Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro debut with two victories

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 3, 2017. - Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro of Costa Rica made their debut at the women’s Beach Volleyball tournament of the eleventh Central American Games Managua 2017 with two victories at the Salvador Allende sand court of Paseo Xolotlan.

The strong Costa Rican duo managed a smooth first day of actions after winning in their two outings. Karen and Natalia downed Stiphany Lezcano and Keysi Caballero of Panama 2-0 (21-7, 21-11); followed by their victory over Jarisa Hynds/Christianne Etches of Honduras by 2-0 (21-11, 21-11).

Costa Rican coach Ingrid Morales said “we started off on good rhythm and we are satisfied with today’s results. We are aware that all the teams have prepared well; there are high expectations of our match against Nicaragua”.

Kathya Vasquez and Maria Fernanda Vargas of El Salvador disappointed the home crowd while beating Swan Mendoza and Lolette Rodriguez in their only outing of the day by a close 2-1 (21-19, 15-21, 15-13). A gentle but persistent rain welcomed the match while Kathya and Maria Fernanda took control of Swan and Lolette whose reaction kicked in set two.

Guatemala’s Paola Alvarado and Estephany Bethancourth battled hard to defeat Jarisa Hynds and Christianne Etches of Honduras 2-0 (24-22, 21-17).

Day two of the women’s division starts at noon (local time) with Stiphany Lezcano/Keysi Caballero of Panama facing Kathya Vasquez/Maria Fernanda Vargas of El Salvador.

The four day preliminary round-robin concludes on Wednesday December 6, with the top two highest ranked teams advancing into semifinals.

Women’s Results Sunday December 3:

Karen Cope/Natalia Alfaro (CRC) d Stiphany Lezcano/Keysi Caballero (PAN) 2-0 (21-7, 21-11); Paola Alvarado/Estephany Bethancourth (GUA) d Jarisa Hynds/Christianne Etches (HON) 2-0 (24-22, 21-17); Kathya Vasquez/Maria Fernanda Vargas (ESA) d Swan Mendoza/Lolette Rodríguez (NCA) 2-1 (21-19, 15-21, 15-13).