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Tegucigalpa, Honduras; July 29, 2022.-
Costa Rica defeated Nicaragua (2-1) 3-0 (25-17,
25-21, 26-15) on the third day of the V Women's
Afecavol U23 Championship.
For Costa Rica it was their second victory of
the tournament without defeats, showing a good
level both in attack and blocking, as well as a
great defense.
María Arroyo was the top scorer for Costa Rica
with 15 points and Nicaragua had Gilmary Smith
with 10 points. Costa Rica took advantage in all
elements of the game, 33-26 in attacks, 10-5 in
blocks (Nicole Mata contributed 3 points per
block) and 6-1 in aces. Nicaragua committed 26
unforced errors to 19 for Costa Rica.
María Arroyo, Costa Rica's top scorer: “I think
the key was confidence, because the first game
was difficult and opening against a team like
Belize weighs more, but today we feel more loose
and we were able to show what we prepared for
this tournament. I felt more confident today, I
contributed more to the team from the beginning
and we all support each other, we don't let
anyone fall and that is fundamental in the
team”:
Andrés Carvajal, coach of Costa Rica: “I am
happy with the result and much more satisfied
with the effort, determination and willingness
of the girls to apply themselves tactically and
individually. We know that here we are going to
continue to improve, every day that passes in
the competition, we will continue to reach our
best sporting form”.
María Belén Arcia, captain of Nicaragua: “It
hurts us to have lost, I think what made it more
difficult for us was the receipt, that prevented
us from being able to open the game and Costa
Rica marked us well in the block. We also lost
focus in some parts of the game and there was a
lack of communication between us, but we always
go forward, to find a way to be victorious in
tomorrow's game”.
Claudia Noguera, coach of Nicaragua: “I think
the girls were very stressed, pressured because
they know that every win counts and they put too
much pressure on themselves and didn't play at
the level they can. We have worked on the
psychological part, tomorrow is an important
match against El Salvador, they have a good
level and we have to go out and look for the
win”.
Nicaragua will face El Salvador this Sunday at
2:00 p.m., while Costa Rica will face Panama at
7:00 p.m. |
