Reigning champion Costa Rica picks up fourth victory

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 14, 2017.- Reigning champion Costa Rica picked up their fourth victory while defeating El Salvador 3-0 (25-22, 25-8, 25-22) at the women’s Volleyball tournament of the XI Central American Games Managua 2017 at Alexis Argüello sport complex.

Costa Rica’s performance lacked consistency; they only overpowered El Salvador in set two with their accustomed strength. Costa Rica’s fourth victory in a row developed slowly and with little excitement.

Defending champion Costa Rica has a 4-0 win-loss record and 18 points, and El Salvador stands with 1-4 record and five points.

Costa Rica overwhelmed El Salvador with 37-17 advantage in spikes, 7-5 in blocking and 7-2 in serving points, while committing more errors 28-24.

Outside hitter Marcela Araya of Costa Rica was the only player with double-digits scoring 16 points; opposite Paola Ramirez finished with 9 points and middle blocker Johanna Gamboa with 8. Opposite Kathya Vasquez led El Salvador with 8 points.

On Friday, Costa Rica (4-0) will face Panama (1-3) and El Salvador (1-4) meets Honduras (1-2).

Opposite player of Costa Rica Paola Ramirez: “We got into difficulties with a tough opponent like El Salvador. We had a remarkable second set playing at our rhythm and strong; we need to concentrate more to not follow our opponent’s way and not being so lazy. This tournament is a test for us because the Willis sisters were Costa Rica’s weapon. Pulling off yesterday’s victory to Guatemala the way we did is gratifying for this new generation. We have a young team and we can observe their evolution”.

Head coach of Costa Rica Cesar Salas: “The match was too slow, we committed too many errors and El Salvador performed well. Our serves in set two we really harmful and we performed aggressively; we should play like that against Panama and Nicaragua”.