Belize defeats Panama in five sets

SANTA ROSA DE COPAN, Honduras, August 23, 2013.- A very tight victory for Belize over Panama by 3-2 (25-23, 25-22, 24-26, 23-25, 17-17) at the 15^th Women’s U-20 Central American Championship.

This was the second match of the event decided in five sets and became the highest scoring match until now with 229 points total.

Panama came from behind edging Belize whocouldn’t seal the deal in three sets,engaging in foolish mistakes which Panama took advantage of; the winners were too self-confident. Belize improves their win-loss record to 3-1 and Panama sustains a 1-4 mark.

With 14 points, Middle Blocker Maurissa Williams was the best scorer for Belize helped by SpikerSherika Burton with 13 points. Setter AdjanisArosemena and SpikerYessileth Mendoza were Panama’s the top scorers with 11 and 10 points respectively.

Captain Sherika Burton of Belize not too chatty said “we didn’t play our hardest”.

On the other side, Aura Chavarria was overwhelmed with their accomplishment “we are very satisfied with what we did today recovering without any doubts in ourselves, sadly we carried with the defeat but we have proven that Panama plays well”. She also said to disagree with some of the referee’s decisions.

“I am upset because Belize didn’t have a proper mind set after the second set, taking things for granted, and still being a young team in mental terms” were the words of Coach LupitaQuan. “Panama pushed us to the limit and has improved in passing and is more confident in their attacking”.

“Belize was very strong and never gave up and neither did we. The team was nervous but I am very satisfied the way my team has developed in the tournament coming from less to more.”