SANTA ROSA DE COPAN, Honduras, September 11, 2022.- Costa Rica beat Nicaragua 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-19) on day one of actions of the XIV Central American Championship
Despite Costa Rica’s strong dominance in the first set 6-0, Nicaragua recovered to give a balanced battle that finished in three consecutive sets for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica dominated all the elements of the game, attacks (25-19), blocks (13-4) and serves (7-4). Both committed a similar number of errors, Costa Rica (29) and Nicaragua (30).
Two players led Costa Rica’s scoring, outside hitter Stanley Grant with 15 points on 11 attacks, 3 blocks and one ace, and middle blocker David Barrantes with 11 points on 7 attacks, 3 blocks and one ace.
Outside hitter Evans Solís was Nicaragua’s top scorer with 10 points on 7 attacks and three points from serves.
On Monday, Costa Rica (1-0) will play against Guatemala (0-1) and Nicaragua (1-0) against the host Honduras.
Robertocarlo Argüello, head coach of Costa Rica: “Nicaragua’s process has been good, and we knew it was going to be hard. I believe that as a team we are united, with one year and half of work and demanding preparation, so I expected to win but not in consecutive sets”.
Gabriel Barrios, assistant coach of Nicaragua: “Costa Rica is the current champion, and we expected a difficult game. My team has lots of potential and the tournament has just started, nothing has been lost and we are focused on the medal”.
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