Costa Rica won a sensational duel to El Salvador

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, November 14, 2018.- Costa Rica won a sensational duel 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 23-25) to El Salvador on day five of the twentieth Men’s AFECAVOL Central American Championship in FESAVOL gymnasium of San Salvador.

Costa Rica and El Salvador had a stunning performance in the most exciting match of the event so far. The host recovered from a five point deficit (11-16) in set one and from there on it was a party of points as both teams showed spectacular defense while the attackers unleashed their force over the net. The crowd was loud as the teams took turns bouncing back on top.

Costa Rica has 4-1 record with 20 ranking points and El Salvador stands in a difficult position with 1-3 mark and 7 points.

Costa Rica prevailed by a comfortable 45-38 margin in spikes, 11-4 in blocks; and a slim 1-0 in aces, but committing more errors (26-19) than El Salvador.

Opposite Ricky Vargas of Costa Rica topped all attackers with 18 points on 14 kills, 3 blocks and one ace, followed by outside hitter Alberto Blanco with 14 points all on kills. From El Salvador, opposite Carlos Rodriguez scored 13 points including 12 kills and outside hitter Rodrigo Chavez scored 11 points all on kills.

On day six, Costa Rica (4-1) finishes the event facing Honduras (1-3) and El Salvador (1-3) meets Nicaragua (2-2).

The leading scorer, Ricky Vargas said “it was a very tough match, the both of us had the pressure to reach the podium, previously they lost to Honduras and we lost to Guatemala. We won with the combination of experience with youth; our captain and I were able to lead the team. Thank God it was a good result and tomorrow we´re looking to win against Honduras in our last match of the tournament”.

“It was a close match, either one could have won” said coach of Costa Rica Alberto Blanco. “I believe this was our best match, with the little work we’ve had, we defended and moved well. We were solid, our Costa Rican pride came out, this win is for Costa Rica” said an emotional Blanco.

Outside hitter Rodrigo Chávez of El Salvador indicated that they used all their energy “it was needed after losing two matches, we had to perform as best as possible and drop the pressure as if there was no tomorrow. It was an excellent match, we were disciplined, the changes were punctual, we showed confidence; we trust everyone on the team”.