Honduras blocks Panama

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 18, 2012.-  Honduras defeated 3-0 (28-26, 25-21, 25-20) in the first match at the NORCECA First Round 2014 Men’s World Championship Qualification Tournament Group G at Gymnasium Adolfo Pineda in San Salvador.

The win could have gone either way as both teams fought until the end of each set and the score remained with a minimum distance.  As the match developed, Honduras gained more confidence blocking Panama´s attack and earning their first victory.

Luis Salgado registered 20 points to contribute with the winners, while on Panama’s side, Edward Diaz was with no doubt their best scorer with an impressive 45 pointer.

“We were definitely blessed, our unity was the key to make everything turn out in our favor; our blocking was effective and we still need to improve in defense,” Luis Membreño captain of Honduras, said.

While Ricardo Brown Panama’s captain, indicated: “First I want to congratulate Honduras; our reception had deficiencies and Honduras’ blocking was too high for us”.

Rony Martinez coach of Honduras was pleased with the result, “I want to thank God for this victory. It wasn’t an easy match, Panama has experienced players that were in command but we have been working hard in our blocking that today was an organized one.”

“Our reception and defense failed, as of the lack of communication between our players; we weren’t able to play faster which is our strength. We were able to get closer in the score, but in the end it wasn’t enough” the words of Panama Coach, Marco Perez.