Team Belize Ready for Central American Volleyball Championship

In just a few days, Belize will be facing off against opponents from across Central America during the U21 Women’s Volleyball Championship. The tournament will open on July sixteenth at the Belize City Civic Center where Belize will face off against Nicaragua. News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the Civic Center this morning to catch the team as it prepares for the upcoming game. Here’s more on that.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Team Belize is ready to win big at the U21 Women’s Volleyball Championship that kicks off next Tuesday. This year, Belize is hosting the tournament which will see teams from across the region compete for the coveted title. Belize’s first match will be against Nicaragua. We caught up with team captain, Gareth Bruce to hear how the team is feeling now that the day is almost here.

 

 

 

Gareth Bruce, Captain

“So like a week ago we did a U23 in Honduras and we we’re training morning and evening for that. And after we came back, and we did the same in preparation for this tournament.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And how are you guys feeling as the game approaches?”

 

 

Gareth Bruce

“We’re nervous and excited because we’re playing against our home crowd. I feel like all of us are well prepared, we’re well developed and experienced since our past tournaments.”

 

 

 

 

At just fourteen-years-old, Sara Safa is the youngest on the team. Being surrounded by players more experienced than her motivates her game.

 

Britney Gordon

“So you’re one of the youngest players on this team. How does it feel to be representing your country on such an international level so young?”

 

Sarah Safa, Setter

“It feels pretty good. I love working with the older girls because they have a lot more experience than I do so they can always help me out and give me tips. So it’s a really blessing and it feels really good.”

 

Despite her young age, Safa is confident that she and her team will do well in the approaching games.

 

 

 

Sara Safa

“I am feeling well prepared to go out and cheer on my team and do what I have to do and I know my team is really prepared as well.”

 

Britney Gordon

“What’s an important piece of advice that you’re taking into mind as the games approaches to help you stay motivated and encouraged?”

 

Sara Safa

“Well, I just like to keep in mind that since I’m one of the youngest, that means I’ve worked really hard to get to this point. So I just have to keep that in mind that this is a, this is like an opportunity, like a once in a lifetime opportunity for a person this young.”

 

With just five days left until Belize’s first match, Jevia Leslie is eager to get on the court and play against her opponents.

 

Jevia Leslie, Middle Blocker

“I’m pretty excited. I’ve been waiting for this tournament since like probably March or earlier because We’ve been notified that they’ll be having another home game. So I’ve been really pretty excited same as my team. I’m feeling pretty confident. I’m ready to, I don’t want to say get this over with, but I’m actually pretty excited and I want to play the game. I’m anxious to do it because, I’ve been waiting for some time. All right, that’s good.”

 

 

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.