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Guatemala struggles to overcome Honduras

 

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, October 5, 2019.- Guatemala struggled to overcome Honduras 3-1 (25-18, 22-25, 25-23, 25-19) at the AFECAVOL U21 Central American Championship that concludes on Sunday at FESAVOL Gymnasium of San Salvador, El Salvador.

 

Guatemala remarkably recovered from a seven-point deficit (18-23) on seven consecutive points to win set three. Honduras kept Guatemala busy trying to maintain control of the actions.

 

Guatemala is now in difficult position with 3-2 record and 14 points, the same as Costa Rica and Panama with the same record but has 17 points. Honduras concludes the event with 1-5 record and 7 points.

 

Guatemala ended the match with 48-42 lead in attacks and 8-4 in aces; Honduras led in blocks 11-9. Guatemala committed fewer errors (28-32).

 

The winners used a balanced attack between opposite José Rodrigo Carrillo (16), middle blocker Jason Hernández (15) and outside hitter Francisco Gamboa (14). Kevin Herrera led Honduras with a match-high of 19 points and captain Allan Escote added 13 points.

 

On Sunday Guatemala (3-2) will face Panama (3-2) in a crucial match for the final ranking position.

 

Reider Lucas, Head Coach of Guatemala: “We had a really bad second set, we were unstable and we lost one point in ranking that complicates our final result in the tournament. Finally we got the win and we still might win a medal. We are finishing with a tough Panama, but all is decided on the court”.

 

Jason Hernández, middle blocker Guatemala: “The attitude of the bench players deserve the credit today, they lift our game. Tomorrow will be a complicated game and it will be a great duel that could win only if we have the same attitude as today’s last two sets”.

 

Kevin Herrera, best scorer of Honduras: “Our reaction came too late, we were over confident and I am proud of the way we fought”.