Guatemala defeats Nicaragua to win AFECAVOL U-18 Bronze

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, August 19, 2017.- Guatemala defeated Nicaragua 3-0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-23) to win the Bronze Medal of the XII AFECAVOL Girls’ U-18 Central American Championship at Jorge A. Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The victory did not come without hard work by the Guatemalan girls that battled strong to hold off Nicaragua in set three. This is Guatemala’s second bronze medal in the history of the event, they finished third also at the sixth edition in 2005 held in Costa Rica.

Guatemala prevailed over Nicaragua with 32-25 margin in spikes and 8-4 margin in aces. Both teams scored two points on blocking. Guatemala committed 21 unforced errors and Nicaragua a total of 33.

Opposite Jimena Castellanos led Guatemala with 14 points on 12 kills and 2 aces; while also opposite player Maria Arcia led Nicaragua with 11 points on 10 kills and one ace.

The bronze medal winners finishes with 3-2 record and 18 points; Nicaragua with 2-3 record and 11 points.

Paola Alvarado, captain of Guatemala: “The tournament was a learning experience for us individually as well as a team; we know that technically we must improve in blocking and receiving. After losing to Honduras we kept our strength and came with our heads up high, we are happy with the medal”.

Julio Dominguez, coach of Guatemala: “All the teams in this age-group category are similar, the emotions and psychology of the game plays an important role. I am glad with my team, this was formative, they are going back home with a lot of hopes for their next international tournament and I consider that the team knows how to play, they just need to mature”.