Costa Rica advances to semifinals in Mayaguez

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, July 21, 2010 – Costa Rica advanced to the semifinals of the women’s volleyball tournament at the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games by scoring a straight-set (25-20, 25-9, 25-17) victory over Guatemala.

The Costa Ricans, who next meet hosts Puerto Rico in Thursday’s semifinal round, had the advantage in blocks (9-4) and serving aces (7-3).

Verania Willis led Costa Rica with 13 points while Karen Cope added 11 including three blocks. Also Angela Willis and Mariela Quesada each charted 7 points for the win.

“Our first goal was to finish second in our pool and the next one was to enter in the semifinals,” Costa Rican Verania Willis said. “Now the ultimate objective is to win one of the medals.”

“Costa Rica controlled the close sets with the experience in the key moments,” Guatemala’s coach Leivys Garcia commented. “But we will continue battling and our goal is to win the next two matches and finish fifth.