Costa Rica beats Belize in straight sets at AFECAVOL U21

Costa Rica beats Belize in straight sets at AFECAVOL U21

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, October 2, 2019.- Costa Rica beat Belize in straight sets (25-23, 25-18, 25-19) in their first win at the AFECAVOL U21 Central American Championship at FESAVOL Gymnasium of San Salvador, El Salvador.

Costa Rica recovered from a four-point deficit in set three (8-12) to go on winning in three sets and earning five points in their first tournament win to even their record 1-1; Belize has 0-3 record.

Belize allowed a total of 36 points on unforced errors while Costa Rica committed 19. Costa Rica’s 11-5 blocking margin neutralized Belize’s 32-24 advantage in kills. Both teams scored 4 service points.

Costa Rica’s top scorers were outside hitter Fabian Torres with 9 points all on kills, along with middle blocker Juan Diego Arrieta with 7 points on 5 kills and 2 blocks, and middle blocker Reyman Alfaro finished with 6 points. Belizean offence was led by outside hitter Ernest Broaster scored a match-high of 18 points including 15 kills and 2 aces and outside hitter Xander Bennett contributed with 9 points.

On day three of the event, Costa Rica (1-1) will face Guatemala (1-1) and Belize (0-3) plays against Panama (0-1).

Fabián Torres, top scorer of Costa Rica: “We improved in receiving and defense compared from yesterday, we were focused in not failing in this. We were distracted in the third set, out of rhythm but we asked for time-out to calm ourselves. Our team unity is our most important skill, we get along well and we supported each other to get the victory”.

Sergio Araya, Head coach of Costa Rica: “We took advantage of Belize’s errors in serves and that made our job easier. This wasn’t the guys best match in this process, what’s important is to have won in three sets to put us in the fight”.

Ryan Arnold, Captain of Belize: “Because we were at our lowest from yesterday’s performance, we came out stronger and harder today. We are lacking consistency and prosecution; we had them down five points and we let them come back. We need to work hard and finish the game”.