Second gold in a row for Puerto Rico

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, April 1, 2012. - Roberto Rodriguez and Pablo Guzman gave Puerto Rico its second gold in a row by defeating Tony Pray and John Heagy of the United States 21-16, 21-19 in the final match of the Guatemala Gatorade Beach Volleyball Tournament, the second stop of the 2012 NORCECA circuit.

Puerto Rico won the gold and their first title of 2012 at the first stop of the NORCECA circuit in Cayman Islands with Rodriguez and Eric Haddock; Rodriguez repeated in Guatemala, now with Guzman, showing more experience than the Americans.

Rodriguez said: “I am glad for Puerto Rico, we are preparing for the Olympic qualifier and that’s why we’re using different combinations; Puerto Rico’s complete team will travel to Boca Chica for the third stop of the circuit.”

“We are making history in the circuit, we hope to continue with good results” he added.

Guatemala took the bronze medal when Andy Leonardo and Erick Garrido defeated William Sanchez and German Recio of Dominican Republic 2-0 (21-15, 21-13). The local duo took control from the first point to win the bronze.

In the semifinals, Pray and Heagy came from behind to defeat Leonardo and Garrido by score of 2-1 (18-21, 21-16, 15-11). On the other hand, Puerto Rico’s Rodriguez and Guzman, saw off Sánchez and Recio by 2-0 (21-18 y 21-17).

Sunday’s results:

Semifinals: PUR d. DOM 2-0 (21-18, 21-17); USA d. GUA-1 2-1 (18-21, 21-16, 15-11). Bronze Medal: GUA-1 d. DOM 2-0 (21-15, 21-13) Gold Medal: PUR d. USA 2-0 (21-16, 21-19).

Final ranking: 1. PUR 2. USA 3. GUA-1 4. DOM 5. TRI 6. NCA 7. ESA 8. BAH 9. GUA-2 10. JAM 11. DMA 12. BIZ 13. HON 14. VIN 15. SKN 16. ANT.