USA win over Costa Rica, reach semis

TIJUANA, Mexico, July 5, 2012 - The United States booked a semifinal berth against Cuba in the NORCECA Boys’ U-19 Continental Championship after winning over Costa Rica 3-0 (25- 13,  25-13, 25-16 ) in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

Earl Schultz led the winners with 14 points, while David Parker finished with 10 for USA. Luis Diego Abarca recorded 8 points for Costa Rica.

For USA Captain Christian Bough “it was about team effort as we recovered from the loss against Mexico and did a good job”.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s Andres Araya stated: “We could not get in to the match, we made many mistakes and they really put pressure with the service, especially in zone four.”

American coach Daniel Friend emphasized that his team recovered from a tough loss. “This is a team of very young guys in their first International tournament. A ´W´ (for winning) is always good and it helps a lot. No matter against who you win.”

For Costa Rica’s coach Alberto Travieso his team needed more concentration. “We lost our focus, tried to make some changes and adjustments, and played better on the third set, but it was not enough. Now we have to prepare for our next match”.