Honduras defeats Nicaragua in opening day

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, December 5, 2014 - Honduras defeated Nicaragua 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-11) in opening day of the XVIII Men’s Central American Cup at Jorge Galeano Gymnasium of Tegucigalpa.

The home team gave a good show for the fans prevailing over Nicaragua with advantage in kills 32-29 and in blocking 8-5. Nicaragua committed 34 unforced errors, while Honduras only 14.

Middle Blocker Wilfredo Lopez scored 11 points for Honduras and captain Evans Torres scored 11 points. Tito Valdivia of Nicaragua scored a match-high 16 points and opposite player Kevin Duarte added 10 points.

“We played solidly, with certainty of what we needed to do, the fans contributed a lot. Our blocking worked out well in the first and third sets, during the second we lost control. People are taking about the favorites in the tournament, I believe each tournament is different and we must face one match at a time,” said Evans Torres captain of Honduras.

Nicaragua’s Jorge Toledo said: “I’m disappointed with the result; we were playing unorganized. We hope to improve more as the competition advances.  We lacked consistency and usually the first match is difficult”.

Coach Victor Rodas of Honduras: “We are glad with the win. We were solid up to point 22 in the first set, but we lost concentration. Luis Membreño was an important loss during the last set (it’s not serious), but the variations gave results and I believe the team can give much more”.  

Osman Hernandez said: “We hope to improve as the tournament advances; our players are very young, including two under 19. The team should do better. The players had too many ups and downs”.