Belize took down El Salvador in five sets

Belize took down El Salvador in five sets

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 12, 2014. - Belize downed El Salvador 3-2 (25-21, 20-25, 25-21, 17-25, 15-12) at the Women’s XVIII Central American Cup at Gymnasium Teodoro Palcios Flores.

It was a well disputed match with both teams struggling to take control. A high point for Belize was reducing a ten point deficit in the fourth set, which they still lost but earned them enough confidence to win the tie-break.

Belize finishes sixth with 1-6 record and 3 points, El Salvador finishes win-less 0-6 and 3 points.

Belize out-blocked El Salvador with huge margin of 20-1 and El Salvador dominated in aces with 12-3 advantage.

Middle blocker Shantell Arnold topped Belize with 20 points, including 10 blocks; outside hitters contributed also with the winning cause, Tichelle Solis added 15 points, while Nelissa Ramirez and Maurissa Williams chipped in with 12 tallies apiece. Adriana Flores was the best scorer for El Salvador with 23 points, including 3 service points.

“El Salvador slowed down their rhythm and it was difficult, it felt like we played in slow motion. We didn’t play our best, but a win is a win. There are a lot of technical things to improve and play with more heart” said captain Tenesha Encalada.

Adriana Flores said it was a good tournament “we didn’t do too well, but the level was high and each team were difficult opponents. We were very lazy in the first two sets and our reaction came too late”.

Coach Jose Reyes of Belize indicated “I’m not satisfied with my team’s performance but with our victory. Our opponents knew Belize was playing a good level but my girls didn’t take the pressure well. It’s good not ending at the bottom but we need more of everything to improve”.

Coach Alexander Polanco of El Salvador said “my team is young and they have a long road to walk, we are building for the future and this is the only way to achieve it. I’m not happy to have lost but our physical condition is too weak and we couldn’t keep up with the tournament’s rhythm, I have three players injured”.