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GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 17, 2015. - Guatemala
defeated Panama in five sets 3-2 (25-13, 16-25, 25-15, 21-25,
15-7) in their debut at the AFECAVOL Men’s U-19 Central American
Championship in Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium.
Guatemala earns three points for third place with 1-0 record.
This was Panama’s second loss in five sets for a 0-2 record and
4 points for the fifth place of the tournament. On Sunday
Guatemala will play El Salvador (0-2) and Panama meets Nicaragua
(2-0).
Guatemala showed a powerful performance in the first set
managing a huge advantage, with effective blocking and kills
which Panama wasn’t able to read. Things were different in the
second set where Panama led the entire set as Guatemala engaged
in numerous errors and Panama gained control with strong
attacks. The third set was an even battle, the score was kept
close up to the second technical time-out where Guatemala held a
16-12 advantage and managed a wider margin. Panama wasn’t
giving up so easy, the fourth set was a tough battle won by
Panama to extend to the tie-breaker.
The home team and current Central American champion outdueled
Panama with 45-30 margin in spikes and 5-3 in serves. Panama
held advantage in blocking by 11-9. Guatemala scored on 43
errors of Panama.
Setter Edgar Maldonado led Guatemala with 16 points, while
outside hitters Andy Rodriguez and Jonatan Paz contributed with
13 apiece. Outside hitter Jose Anguizola of Panama topped all
scorers with 18 points.
Captain Andy Rodriguez of Guatemala was excited for the fans
support “it feels good to perform at home, the win wasn’t easy
and we hope to improve”.
“It was a difficult match, Guatemala is of the best in Central
America, my team felt the pressure from the crowd; it’s a new
team. We made some adjustments that worked well but we need to
improve in our closing” said captain Jose Anguizola.
Coach Alvinzi Pelaez of Guatemala said “I congratulate Panama
because we gave a good spectacle; we played good volleyball and
the fans are satisfied. Both teams performed tactically, there
was variety. Guatemala was overconfident after winning the first
set; a fifth set can go either way and we were fortunate to
start with a good advantage. I agree that some decisions are
harmful for the team’s performance and at this age-group it’s
difficult to have continuity during the game. We all must be
part the player’s development, including the referees”.
Marco Perez coach of Panama said “I liked the game a lot; it was
intense, with ups and downs for both sides. We aren’t able to
close well. I am really upset with the ref’s decisions
especially in crucial moments; they want to be the center of
attention”. |
