Costa Rica is still alive

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 8, 2017.- Costa Rica defeated El Salvador 3-0  (25-13, 25-19, 27-25) to stay alive at the XVII AFECAVOL Men’s U-21 Central American Championship at IND Volleyball venue in Managua.

After losing to Nicaragua yesterday, Costa Rica needed the win to keep their hopes alive in reaching top places of the tournament. El Salvador has zero victories and 4 defeats.

Costa Rica won the first two sets comfortably; while El Salvador missed set point in set three as Costa Rican players battled strongly. In spikes, Costa Rica held 38-22 advantage, 9-5 in blocking and 8-3 in serves.

Manrique Carazo was Costa Rica’s best scorer with 16 points, Mariano Salas and Juan Arrieta scored 9 points apiece. Alejandro Reyes led El Salvador with 11 points.

Captain Andres Ortiz of Costa Rica said “we were cold minded, we tried to keep things simple, without complications, which payed off; in set three we suffered a minor scare but we recovered well”.

Josue Palma captain of El Salvador commented “we started off badly, we weren’t consistent, Costa Rica blocked us pretty well y we couldn’t read their game plan. We weren’t confident enough in set three and that’s why we lost”.