MANAGUA, Nicaragua, October 15, 2026.– Led by an outstanding 36-point performance from Fatoumata Camara, Belize defeated host Nicaragua 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 17-25, 26-24) to close the opening day of the AFECAVOL Women’s Central American Final Four Championship.

Belize relied on Camara’s powerful offensive performance to overcome a determined Nicaraguan team seeking its third consecutive title after winning the first two editions of the tournament.

Belizean captain Nelisa Ramírez contributed 11 points. For Nicaragua, Britani Forbes led the offense with 17 points, while María José Rivera and Josafat Díaz added 11 points apiece.

Nicaragua held the advantage in attacks (61-53) and aces (6-4), but Belize led in blocks (9-4) and committed fewer unforced errors (22-27).

The fourth set featured a thrilling finish. Belize built a 15-11 lead, but Nicaragua fought back behind the serving of Denixa Zeledón, who disrupted Belize’s reception and helped the hosts tie the score at 16-16.

Belize regained control and reached match point with a 24-20 advantage. However, Nicaragua saved four match points, capitalizing on two blocks and Belize’s attacking errors to level the score at 24-24. A block followed by a Nicaraguan error ultimately sealed the set 26-24 for Belize, preventing the match from going to a fifth set.

On Friday’s second day of competition, Belize will face Costa Rica at 4:30 p.m., followed by Guatemala against Nicaragua at 7:00 p.m.

ÁLBUM DE FOTOS – FLICKR

Lawrence Bennett, Belize head coach: “I feel good and relieved that the match is over and we won. It was a very close match. I thought it would go to five sets, but we secured it in four. Nicaragua is not an easy team. Their outside hitter, Aniela Smith, was really difficult to defend and was one of the main players we needed to stop, but we managed to do it.”

Fatoumata Camara, Belize’s top scorer: “It’s very, very important because it’s another victory. We have room for improvement, especially when it comes to closing out matches. We thought we would play five sets. Nicaragua put a lot of pressure on us, and their outside hitter was very difficult to defend. She gave us a lot of trouble. I think we can still improve a lot because we have two important matches remaining.”

Claudia Noguera, Nicaragua head coach: “Belize showed a lot of strength in attacking and blocking. We have to work on improving for our next two matches. We’re still in contention. I believe the girls are prepared for that. It was a small setback at the start, but we’ll keep working.”