Costa Rica improves record 2-1 defeating Honduras

POZA RICA, Mexico, November 10, 2023. - Costa Rica defeated Honduras 3-0 (25-13, 25-9, 25-10), improving their record to 2-1 in the NORCECA Boys’ U17 Continental Championship taking place at the Miguel Hidalgo Gymnasium in Poza Rica, Mexico.

Costa Rica (2-1) in Pool A, will face Suriname tonight, aiming to reach the semifinals and winning the last slot to the FIVB 2024 World Championship.

Honduras finished fifth place in Pool A and will play for positions eight and nine on Sunday.

Costa Rica had control throughout the entire match, finishing with a sizable 35-15 lead in kills, 7-1 in blocks, and 4-2 aces. Costa Rica scored 29 points from Honduras’ errors and handed out 14.

Two middle blocker led Costa Rica, Derek Farley with 16 points (15 attacks, one ace) and Julian Soto with 14 points (11 attacks, 3 blocks). Opposite hitter Ignacio Morales contributed 9 points.

From Honduras, outside hitter Esdras Ramírez ended with 6 points.

Derek Farley from Costa Rica said, “At first, it was challenging for us because we didn’t know the opponent. We were able to settle in and secure a comfortable victory. Costa Rica’s determination was evident today, as well as in previous matches; that defines us as a country”.

“Yesterday’s match was thrilling, emotional, and exhausting; we thought we could win it. Costa Rica has an advanced level, and my boys are still processing yesterday’s loss. We are still in competition, and we will give our all. The team is learning to be resilient, and I am proud of how they are embracing the process”, said Honduras coach Alejandro Castillo.