Agamez scores 39 points as Colombia moves to semifinals

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia, July 31, 2018.- Liberman Agamez scored 39 points in Colombia’s victory over Venezuela 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 26-28, 26-24, 15-13) qualifying to the men’s volleyball semifinals at the 2018 Barranquilla XXIII Central American and Caribbean Games at Humberto Perea Coliseum.

Colombia’s nail biting five-set victory was carried by its best weapon, Liberman Agamez, whose pounding force over the net scored on 30 kills and 3 blocks, in addition on 6 aces with unstoppable serves. 

Venezuela also pressured with strength, grabbing away the third set to Colombia while recovering from a 21-24 deficit that Colombia wasn’t able to grasp. Liberman extended to the tie-break with his powerful serves, cheered by the noisy crowd that celebrated Colombia’s huge victory. 

Adonis Herrera, Humberto Machacon and Leandro Mejía added 10 points apiece for Colombia. Venezuela’s offensive was also on fire, with 31 points by Emerson Rodriguez, followed by Willner Rivas scoring 20 points and Jose Verdi with 10 points.

Colombia edged Venezuela with huge 11-5 margin in blocks and 10-6 in aces; they also held advantage in attacks with 68-63 margin. Colombia committed more errors 38-26.

Colombian Liberman Agamez said “the whole team, the coaches, was outstanding. Thank God we won and qualified to semifinals. Tomorrow we have to compete strong and hope for a good result because all the supporters never abandoned us. Colombia needs more practice matches; we have been together for only 15-20 days before the tournament. The federation has done what’s possible. I dedicate this happiness to all Colombia and my family”.

Eliseo Ramos head coach of Colombia said he was a nervous wreck “you must have a good heart condition to take this. Liberman carried the team, he is our warrior, and he is carrying out a violent sequence for the matches we have left. The boys must do better so Liberman can take some oxygen because he’s taking too much”. About facing Cuba in semifinals, “we’ll recover the team for tomorrow, with ice and in the pool. We’ve reached one of our objectives to be in the top four”.

Venezuela’s top scorer, Emerson Rodriguez said to be disappointed, “we played with heart; things did not go well to complete the necessary points. We must continue we still have games to win, continue to fight for Venezuela and give it all; we have to learn for our losses”.