Guatemala four-time undefeated champion at AFECAVOL U23

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, September 22, 2018.- Guatemala won their fourth consecutive Men’s U23 AFECAVOL Central American title undefeated prevailing to Costa Rica 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-13) on Saturday night at Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium in Guatemala City.

The host Guatemala had already celebrated on day earlier their fourth title but confirmed their supremacy mastering their strategy over Costa Rica with outstanding straight set win. Guatemala claimed the title with 6-0 perfect win-loss record and 30 ranking points. Costa Rica finished fourth place with 3-3 mark and 17 points.

It was an intense first and second set. Costa Rica managed to hold off Guatemala up to each second technical time-out, even leading in the set two. Guatemala’s dominant display was too much for Costa Rica in set three, winning with overpowering advantage.

Guatemala led 39-28 in spikes and 10-5 in blocks; there were no aces on either side. The champion scored on 26 opponent errors and committed 17.

Outside hitter Wagner Chacon of Guatemala led all attackers with 14 points including 13 kills, followed by outside hitter Carlos Lopez with 13 points and opposite Erick Flores with 9 points. Mariano Salas led Costa Rica with 8 points.

Adán Ruano setter of Guatemala expressed “we are really excited, this group has been working together wince 2013, we won the U19, U21 and two times the U23 Central American championships; we are saying farewell with the gold medal as we wished it would be. We are keeping Guatemala as the top team”.

Opposite player Erick Flores of Guatemala said they finish with all the glory “we have been Central American champions in all the minor categories, even in the past U23 edition. This is our last Central American as a family and how better way to do it undefeated, without dropping any set and at home”.