Costa Rica claims Pool A over Guatemala

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, June 26, 2014- Hosts Costa Rica prevailed over Guatemala 3-1 (25-19, 25-23, 20-25, 25-13) to claim Pool A of the Girls’ U-18 NORCECA Continental Championship at Gimnasio Nacional in San Jose.

Costa Rica suffered the loss of setter Fernanda Paredes due to a minor injury at the beginning of the third set which Guatemala took advantage of to extend the match to four sets. Costa Rica closed strong with wide open fourth set.

The host team won the Central American classic with advantage in spikes 38-32, blocks 6-3 and serves 8-3.

Opposite Tamara Espinoza led Costa Rica with 16 points and middle blocker Joselyne Linares with 13 points, including 3 blocks and 3 serves. Outside hitter Maria Alarcon with 9 points was Guatemala’s top scorer.

“The team was more concentrated in the fourth set, we applied better and really followed our coaches’ instructions, we need to do this in every match” said Mariana Solano captain of Costa Rica.

“When we saw the huge advantage of Costa Rica in the fourth, the team got nervous and there was no way to comeback. We couldn’t dominate the ball with our bad reception” indicated Captain Christa Reinoso.

 Costa Rican Coach Martin Rodriguez indicated “I’m not satisfied with my team’s performance, they lacked collective strategy and we studied well Guatemala so things shouldn’t get complicated as they did. Set three had numerous errors and we need to improve our physical conditions”.

“Costa Rica pushed harder in the fourth set and their serves were more consistent; this made it difficult to receive and therefore our setter failed more. I’m glad that a Central American country wins a group. Guatemala is rebuilding and this is a good opportunity for our players to develop” said Coach David Aldana.