Hughes and Engle triumph at Gatorade Guatemala BVB

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, May 4, 2014.- Heather Hughes and Christal Engle of USA-B triumphed at the Gatorade Guatemala BVB Tournament, beating Karen Cope/Natalia Alfaro of Costa Rica by 2-1 (21-14, 24-26, 15-0).

Hughes/Engle took the gold without having to finish the third set, as Natalia Alfaro suffered a bee sting and was unable to continue. The match had a splendid display of Costa Rica’s defensive skill and the Americans didn’t celebrate as a sign of fair play towards this misfortune.

“We feel bad for them and it doesn’t feel the same winning this way. Costa Rica had a great tournament, showing incredible defense, even so we’re content with the gold” said Christal Engle.

Heather Hughes praised Costa Rica’s efforts and improvement, “we faced them in Cayman Islands and they played much better here; I believe this is the best we’ve seen them”.

The duo now moves to compete in the Puerto Vallarta FIVB Open next weekend.

In their semifinal, Hughes/Engle also extended to three sets to beat Cubans Lianma Flores/Leila Martinez 21-16, 22-24, 15-9.

Karen Cope/Natalia Alfaro of CRC upset Tealle Hunkus/Kimberly Dicello of USA-A plans to reach the final match repeating the Cayman’s gold,  defeating them 2-1 (21-13, 11-21, 15-13).

Tealle Hunkus/Kimberly Dicello of USA-A still made the podium winning the bronze medal to Cubans Lianma Flores/Leila Martinez by  2-0 (21-15, 21-17).

Gold Medal: USA-B d CRC 2-1 (21-14, 24-26, 15-0); Bronze Medal: USA-A d CUB 2-0 (21-15, 21-17); SF: CRC d USA-A 2-1 (21-13, 11-21, 15-13); USA-B d CUB 2-1 (21-16, 22-24, 15-9). Final Standing: 1. USA-B; 2. CRC; 3. USA-A; 4. CUB; 5. CAN-A; 6. MEX; 7. GUA-A; 8. GUA-B; 9. CAN-B; 10. ESA-B; 11. ESA-A; 12. TTO; 13. NCA; 14. GUA-C; 15. BAR; 16. HON.