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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, August 28, 2015.-
Costa Rica overcame Honduras in five intense sets (25-19,
21-25, 12-25, 25-21, 15-8) in the last match of day one of the
Men’s U-21 XVI Central American Championship.
Costa Rica held an early lead in set one 10-3, with a
well-structured game, nevertheless Honduras was able to reduce
the distance while scoring important points as they read better
Costa Rica’s moves; Costa Rica won the set 25-19. The actions in
the second set were close, Honduras had an effective blocking
while Costa Rica insisted on spiking, and the win was finally
for Honduras 25-21. Honduras gained confidence and held a huge
advantage for 16-6 with powerful kills and keeping the blocking
effective as they didn’t allow Costa Rica to score, taking the
set 25-12. In the fourth set, Costa Rica started off with 8-3
advantage which Honduras reduced by consistent spiking but the
set went to Costa Rica 25-21. In the fifth set, Costa Rica took
control from start to finish.
Costa Rica held advantage in kills 38-22 and in aces 8-2.
Honduras was better in blocking 16-12. Costa Rica had more
errors (58) than Honduras (40).
Middle Blocker Jason Brown of Costa Rica contributed with 14
points, 9 on kills and 5 on blocking. Opposite Kevin Hidalgo
scored 12 points and Setter Luis Padilla added 10 points. Middle
Blocker Arturo Duran of Honduras led with 10 points, followed by
Outside Hitter Abner Funez with 9 points.
Walter Serrano, Costa Rica’s captain said “we started well,
imposing our own style. We lost concentration and weren’t able
to win the following two sets. We improved in the fourth set and
did a good job in the fifth”.
Alejandro Avila captain of Honduras indicated “it was a
difficult match; we tried to keep the energy high. Costa Rica
pushed hard with their serves and the fourth set was really
tight. Our nerves took control in the fifth set. I believe we
played well”.
Coach Cesar Salas of Costa Rica said “I congratulate Honduras,
both teams fought hard; it was I nice match but I’m not happy.
Our game system didn’t work out in the third set and we made
some adjustments and closed with a good advantage from the
beginning of the fifth set”.
“This is the first experience for two of my players. Our
blocking worked well, but not the whole match and we failed in
receiving. Our bench players responded well. We can do it
better” said Marvin Ulloa Honduras’ coach. |
