Costa Rica scores first victory

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, July 19, 2014 – Costa Rica booked its first victory in the NORCECA Men’s Playoff by defeating Guatemala in the last day of the preliminary phase at Guillermo Angulo Coliseum of Carolina.

The line-score of the Costa Rican victory read 25-23, 25-20, 25-23.

The classic duel between the two Central American teams was a battle point by point during each one of the sets with the Costa Ricans taking advantage of the offense of Richard Smith and Ricky Vargas in the crucial moments of the sets. The defense at the net also helped to achieve the triumph.

“We were able to make the plays in the key moments but we need to work since we have to play them tomorrow again to close the tournament,” Costa Rican Coach Cesar Salas said.

Smith was the best scorer of Costa Rica with 14 points followed by Vargas with 14 and Javier Alvarez with eight. Moises Reyes was the best of Guatemala with 15 points.

David Aldana, Coach of Guatemala commented: “We will make the adjustments for Sunday’s match for the third place. Today it was seen that we can play with them evenly.”