Nicaragua debuts defeating Belize

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 10, 2017.- Nicaragua made their debut at the women’s Volleyball tournament of the 2017 Managua Central American Games defeating Belize 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-17) at Alexis Argüello sport complex.

The more than five thousand spectators at the impressive Alexis Argüello enjoyed Nicaragua’s first victory with a steady performance against the Belizean great defense. 

The home team held a 7-2 margin in blocking and 6-2 in aces. Both teams scored on 26 kills. Nicaragua scored on 36 opponent errors while committing 23 unforced errors of their own.

Nicaragua distributed their attack between Elizabeth Traña with 9 points, and Valeska Hernandez alongside Lolette Rodriguez with 8 points apiece. Nelissa Ramirez of Belize tallied 10 points and Shantell Arnold contributed with 6 points.

On Monday Belize (0-1) will face Costa Rica and Nicaragua (1-0) plays against Honduras (1-0).

Captain of Nicaragua Claudia Noguera: “Belize played very well; we were able to set our rhythm remaining calm and serving effectively; yes we had difficulties in defense and lost some focus. This victory is also thanks to the support of our fans in this great venue”.  

Head coach of Nicaragua Rene Quintana: “Soon we will have to watch out more from Belize, they are strong and today the showed a new virtue in defense; Belize wasn’t that good in defending and that keeps them to counterattack continuously; today the defended a great deal, giving us a hard time. We managed to work well under their pressure y did not lose control; there are things to workout though”.

Captain of Belize: “In practice we focused on improving our defense and it worked out well for us tonight. We need to improve especially in our serving we’re not used to the ball, but also we should be more effective in attacking”

Head coach of Belize Delio Arruebarrena: “We were able to defend well but then our definition was not effective, we need to have more scoring spikes. We allowed them to score on our mistakes and that didn’t allow us to move forward. The crowd was another issue to deal with, added to the fact that Nicaragua has great game level and last year they won the Central American world qualification tournament, I believe my players did not perform badly but we must limit our errors”.