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Costa Rica overcomes Honduras in five set thriller

 

   

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, August 28, 2015.- Costa Rica overcame Honduras in five intense sets  (25-19, 21-25, 12-25, 25-21, 15-8) in the last match of day one of the Men’s U-21 XVI Central American Championship.

 

Costa Rica held an early lead in set one 10-3, with a well-structured game, nevertheless Honduras was able to reduce the distance while scoring important points as they read better Costa Rica’s moves; Costa Rica won the set 25-19. The actions in the second set were close, Honduras had an effective blocking while Costa Rica insisted on spiking, and the win was finally for Honduras 25-21. Honduras gained confidence and held a huge advantage for 16-6 with powerful kills and keeping the blocking effective as they didn’t allow Costa Rica to score, taking the set 25-12. In the fourth set, Costa Rica started off with 8-3 advantage which Honduras reduced by consistent spiking but the set went to Costa Rica 25-21. In the fifth set, Costa Rica took control from start to finish.

 

Costa Rica held advantage in kills 38-22 and in aces 8-2. Honduras was better in blocking 16-12. Costa Rica had more errors (58) than Honduras (40).

 

Middle Blocker Jason Brown of Costa Rica contributed with 14 points, 9 on kills and 5 on blocking. Opposite Kevin Hidalgo scored 12 points and Setter Luis Padilla added 10 points. Middle Blocker Arturo Duran of Honduras led with 10 points, followed by Outside Hitter Abner Funez with 9 points. 

 

Walter Serrano, Costa Rica’s captain said “we started well, imposing our own style. We lost concentration and weren’t able to win the following two sets. We improved in the fourth set and did a good job in the fifth”.

 

Alejandro Avila captain of Honduras indicated “it was a difficult match; we tried to keep the energy high. Costa Rica pushed hard with their serves and the fourth set was really tight. Our nerves took control in the fifth set. I believe we played well”.

 

Coach Cesar Salas of Costa Rica said “I congratulate Honduras, both teams fought hard; it was I nice match but I’m not happy. Our game system didn’t work out in the third set and we made some adjustments and closed with a good advantage from the beginning of the fifth set”.

 

“This is the first experience for two of my players. Our blocking worked well, but not the whole match and we failed in receiving. Our bench players responded well. We can do it better” said Marvin Ulloa Honduras’ coach.