Guatemala stops Nicaragua at AFECAVOL Cup

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, December 10, 2014 – Defending champions Guatemala controlled Nicaragua 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-14) at the XVIII Men’s AFECAVOL Cup at Jorge Galeano Gymnasium.

Guatemala dominated Nicaragua with advantage in blocking with an 11-5 margin containing offensive line. With one day of competition left, Guatemala has a 4-1 win-loss record with nineteen points, while Nicaragua stands at 2-3 record and nine points.

Guatemala held advantage in the other categories as well, 37-30 in kills and 6-0 in serves. The winners committed 13 unforced errors while Nicaragua made 21.

Guatemala’s captain Andy Leonardo led his team with 12 points, joined by opposite player Moises Reyes and outside hitter Carlos Lopez with 10 points apiece. Nicaragua’s top scorers were opposite player Jonathan Tuckler and outside hitter Tito Valdivia with 10 and 9 points respectively.

Andy Leonardo of Guatemala said: “We needed the win by 3-0 and thank God we did; we have to wait the result between Honduras and Costa Rica and see if we still can retain our title”.

“Our energy was totally down, as in the first match of the tournament; we weren’t able to recover and that’s why the loss came fast. We were unstable even if we felt motivated, we pressured ourselves too much,” said Nicaragua’s captain Jorge Toledo.