The compound events, however, belonged to El Salvador.
El Salvador, led by flag bearer Roberto Hernandez alongside Douglas Vladimir Nolasco and Miguel Angel Veliz, denied Mexico the men’s compound team title with a composed 237-233 victory. After both teams opened with identical scores of 59, El Salvador created separation in the third end, opening a five-point advantage that proved decisive despite Mexico finishing with a perfect 60.
Guatemala claimed the compound men’s team bronze by edging powerhouse Colombia 234-233. An opening perfect 60 gave Guatemala an early cushion, and although Colombia reduced the gap, the Guatemalans held on after both teams matched scores over the closing ends.
Mexico’s Andrea Maya Becerra Arizaga, Ana Sofía Hernández and Dafne Quintero entered the compound women’s team final as favourites but were narrowly beaten 223-222 by El Salvador’s Camila Alvarenga, Paola Corado and Sofia Paiz.
Mexico surrendered seven points in the opening end, leaving them with too much ground to recover despite a strong response in the middle stages, as El Salvador held on for a memorable one-point victory.
Colombia’s experienced trio of Sara Lopez, Mariana Rodriguez and Alejandra Usquiano secured the bronze medal with a 231-227 win over Guatemala.
Defending champions Colombia retained the compound mixed team title, with Sara Lopez and Pablo Gomez Zuluaga overcoming Guatemala’s Danica Fránces Barrera Arana and Jose Marcelo Del Cid 156-154.
The compound mixed team bronze medal was decided in a shoot-off after Mexico’s Becerra and Rodrigo Gonzalez De Alba finished tied with Venezuela’s Ana Mendoza and Fraiber Alberto Rodriguez Mercado. Venezuela secured the final podium place after shooting the closest arrow.
Competition in Santo Domingo continues on 29 July with the recurve individual finals.
