United States Defeats Belize and Secures Second Place Pool B

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, July 31, 2025.– The United States defeated Belize 3-0 (26-24, 25-16, 25-13) to claim second place in Pool B of the Men’s U23 Pan American Cup, held at the Domo Polideportivo in Zone 13 of the capital.

In the so-called “group of death,” the Dominican Republic finished first with 3 wins and 0 losses (earning a direct spot in the semifinals). The United States secured second place and awaits the third-place team from Pool A to face tomorrow in the quarterfinals. Mexico finished in third position and will meet the second-place team from the other group. Belize will play on Saturday for positions 5–8.

Belize put up a fight in the first set, pushing it to 26-24 before falling. The second and third sets were practically a monologue from the United States.

U.S. head coach Nicolette Sanlin stated, “We are moving in the right direction. We are sticking to our plan of improving every day, especially while dealing with some elements. I am very proud of the group for surviving and continuing to move forward.”

Belize head coach Albert Humes said, “The United States is a very strong and big team. My guys were really pumped up in the first set, but as the game went on, errors here and there caused their momentum to drop. The U.S. gained confidence with their serve, and our reception was the weak part of our performance, which cost us today’s match.”