Belize surprises Panama at Central American Cup opener

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, December 5, 2014 - Belize opened the XVII Men’s Central American Cup with a surprising victory over Panama 3-2 (16-25, 25-17, 15-25, 25-22, 15-12) at Jorge  Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa.

Belize was better in the blocking category with a 15-11 advantage, while Panama led in kills 54-41 and both were equally effective in serves 2-2. Belize benefited from Panama’s 39 unforced errors while committing 33.

Opposite player Karym Coleman topped Belize scorers with 18 points, including 4 blocks and one ace, joined by outside hitter Keith Castillo with 16 points and middle blocker Ean Galvez with 10 points. For Panama, outside hitter Doming Avila led with 19 points, Oswald Marshall contributed 16 points and middle blocker Jose Gonzalez added 10.

Elton Anderson captain of Belize, who suffered a minor injury in the first set, said: “This is our first ever victory over Panama; it means a lot because never before have we made a debut with a victory”.

Panama’s captain Domingo Avila said: “We have a new generation of players and the lack of experience and making the proper decisions cost us the match. We were too relaxed in some of the sets and this teaches us that we have to play without underestimating our opponents”.

“We had difficulties in our passing; the setters had too much pressure; we also had complications in our defense. Belize has tall players who dominate the net very well and the new how to benefit from our mistakes. For tomorrow’s practice, we must work with our setters who know what to do, as proven in the sets we won” said Panama’s Coach Horacio Angulo.