Guatemala sweeps Costa Rica in third consecutive win

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 12, 2017. - Guatemala swept Costa Rica 3-0 (27-25, 25-15, 25-18) on day three of the men’s Volleyball tournament of the eleventh Central American Games Managua 2017 for their third consecutive win.

Guatemala had difficulties finding their way to overcome Costa Rican blockers in set one, losing an important five point advantage. With a line-up change in setter, Guatemala managed full offense over Costa Rica.

Guatemala improves to a 3-0 win-loss record and 15 points, while Costa Rica drops to 1-2 and remains with five points.

Guatemala’s spiking huge 44-27 margin made the difference to control Costa Rica’s 12-5 margin in blocking. The winner also held advantage of 6-2 in aces and committed fewer errors (17-22).

A balanced offense carried Guatemala into victory with middle blocker Andy Leonardo scoring 14 points, outside hitter Carlos Lopez finished with 13 points and outside hitter Wagner Chacon added 11 points. Costa Rica scored with outside hitter Alberto Blanco on 11 points and opposite Esteban Araya with 10 points.

Costa Rica (1-2) plays against Panama (0-2) on day four of competition and Guatemala (3-0) meets Honduras (1-1).

Outside hitter of Guatemala Carlos Lopez: “We limited our errors in blocking and receiving with concentration, it was our best weapon. Winning puts us in a good position for what’s left of the tournament; I believe that Costa Rica was one of the toughest opponents for Guatemala”.

Head coach of Guatemala Reider Lucas: “Guatemala was mentally prepared for a difficult and high leveled game against Costa Rica. We moved a lot, I changed our setter who added a dynamic offense against an opponent that knows how to play; Ruano helped us to control actions over the net better. We were always in the lead in set two, finishing strong and that gave my players more confidence”.

Captain of Costa Rica Alberto Blanco: “We performed at the same level in set one; Guatemala pressed hard with their serves and our reception failed completely. Now we need to recover mentally for the rest of the tournament, we are half way and anything can happen, we are still battling for the medals”.

Head coach of Costa Rica Juan Acuña: “Guatemala is a solid group, with good reception, attacking and passing. In set one we were focused in blocking in the center and serving to different positions, putting Guatemala off balance to develop their full offense performance; unfortunately our receivers failed”.