Honduras overcome Nicaragua relying on courage

PANAMA CITY, Panama, August 23, 2014 – Honduras survived a tough fourth set en route to a 3-1 (25-15, 25-22, 15-25, 26-24) over Nicaragua to kick off the Second U23 Central American Men’s Championship at Jose “Beto” Remon Gymnasium on Saturday.

The Hondurans were the last to arrive in Panama and literally didn´t have to recover from “what we had foreseen” against the national team of Nicaragua, ready to get the best out of the circumstances.

Alex Padilla and William Thompson were the top scorers of Honduras with 20 and 13 points, respectively, while Kevin Duarte had 18 points for Nicaragua.

“We won the match with our hearts out,” Honduras’ coach Rony Martinez said. “Physically we didn’t have legs after more than 40 hours travelling but in the fourth set, luckily, we won despite the fatigue,” Honduras’ coach Rony Martinez said.

Honduran captain Cristobal Avila said the key for the victory was decided by the courage and determination “We were practically dead. We started with a good offense, but then they dominated and the end our desire to win was the difference.”

Osman Hernandez, coach of Nicaragua said: “We have to congratulate Honduras for the victory, because our best experienced players didn’t play up to their capabilities. They didn’t function.”

“It is not a thing out of the world as we are catching the rhythm. We came in with a lot of anxiety and I am sure we will catch the rhythm.”