Honduras wins third in a row

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, August 18, 2017. - Honduras defeated Nicaragua 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25-11) for their third win in a row at the XII AFECAVOL Girls’ U-18 Central American Championship being held at Jorge A. Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Nathaly Perez and Reer James have carried Honduras into their third consecutive straight set victory. The home girls dominated Nicaragua with huge 30-17 advantage in spikes, 9-2 margin in blocks and 8-2 in aces. Honduras scored on 28 opponent errors and committed 14.

Middle Blocker Nathaly Perez scored a match-high of 19 points on 14 kills and 5 blocks, joined by Reer James with 16 points on 8 kills, 4 blocks and 4 aces. Maria Arcia and Masiel Brenes led Nicaragua with 6 and 5 points apiece.

Honduras has a perfect mark 3-0 win-loss record and 15 points; Nicaragua has 1-2 record and 6 points.

Nathaly Jimenez, captain of Honduras: “We are very excited to keep on winning, it motivates us for tomorrow’s matches which a consider the toughest because we will face the teams that traditionally are the finalists. What’s most important is to keep our energy high because we already dominate the technical skills”.

Maria Arcia, captain of Nicaragua: “It was tough to face the local team, the fans were too noisy and it was too much pressure for us”.

Catarine Leiva, coach of Honduras: “I am satisfied with the results up until now; it’s the award for my players sacrifice. Our goal today was no to lose neither match nor a set, now we have to think about the next step; all our opponents are important. I hope that my team will keep their energy high and continue to perform steadily”.

Claudia Noguera, coach of Nicaragua: “The girls didn’t concentrate as well as in the morning session. Honduras worked very well on serves and we had difficulties receiving, therefore we weren’t able to attack. We need to motivate the team so they can focus again”.