Panama prevails in three sets over El Salvador

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, December 10, 2014. - Panama prevailed in three sets (25-22, 25-22, 25-22) over El Salvador in the sixth day of competitions at the XVIII Men’s Central American Cup.

All the scores were close throughout the entire match but Panama overcame El Salvador’s offense with solid blocking. Panama concluded the tournament with 2-4 win-loss record and fourteen points. El Salvador remained winless with one point and one more match to play.

Panama significant advantage was in the blocking category with 9-1; they also led by 41-40 in kills and both scored on point via serves. In unforced errors they were also similar, Panama with 22 to 24 by El Salvador.

Outside hitter Oswald Marshall, was Panama’s leading scorer with 15 points, middle blocker Jose Gonzalez and opposite player Gilman Fuentes contributed with 9 points apiece. El Salvador’s top scorer was outside hitter Franklin Flores with 16 points, followed by captain Francisco Hernandez with 14 points.

“Panamá needed motivation and the team responded well; unfortunately it was too late in the tournament. Depending on the results from today’s and tomorrow’s matches, we could even grab a third place. El Salvador fought strongly, aggressive in their defense, but things turned out the best for us. It wasn’t and easy tournament and that’s why team’s positions,” said coach Horacio Angulo.

Coach Ricardo Rivera of El Salvador expressed: “We haven’t performed badly even if the results say otherwise, we’ve had losses during the tournament but we’ve played hard. This is a good experience for the young players. We came without two arms and only our trunk. I believe we didn’t take advantage enough from Panama’s errors and we reacted too late in the match”.