Costa Rica secures title by beating Nicaragua

MANAGUA, Nicaragua,  June 28, 2019 - Costa Rica achieved its fifth consecutive victory without defeats, by winning 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-10) to Nicaragua, securing the first place of the IV Central American Under 23 Women’s Volleyball Championship.

The Costa Rican team was too strong for the hosts, who were down in all sets, unable to pass the blocking of their opponents.

Tatiana Sayles was the best with 12 points for Costa Rica, Tamara Espinoza and Santa Volkovs contributed 10 each.

For Nicaragua Naomi Smith was left with six points.

Costa Rica dominated the attack 32-10, blocking 9-4 and service 7-3, also taking advantage of 27 errors of the opponent, committing 14.

Ignacio Araya, coach of Costa Rica: "We are very satisfied with the result, I really believe that it is the sum of many training, effort that the girls have invested, not only in this process, but for years.

"Looking at the senior team I feel we are on the right track, it gives us a good guide of what Central America is doing in this category. We still have to play Panama which unfortunately has not had a good tournament, that favors us a bit, but with today's win we secure the first place. It would be the fourth title in this category."

Claudia Noguera, coach Nicaragua: "The anxiety of the game totally took them out of focus. Costa Rica is a very complete team, they dominate all the technical elements. They know the strategy that they will implement with each rival. You have to make girls aware that tomorrow's game is important in order to qualify for a medal."

Costa Rica will face Panama at 4:30 p.m. and Nicaragua goes before Guatemala at 6:30 p.m.