Suriname Defeats Guatemala With 37 points of Anakaba

NOGALES, Mexico, June 15, 2024. – Meson Anakaba scored 37 points in Suriname’s win over  Guatemala 3-1 (25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 25-23) in a classification match for positions 5 to 8 at the Men’s U21 NORCECA Continental Championship in Nogales.

On Sunday, Suriname will compete for fifth place in the event against the winner between Nicaragua and Mexico. Guatemala will face the loser for seventh place.

Opposite hitter Mesón Anakaba scored 37 points in Suriname’s victory, the highest in the tournament so far. Anakaba tallied 32 attack points, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Gianni Ritfeld contributed 15 points from direct attacks, and Anfernee Lee added 13 points.

Guatemala's Roberto Recinos finished with 21 points, including 17 attacks, 3 blocks, and one  ace. Opposite hitter Luis Mendizábal scored 15 points on 14 attacks and one service ace.

Suriname led in attack points (62-52), blocks (9-7), and service points (5-4). However, Suriname gave away more points on errors (26-21).

Roberto Benschop, libero of Suriname said “We should have performed better. In the fourth set we were overconfident, we should have won quicker, but Guatemala got closer, with unnecessary substitutions. We need to play seriously and more consistency”.

Josué González, libero for Guatemala, said, "We lost because for moments we lacked concentration. We didn’t follow our coaches' instructions. I congratulate Suriname on their victory. As a team, we need to play with more determination and show our game in tomorrow's match”.