Nicaragua Goes for the Gold at the 2025 Central American Games

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 20, 2025.– Nicaragua will play for the gold medal of the 12th Central American Games Guatemala 2025 against Costa Rica, after defeating Belize 3-1 (25-19, 25-14, 22-25, 25-18) in the women’s volleyball semifinals.

The final will be a rematch of the 2017 Central American Games, when Costa Rica triumphed over Nicaragua in five sets. This time, Nicaragua is determined to claim its first-ever gold medal in the regional tournament, having previously won four silver and three bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Belize will face Guatemala for the bronze medal, marking the first time in history that Belize will compete for a medal at the Central American Games.

Nicaragua took control early in the match, jumping to a 7-0 lead in the opening set behind strong attacking and blocking from Dalia Calero, while Josafet Díaz sealed the set with a powerful spike. In the second set, Nicaragua maintained dominance, capitalizing on seven Belizean errors and displaying consistent blocking.

Belize extended the match by narrowly winning the third set, led by Nelissa Ramírez and Gareth Bruce, but Nicaragua closed the fourth with confidence, securing victory with a quick attack to the center by Lolette Rodríguez.

ALBUM NCA vs BIZ

Statistically, Nicaragua led in attacks (55-46), blocks (14-10), and serves (3-1), while committing fewer errors (19-25).

Top scorers for Nicaragua were Dalia Calero with 25 points, including a match-high six blocks, and Josafet Díaz with 13 points. For Belize, Nelissa Ramírez scored 19 points, and Herdie Castillo added 10.

Middle blocker María José Rivera of Nicaragua said after the win: “We’re euphoric to reach the gold medal match. It’s an achievement that comes from teamwork — we stayed connected, persevered, and never gave up. We must now focus on our mindset to face Costa Rica, stay concentrated, and play a great final.”