Centro Caribe Sports team defeats El Salvador in first CAC Games win

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 29, 2023.- The team of Centro Caribe Sports -Guatemala- beat El Salvador 3-1 (25-18, 25-22, 20-25, 25-18) in their first win at the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games.

The CCS team managed to stop El Salvador who yesterday won against Trinidad & Tobago in Pool B. Both teams stand with 1-1 win-loss record.

Setter Daniel Ralon of CCS was a key element helping his team from the service line to close the first and second sets. El Salvador was patient in the third set and Middle blocker Diego Guidos forced their opponents into committing consecutive errors to extend the match to a fourth and final battled set that went to CCS.

Centro Caribe Sports led 61 in points from kills against 53, but their huge 11-4 margin in blocks made a difference to stop El Salvador. They also led 5-2 in service points but committed 24 unforced errors against 18 from their opponents.

Outside hitter and CCS team captain Carlos López led all scorers with 24 points from 21 kills and three blocks. Middle Andy Leonardo, who also competed in beach volleyball, followed with 15 points on 9 kills, three blocks and one ace. Opposite hitter Erik Flores added 13 points.

On El Salvador’s side, outside hitter Rodrigo Chavez produced 19 points on 17 kills and two blocks as their leading scorer. Opposite Diego Navarro contributed with 18 points also on 17 kills, but with one ace.

On Friday, CCS (1-1) ends the preliminary round against Trinidad & Tobago (0-2) and host El Salvador (1-1) faces Puerto Rico (2-0).

Rodrigo Carrillo, opposite of CCS: “Our coach makes changes to help our blockers and improve our defense, it’s to have more effectiveness in front. Our team effort was crucial, and we knew this was an important match to win”.

Reider Lucas, Head Coach of CCS: “We were aware that this match was going to be difficult because El Salvador is the host, and they were highly motivated after yesterday’s win. My team was anxious, and we calmed them because things don’t always come out right. We were able to relax them, make changes and we got the match”.

Diego Chávez, top scorer of El Salvador: “We lacked experience and had better focus to close the sets. We must improve the attitude of the younger players; several are competing for the first time with the senior team. We must continue to train because Guatemala showed to be superior”.

Gabriel Linares, Head Coach of El Salvador: “We were facing the Central American champion. We stopped attacking and our opponent made some damage in the middle. We couldn’t block; it was small details. The set we won we were able to control our serves and succeed in blocking”.