President of Costa Rica enjoys victory of home girls

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, March 11, 2013.- The reigning champions Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua started with victories in opening day at the women’s volleyball tournament of  the X Central American Games taking place at National Gym of San Jose, Costa Rica.

In the only match of Pool A, hosts Costa Rica showed power in the victory over El Salvador defeating them in straight sets in front of 1600 spectators, including the President of Costa Rica, Mrs. Laura Chinchilla Miranda. In Pool B Panama and Nicaragua claimed their first victories.

Panama 3, Belize 0

Panama beat Belize 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-14) in the opening match of Monday. Belize gave resistance in the first set, but their unforced errors cost them the match. The captains of both teams were the match best scorers with 9 by Panamanian Joanna Arroyo and 10 by Belize’s Sherylee Young-Thurton.

Arroyo said: “My team did things well but not great, it was a little slow at the beginning and we have more to give. The matches are going to get tougher and we must be prepared.”

Nicaragua 3, Honduras 0

Nicaragua won 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-21) over Honduras with their more experienced players, despite the efforts of the losers. Amalia Hernandez led Nicaragua with 11 points followed by Josafat Diaz with 9 points.

“Honduras is always a good opponent and they are building up with new players. Regardless the highs and lows, Nicaragua will perform better with each match” said Claudia Noguera, captain of Nicaragua.

Costa Rica 3, El Salvador 0

Reigning champions Costa Rica dominated El Salvador in straight sets 25-14, 25-10, 25-17. The winners had an 11-2 advantage in blocking and 5-4 in points of service. Karen Cope was Costa Rica’s best performer with 18 points and Verania Willis contributed with 16 points.

Angela Willis captain of Costa Rica was happy for the victory and said “It’s wonderful to play at home, it gives great happiness. Now is the time to apply all our practice which has been hard.”