Guatemala easily dominates Belize

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 6, 2014. - Hosts Guatemala dominated Belize 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-14) in their debut at the Women’s XVIII Central American Cup at Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium.

The home team had little resistance from Belize, while giving opportunity to several bench players to perform in the last match of opening day.

Guatemala held a huge advantage in kills by 31-11 and in serves by 10-0; they were also more effective in blocks by 8-6.

Outside hitter Blanca Recinos was Guatemala’s top scorer with 16 points, including six aces; middle blocker Estefanie Bethancourt contributed with 10 points, including 3 blocks and 2 aces. Outside hitter Tichel Solis was Belize’s top secorer with 5 points.

Guatemalan captain Diana Arias said her team performed firmly “we have worked together as a team and today we showed our group union is solid. We had difficulties in the beginning with our blocks; Belize has better height than we do which was challenging to overcome”.

Belizean captain Tenesha Encalada described that the players haven’t adjusted well to Guatemala’s weather, “we are used to hot temperature and we are still adapting; we didn’t perform as a team and we hope to come out better for our next match. Guatemala defended well”.

“The players were very anxious to play, which isn’t easy to control and we were all hoping for a good result, it was a good debut. Belize is getting in better shape; it’s just a matter of time for them to do better as they have players with height. Our blocking and serves worked out pretty well” said Guatemala’s coach David Aldana.

Coach Jose Reyes of Belize expressed “it was an off day for the team, our reception didn’t perform well and in consequence we attacked poorly. Hopefully we’ll pick up fast to move forward and try to finish better ranked, we have nothing to lose and I hope my players will adapt faster”.