Five set comeback for Colombia over TTO at CACG debut

Five set comeback for Colombia over TTO at CACG debut

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia, July 28 de 2018.- Colombia came from behind to win over Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 (19-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-19, 15-8) in pool B debut at the men’s volleyball tournament of the 2018 Barranquilla XXIII Central American and Caribbean Games at Humberto Perea Coliseum.

Host Colombia gave a spectacular presentation recovering from losing the first set. Their height in blocking and powerful kills did not surprise Trinidad and Tobago’s fast and tactical game.

The 14-8 margin in blocking was crucial for Colombia to overcome Trinidad and Tobago’s 51-48 attacking margin. In addition, Colombia has a slim 3-2 serving advantage; Colombia finished with fewer errors (35-41).

Leberman Agamez of Colombia was the best scorer with 22 points, on 18 kills, 3 blocks and one ace. Alsto contributing in the winning effort were Humberto Machacon with 12 points and Renzo Mendoza, playing only two sets, scoring 10 points. Brando Legall led Trinidad and Tobago with 18 points, joined by Mikheil Hoyte and Ryan Stewart with 10 points each.

In the next day of competition, Colombia (1-0) will meet Guatemala (0-1) while Trinidad and Tobago (0-1) faces Puerto Rico (1-0).

Colombia’s captain Juan Ambuila expressed “we weren’t expecting to reach five sets. Trinidad and Tobago did an excellent job, they had lots of strength. I think we were too pressured because it was the first match, but mostly because we’re hosting the event. We were able to block more to reach the objective and now we must think in Guatemala”.

Ryan Stewart captain of Trinidad and Tobago said, “it was very exciting beginning, we didn’t do anything wrong and we played together. It was a good game by Colombia and by us; we just didn’t get the result we wanted. We just have to move forward and learn from the errors, and work harder for the next game because we are pushing to finish in the top four”.

Head coach Sean Morrison of Trinidad and Tobago said losing his voice in the first match was worth it “I am proud of my guys. Colombia played a good game and my boys played a good game as well. Today, the team with the less errors won; we made the most in the last set, and Colombia capitalized on that. We play on high once we play together and support, once that stops you lose. Colombia had a tall blocking but my guys played smart and quick”.