Guatemala debuts defeating Martinique

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, July 8, 2014. – Hosts Guatemala debuted defeating Martinique 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-17) at opening day of the Women’s U-20 NORCECA Continental Championship at Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium.

Guatemala had a slow start but with an important victory over Martinique in Pool B. The home team had a considerable amount of fans cheering with drums and horns, motivating each scoring point.

Guatemala had a 22-13 margin advantage in spikes while in blocking and service points both teams scored 5 points in each category. Martinique committed 43 unforced errors and Guatemala had 20.

Outside hitter Jessica Anleu, opposite Maria Garcia and middle blocker Marina Chavez topped Guatemala’s scorers with 7 tallies each. With 10 points, outside hitter Noémie Beltant was Martinique’s top scorer.

“My team did their job even if we began anxious, but with the support of our coaches and especially of the fans, things turned in our favor. Martinique performed well and I wish them well” said captain Jessica Anleu.

Martinique’s captain Maelle Paulin said “It was complicated to manage our performance facing the hosts and the crowd cheering; Guatemala defended their flag proudly. The pressure of debuting was too much for us and we began failing”.

“Every beginning is difficult. Our team is practically new, seven players who crowned as Central American champions last year aren’t part of the team anymore and the lack of experience of new players showed today. Martinique pushed hard with their serves and their two outside hitters complicated our defense” said Cuban Coach William Fernandez for Guatemala.

“This is our first experience in a NORCECA championship and we were all nervous. Our setter wasn’t able to come with us and I had to make adjustments, with a whole new strategy which has been difficult for the players. I congratulate Guatemala” said coach Tania Villeronce.