Honduras Earns First Victory at the Central American Games

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 18, 2025.– Honduras claimed its first victory in the women’s volleyball tournament of the 12th Central American Games Guatemala 2025, defeating Panama 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-10, 25-22) at the Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium.

With this result, Honduras improved its record to 1-1 and will close Pool B on Sunday facing Guatemala. Panama, still in search of its first win, will finish pool-play against Belize. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

The opening set was tightly contested, with both teams trading points until 23-23. A Panama attack error gave Honduras the advantage, and Tessa Flores sealed the set with a powerful spike that Yileen Ng couldn’t return.

The second set followed the same rhythm. Sofía Centella put Panama ahead 24-22, but an Ángela Evans error extended the set. Centella then blocked Sasha Kawas to even the match at one set apiece.

Honduras came out strong in the third set, racing to a 6-0 lead behind Cecille Johnson’s blocking, Telma Zelaya’s serving, and Victoria Aparicio’s attacks. Honduras maintained control throughout, widening the gap and comfortably taking the 2-1 lead.

The fourth set was once again close. Panama led 16-12, but Honduras rallied with a block from Zelaya against Anabel Mackenzie, strong serving from Dazly Durán, and attacks by Kawas, tying the score at 16. Although Honduras missed three match points, they closed out the win with determination to secure their first victory of the tournament.

ALBUM HON vs PAN

Honduras led in attacks (48-33) and service points (8-2), while Panama dominated in blocks (14-3). Honduras committed 31 errors compared to Panama’s 39.

Top scorers for Honduras were Sasha Kawas with 18 points and Cecille Johnson with 12. For Panama, Hashlyn Cuero led with 16 points, followed by Sofía Centella with 11.

Tessa Flores, captain of Honduras, said: “It was a good win. We lost a set because we got comfortable and lost focus before the set wasn’t over, and that cost us. We managed to recover and pull away with a big difference in the fourth set. Tomorrow, we close against Guatemala; we have to give it our all since the crowd will be against us. We’ll stay focused and keep a positive attitude to beat the home team.”

Kariany Sáenz, setter of Panama, commented: “As a team, we need to adjust our reception and defense, as well as improve our communication. We’re trying to do our best. If we erase that third set, it was actually a great match.”