Day 2 of the World Surfing Games in Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua, returned more victories for the National Surfing Team of Costa Rica. After a near-perfect performance by Tico surfers on Day 1, two of the best female pro surfers in the planet had an opportunity to show their skills in the water.

As widely expected, Lisbeth Vindas dominated her heat, which was contested by surfers from Guatemala, Panama and the Virgin Islands. Miss Vindas easily proved why she is consistently ranked about the best female athletes in Costa Rica and Latin America. Despite somewhat choppy sets that degraded from early morning A-frames, Miss Vindas managed to obtain a 9.0 score from the judges on the beach.

Then came the turn for Leilani McGonagle of Pavones, who recently made Costa Rica proud as the first World Champion. Like Miss Vindas, Miss McGonagle came atop her heat, which was also contested by surfers from Guatemala, Panama and the Virgin Islands; however, break conditions improved for the young Miss McGonagle, who was able to tear away glassy A-frames for a solid score of 15.20, the second highest of Round One.

Miss McGonagle was only second to Tia Blanco from the United States, a surfer who is known for her ripping style and sick aerials. Both Miss Vindas and Miss McGonagle have brought Costa Rica closer to bringing home medals from Nicaragua, and they will advance to the next round.

In the Men’s Open, Carlos Muñoz lost a chance to score big due to interference that ended up in dangerous wipeout, but then he was blessed by a monster wave to win his heat. Leilani’s brother, Noe Mar McGonagle, also came atop his heat with a spirited performance. Anthony Fillingim and Jason Torres are still in the competition for Costa Rica, they will have to surf elimination heats later in the tournament.