Costa Rica unstoppable, El Salvador to second place

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 5, 2012 - Costa Rica continues its march towards another title in the XVII Central American Cup Women's Volleyball Cup following a 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-16) victory over Panama in the third day of the tournament.

El Salvador defeated Honduras 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-16) for their second win and took the second place in the standings, while Guatemala, in another exciting match, won in five sets over Nicaragua 3-2 (29-27, 15-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-7).

In the game of Costa Rica, Panama failed to maintain the advantages achieved in the start of the three sets, including the third when they were in front 8-2, and Costa Ricans reacted with effective serves, and to achieve 34 points in attacks and 10 with blocks.

Karen Cope was the best of Costa Rica with 18 points and the captain Verania Willis added 13.

Horacio Bastit, Costa Rica's Argentinean coach, said: "We always try every game as a learning experience. You have to work with the group because it looks messy with the locking system and defense."

Willis, captain of Costa Rica, said: "The mistakes we make are part of the transition process, locate tactically because it is different from what we've played, now with coach Bastit."

El Salvador is ranked in second place with 10 points thanks to a win over Honduras. Andrea Mnazur and Maria Alejandra Flores each finished with seven points for El Salvador, while Honduras’ Maria Elena Barahona was limited to six points.

The selection of Guatemala showed its strength in the serves and with better concentration defeated Nicaragua.

Ruth Gomez was the best scorer of the Guatemala side with 22 points, plus 17 of the captain Diana Arias. For Nicaragua, Mercedes Traña had 18 points Heidy Traña added 17.

Positions:

Costa Rica 3-0, El Salvador 2-1, Guatemala (2-1), Nicaragua (1-2), Panama (1-2), Honduras (0-3)

Thursday's Games:

Panama v Nicaragua 3:00 p.m.
Honduras v Guatemala 5:00 p.m.
Costa Rica v El Salvador 7:00 p.m.