Trinidad & Tobago defeats Guatemala in four sets

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, January 4, 2019 – Trinidad & Tobago showed consistency in the serve and blocking that was a key in the 3-1 (25-14, 25-14, 22-25, 25-7) over Guatemala in the closing match of the opening day of the Qualification Tournament to the Pan American Games.

The strength of the Trinidadians was evident since the start of the match creating difficulties to the Guatemalans.

“Our team made many mistakes in the third set as we lowered our level of intensity”, said Nicholas Drake, the coach of Trinidad & Tobago. “They (Guatemalans) took advantage of that moment.”

David Aldana, the coach of Guatemala, celebrated winning the third set. “We have our feet on the earth as we were playing against a team that just finished playing in the world championship. Their serves are very strong and in the third set we were able to establish our reception and won the set.”

Channon Thompson led the Caribbeans with 27 points while Krystle Esdelle and Delicia Pierre added 20 and 16 points, respectively, in the victory. Maritza Chavez had 7 points for Guatemala.