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GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, November 5, 2021.-
Guatemala complete a Central American hat-trick
undefeated after prevailing over Costa Rica 3-1
(25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 26-24) at the XXI Men’s
Central American Cup in Guatemala’s City Dome.
Andy Leonardo scored 30 points to carry
Guatemala in their third consecutive gold medal
win, from a total of five, finishing the
tournament with unbeaten 6-0 record and 27
points. Costa Rica won their second silver medal
in a row, four overall with 5-1 record and 24
points.
Costa Rica pressed hard at the end, forcing
Guatemala to lose two set points (24-22) and
(24-23) before their dramatic four set finish.
Guatemala outscored 55-52 in attacks and held a
Slim 10-9 margin in blocks; Costa Rica had
advantage in service points 6-3. Guatemala
scored in 27 errors from Costa Rica and handed
out 23.
Alongside Andy Leonardo, outside hitter Gerardo
González scored 15 points and captain Carlos
López contributed with 10 points. Opposite
hitter Gilbert Solano led Costa Rica’s scorers
with 23 points, followed by outside hitters
Ricky Vargas and José Andrés Ortiz with 18 and
10 points.
Reider Lucas, Head coach of Guatemala:
“We knew we were going to face a difficult
match, Costa Rica was doing well the entire
tournament, performing well. We tried to study
Costa Rica well, we spoke with our players, they
gave everything; we wanted this outcome”.
Johan Morales, Head coach of Costa Rica:
“I am really proud of my guys, this is just a
beginning, it’s my first year with the national
team and I believe this group will achieve big
things. We knew Guatemala was strong, being the
defending champion. My boys lost focus with some
refereeing decisions; but still, Guatemala
deserves the title”. |
