Honduras holds off Costa Rica in first win

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 11, 2017. - Honduras won their first match at the men’s Volleyball tournament of the 2017 Managua Central American Games holding off Costa Rica 3-1 (20-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19) at the Alexis Argüello sport complex.

Honduras held a comfortable six point margin during sets three and four as they alienated Costa Rica from the game with spectacular comeback scoring mostly by the middle. Honduras earned their first victory of the event, standing with 1-1 win-loss record as well as Costa Rica.

Despite Costa Rica’s 40-35 advantage in attacks, Honduras blocked Costa Rica all the way with a huge 13-5 margin. Both teams finished with 6 aces, Honduras committed 35 errors and Costa Rica 41.

Middle blocker Watler Ornello topped Honduras with 18 points on 12 attacks, 4 blocks and 2 aces, joined by opposite German Moreira with 11 points on 8 kills and 3 aces. Costa Rican Alberto Blanco led all scorers with 20 points, the only player from Costa Rica with double-digits.

On day three, Costa Rica (1-1) faces Guatemala (2-0) and Honduras (1-1) has the day off.

Captain of Honduras Luis Membreño: “I am really glad that the new generation of players performed will today, we are here only as support. We were well prepared to face a strong opponent like Costa Rica. It was a team effort, and in comparison from yesterday, our passing was effective and we scored on positive spikes; we expect a complicated match against Guatemala and I hope for a positive outcome”.

Head coach of Honduras Juan Andrés León: “This is a working process; results don’t come in a few days. We showed our qualities as the match developed. The younger players are improving and they will fight harder. Our middle player Ornello Watler carried us into the victory, his attacks are strong, he is tall and he was really effective”.

Head coach of Costa Rica Juan Acuña: “Honduras deserved to win. After set one, Honduras tactics were different and well structured, adding to their good energy; their middle offense was effective. We must serve better, we allowed too many points by missing serves; we committed around seven missed serves in the last set. Costa Rica is still in the run and tomorrow we’ll face a strong and solid opponent of Guatemala, it’s one of the most important matches”.