Guatemala beat Belize with difficulties

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 15, 2017. - Guatemala had difficulties to beat Belize 3-1 (28-26, 19-25, 25-14, 25-15) on day six in the women’s Volleyball tournament of the eleventh Central American Games Managua 2017.

Guatemala’s enormous 16-6 advantage in serves managed to finish on top as their performance lacked energy and strength. Belize celebrated their first set ever over Guatemala at a senior even.

Guatemala is still in position of winning the bronze with 3-2 record and 15 points, depending in the result facing Honduras, while Belize has 0-5 record and three points.

Guatemala held advantage of 40-38 in kills and both team scored on 9 blocking points. Guatemala committed fewer errors 27-32.

Once again, opposite Rut Gomez and outside hitter Blanca Recinos led Guatemala with 18 and 10 points respectively. Belize balanced their offense between Nelissa Ramirez (15), Shantell Arnold (12) and Sherika Burton (12).

On Saturday Guatemala (3-2) faces Honduras (2-2) and Belize (0-5) plays against Panama (1-4).

Outside hitter of Guatemala Blanca Recinos: “Belize has shown a good performance and great height to compete; on our side, the losses from the past two days at such an intense level have damaged us physically, we are heartbroken. Today we were careless and lost focus. Numerically we will fight for the bronze, we won’t give up yet”.

Head coach of Guatemala William Fernandez: “The team is in distress, it’s too difficult to make them respond mentally speaking. It wasn’t easy facing Belize, they have improved a lot. We must win tomorrow to win the bronze medal”.

Head coach of Belize Delio Arruebarrena: “We won a set by improving our serves and moving ahead in the score, and keeping the advantage. It’s a difficult task to achieve against a tough team like Guatemala, we’ve improved during the tournament and this motivated my players to continue preparing hard”.