Costa Rica blanks Guatemala

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, June 24, 2019 - Costa Rica defeated Guatemala 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-21) in its first game of the IV Central American Volleyball U23 Championship.

The three-time champions of the category looked impressive, with their good service and effective attacks, aimed at the corners of the opposing court.

Costa Rica divided its attack between Tamara Espinoza with 13 marks; Tatiana Sayles, with 12 points and 11 by Mariana Rodríguez. Guatemala’s María García scored 13 and María Villagrán added 10.

The Costa Ricans led the attack 38-25, the service 5-2 and were equal in blocking with 7; Guatemala gave 25 points with mistakes and only got 18.

Ignacio Araya, Coach of Costa Rica: "It was a difficult game, we were prepared to have a tough, complicated Guatemala, it has always been a country with a very technical volleyball ... I feel that the girls did very well, we had a little bit of doubts being the first game, but the girls adapted well and we are on the right path of what we want".

William Fernandez, coach of Guatemala said that "it is difficult to play like that, they were so pressured from the start, we started 0-5 below in the first set, the pressure they exerted themselves was very great. You cannot achieve anything without reception and without aggression in the attack you do not do anything ".

Guatemala had a 1-1 record and rest on Tuesday, while Costa Rica will face El Salvador at 2:30 p.m.