Intense straight set victory of Nicaragua over Guatemala

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, August 11, 2014.- Nicaragua defeated Guatemala in three intense sets 28-26, 25-21, 25-19 at the II Women’s U-23 AFECAVOL Central American Championship in Jorge A. Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The match between Nicaragua and Guatemala was a tough encounter as both had only lost to Costa Rica and there was too much in stake. Nicaragua not only improves their win-loss record to 4-1 but they grasp five important points, for a total of 18 points. Guatemala drops to 2-2 and remains with ten points.

Nicaragua dominated in every skill; in attacks by 43-30, in blocks by 7-6 and in service points by 5-3.

Leading all scorers was outside hitter Naomi Smith of Nicaragua, with 21 points, including 18 kills; Katy Gonzalez contributed with the winning cause with 14 points. Opposite Lourdes Cruz led Guatemala’s scorers with 12 points.

Invited to the press conference, Nomi Smith said “we were fully aware that Guatemala wasn’t easy to beat as they perform well every skill, but we were determined to concentrate and take the initiative from the beginning. The actions in the first set were very intense as Guatemala pushed very hard with their serves but we knew how to remain calm. We haven’t won anything yet; the tournament ends for us tomorrow facing Honduras who is another tough opponent”.

Guatemala’s captain Maria Alvarez first started by congratulating Nicaragua “they are very strong and things turned well for them. Our serves didn’t harm enough and we couldn’t maintain the control of the match, even in crucial moments. Unfortunately we didn’t sustain our blocking, letting Nicaragua win”. 

Nicaragua’s coach Claudia Noguera said “Guatemala didn’t play to their fullest today, they have very good defensive skills and today they were off. As for Nicaragua, we have been improving but we need to close tomorrow against Honduras for which we must be more mentally prepared”.

“When one loses there’s no need to look for excuses, Nicaragua played better than us. Guatemala had no control of the match, the more experienced players didn’t carry the team in critical moments and the inexperienced players who yesterday against Honduras did a splendid job, today missed important points” said coach David Aldana.