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Panama defeats Nicaragua at AFECAVOL U-21 Men opener

 

   

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, August 28, 2015.- Panama defeated Nicaragua 3-2 (25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-12) at the opening match of the Men’s U-21 XVI Central American Championship at Gymnasium Adolfo Pineda of San Salvador.

 

Nicaragua slowly took advantage in set one, but Panama controlled Nicaragua’s offensive over the net with good blocking and defense for a close win 25-23. Panama began set two with strong kills and a four point advantage while Nicaragua seemed out of focus. Nicaragua took advantage of several consecutive errors by Panama and tied the match winning the set 25-21.  Set three was very tight but Nicaragua managed to extend the match by winning set four, in which they held a four point advantage and Panama with serving and blocking reduced to 25-22. The match continued close with Panama finally winning set five 15-12.

 

Nicaragua held advantage in kills 56-46, while Panama held a huge advantage in blocking 16-3. Both were equally effective in aces 5-5 and had similar unforced errors Panama (43) y Nicaragua (41).

 

Panama offense was led by Drayan Bouche, Uriel Batista and Jose Anguizola with 16 points apiece. Middle Blocker Jonny Zeledon of Nicaragua led all scorers with 21 points, 20 on kills and one ace.

 

“We all did our job, we all contributed y we owe this win to all our family in Panama” said captain Uriel Batista.

 

Gabriel Barrios Nicaragua’s captain said “it was a tough match and Nicaragua never gave up. Dispite Panama’s height we weren’t intimidated and fought the entire time. We are moving ahead, this has just begun”.

 

Panamanian coach Horacio Angulo expressed “after a long time from missing several events in this age-group and that Nicaragua has been one of the strongest in the region, we managed to finish on top especially thru our effective blocking. Nicaragua is a difficult team to beat, they took advantage of our mental errors, but we adjusted well to win”.

 

Osman Hernández coach of Nicaragua said “Roberto Espinosa is the top scorer of Central America in this category and Panama took advantage scoring in the middle. We lost many serves. We are aware that this will be an even event and this is only the beginning”.