Costa Rica remains undefeated after win over Belize 3-1

CIUDAD QUESADA, Costa Rica, November 21, 2019 - Costa Rica remained undefeated in three games after defeating Belize 3-1 (26-24, 17-25, 25-19, 25-15) to close the third day of the XIII U18 Central American Women's Volleyball Championship.

Belize (2-1) twice evened the score in the first set, first after trailing 8-16, and then 20-24, but could not close despite tying at 24-24.

In the second set, Belize took advantage of four points that was increasing as Gareth Bruce got into her game, since in the first set she was out of control both in the attack and in service.
 
For the third and fourth sets, Costa Rica took the lead and did not give in to Belize pressures, which were limited to Bruce and Khaya Gordon.

Belize had an impressive dominance in attack 41-27, but was overcome 10-5 in blocks and 8-7 in services. Bruce scored 21 points and Gordon 13, while for Costa Rica Angelica Rodríguez finished with 15 and Nicole Mata with 9. Belize committed 48 errors, to 30 of Costa Rica.

Henry Rodríguez, coach of Costa Rica: “We had a good advantage, but the girls trusted each other, they thought it was already there and it wasn't like that, in the end we managed to close and that was very good. We continue to push, thank God we have substitute players who came in to make a difference, for whatever position they play and they went on to do what we have trained, because all these situations have already been trained.”

José Fontés, coach of Belize: “We knew that the game was intense against Costa Rica because we were undefeated and could define the tournament. The pressure could more than some leading players, they must understand that it is necessary to play these games with the heart. The strategy of the first set was not fulfilled that was to attack with the service, we wanted to react, but it was not enough. I have no other excuse, if a country wants results, the most experienced players have to assume their responsibility.”

Costa Rica faces Nicaragua at 7:30 p.m. and Belize is measured in Guatemala at 5:00 p.m.