., while Nicaragua will take on the United States at 7:00 p.m.

Braulio Godínez, head coach of Costa Rica: “I have to congratulate Nicaragua. I was surprised by the way they played. Despite being a smaller team, they showed a very aggressive serve, their reception also surprised us, and their setters made the match very difficult. They showed a great coverage system and wore down our block. It was really exhausting for our players.”

María del Sol Venegas, Costa Rica’s leading scorer: “It was a very hard-fought match. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Nicaragua is a very good opponent, and there has always been that rivalry between us at the Central American level. We pulled out the match with a lot of effort and teamwork.”

Claudia Noguera, head coach of Nicaragua: “Our girls did a great job. They are playing against teams that have a lot of competitive experience. Costa Rica has been competing in tournaments from U19 to U21 and now U23, and that helps them gain experience. For us, this is encouraging for the future.”

Samantha Vargas, outside hitter of Nicaragua: “I feel very happy because, despite not being able to get the victory, we can see the details we need to adjust. We may face Costa Rica again on Sunday, and we hope to change the result.”