Honduras needed four sets to defeat Belize

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 10, 2014. - Honduras extended their victory over Belize to four sets 21-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-21 during closing match on Friday night at the Women’s XVIII Central American Cup.

Belize organized game surprised Honduras jumping to an early lead and winning their first set in the tournament. Honduras efforts in finding a more structured performance went thru out the entire match, with both squads stressed with ups and downs.

Honduras improves their win-loss record 2-2 and has 9 points. Belize remains win-less with 0-5 record and with one point.

Despite out-blocking Honduras by 18-2, Belize carried with the loss as Honduras held advantage in spikes 44-35 and in aces 9-3. Honduras scored thru Belize’s numerous unforced errors (27-41).

Opposite player Catarine Leiva collected 13 points as Honduras best scorer and middle blocker Mariajosse Diaz chipped in with 11. Belizean Tichele Solis and Nelissa Ramirez scored 16 points apiece and Shantell Arnold 15.

“We have a good disposition to play but not enough determination, it was uneasy to start because Belize held a good advantage from the beginning. Our attitude improved from the second set forward as we tried to neutralize two of their strongest players (#12 and #16) looking for their weaknesses” said captain Estela Duron.

 Tenesha Encalada felt she failed her team “we were organized, our offensive was strong but I was called too many doubles in my performance so I feel responsible for the loss”.

Cuban coach Marcos Tejada indicated that the team is failing to keep on track their tactics “we aren’t disciplined, the players had the game plan and all the indications but the fail to perform it all the way; I even had to speak to them louder to make them concentrate harder. Our most experienced players are committing foolish errors stressing themselves too much. Estela played with a cold mind, passing and serving well. Belize definitely surprised us with their performance”.

Coach Jose Reyes said “Maurissa Williams was our top player at the U-23 championship and here she’s lost, he hasn’t showed up yet. Tichele did a good job tonight and the team player more structured. We couldn’t keep the rhythm as the referee called too many doubles; even so we were leading the fourth set most of the time but Honduras kept their game together and came thru better than us”.