Costa Rica takes down Honduras to remain undefeated

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 12, 2017.- Defending champions Costa Rica took down Honduras 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-21) to remain undefeated at the women’s Volleyball tournament of the XI Central American Games Managua 2017 at Alexis Argüello sport complex.

Costa Rica managed to pull off their second consecutive victory with a convincing performance, mostly in the first set when their solid serves crushed Honduras receivers. Honduras kept really close in set three but Costa Rica had no complications in finishing in straight sets.

In standings, Costa Rica has 2-0 win-loss record and ten points, while Honduras has 1-3 record and 4 points.

Costa Rica was more effective by far with 30-16 margin in kills and 11-3 advantage in aces. Honduras held 7-5 margin in the blocking category. Both teams committed similar number of errors, Costa Rica with 28 and Honduras 29.

Outside hitters Tannia Carazo and Marcela Araya led Costa Rica with 12 and 11 points respectively; while Cecille Johnson topped Honduras with 10 points.

On day four of competition, Costa Rica (2-0) meets Guatemala (1-0) and Honduras (1-3) has the day off.

Captain of Costa Rica Mijal Hines: “We are more focused, our receiving improved, therefore our passing and attacking was also better, everything got into place for a positive result. Costa Rica will always come out with a winning attitude and we will play better as the tournament evolves”.

Head coach of Costa Rica Cesar Salas: “We performed our way in sets one and two. I am glad with our effective serves. Because of our advantage, my players weren’t as effective in set three. Our reception was clean and we attacked a lot, leaving Honduras without options. I am convinced that the team will perform much better”.

Outside hitter of Honduras Hyxe Napky: “Costa Rica plays faster than us, especially when the attack by the middle, this was crucial in our loss today. Costa Rica is more experienced, our team has many young talented players that are still developing. We must improve our physical condition”.

Head coach of Honduras Osiel Vasquez: “It was a rough match, Costa Rica is experienced and they are the defending champions; we have new players. We performed badly in the first two sets, our reception was really deficient and the windy conditions here in the gymnasium make things worse. We stabilized in set three but still with ups and downs”.