Belize scores victory over Nicaragua

PANAMA CITY, Panama, August 24, 2014 – Belize recovered from losing its first match on opening day to defeat Nicaragua 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-20) on Sunday at the U23 Men’s Central American Championship at Jose “Beto” Remón Gymnasium.

The tandem of Ivan and Jaleel Lino was joined by Raluni Bernardez in leading the attack of Belize to overcome the strong serves of Nicaragua. Ivan scored 16 points while Jaleel and Bernardez each contributed 13 points in the win.

Kevin Duarte was the only player of Nicaragua who reached double figures in the score charts with 12 points.

Belize’s coach Leon Leslie said his team relied on its blocking to neutralize the advantage of Nicaragua in the service category while Nicaragua’s coach Osman Hernandez said his team lost control and couldn’t find the form they showed on Saturday.

The captains of both teams Ivan Lino and Alvaro Solis both agreed on that there are not favorites in the tournament and the match was more complicated than what the final score shows up.