Managua, Nicaragua, October 19, 2022.- Guatemala gave another demonstration of courage recovering from a two-set deficit to win 3-2 (19-25, 21-25, 25-15, 25-17, 15-13) to Costa Rica in the last match of the second day of competition at the XIX AFECAVOL Men’s U21 Central American Championship.
After a two-set lead, Costa Rica conceded to Guatemala who scored 5 consecutive points in the third set moving ahead 19-14 and onward to win the set and catch their breathe to win the match.
Javier Lucero finished with 18 points, Francisco Gamboa with 16 and Jose Perez 15, while Costa Rica Dowshel Mc Donald added 24 points despite suffering an injury and not performing in the fifth decisive set. Johan Cerdas finished with 11.
Guatemala was better in attacks 55-48 and serves 5-2, but Costa Rica overwhelmed in blocks 15-1, but committed 44 errors against 30 from their opponents.
Javier Lucero, captain of Guatemala: “We’ve been taught to come from behind, I am excited of what we’ve achieved, we showed we can execute what we’ve taught. We lacked attitude in the first two sets, then we gained confidence and recovered. We gave a huge step and we continue to fight”.
Reider Lucas, coach of Guatemala: “It was a nice display of volleyball, ups and downs from both teams and kudos to Costa Rica, a combative team. They started strong, with great rhythm, we had difficulties in the first two sets. At the beginning they didn’t commit much less errors, they had a stable performance, but we were able to win the third with less errors, and it was crucial that the boys were able to improve their attitude”.
On Thursday, Guatemala faces Belize at 2:00 p.m. and Costa Rica meets Honduras at 4:00 p.m.
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