Nicaragua adds second victory at AFECAVOL WCQT

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 2, 2016. - Nicaragua prevailed over Honduras 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-16) adding their second victory at the AFECAVOL Women’s FIVB World Championship qualification tournament at Managua, Nicaragua.

Hosts Nicaragua had little resistance from Honduras as they set their own pace in the last match of day three of competition. Nicaragua improved their win-loss record 2-0 while Honduras has 0-2 record.

Nicaragua held advantage in kills (36-28), in blocking (9-6) and in service points (6-5). The winners benefited from 24 opponent errors while limiting their own to 17.

Middle blocker Hellen Traña led Nicaragua with 12 points, on 9 kills and 3 blocks; outside hitter Amalia Hernandez contributed with 10 points, all in kills. Opposite Cecille Johnson topped Honduras with 15 points.

Saturday’s schedule presents Honduras (0-2) facing El Salvador (0-2) and Nicaragua (2-0) plays against Guatemala (3-0).

“We were more focused, more concentrated and we played at our rhythm. Our blocking and spiking were effective, but mostly our defense. In tomorrow’s match against Guatemala we have to work on doing our game” said Claudia Noguera captain of Nicaragua.

Coach Rene Quintana of Nicaragua considers his team is putting too much pressure on themselves “as hosts they want to play well, but they only lose control and commit unforced errors. We have two matches ahead and we wish to finish in first place but what’s more important is to win the spot to the next round. In Central America the gap between teams is shortening. We expect a tough match tomorrow against Guatemala, and I wouldn’t be surprised that one of us wins 3-0”.

Tessa Flores captain of Honduras expressed “Nicaragua controlled Cecille Johnson; she wasn’t as effective like in the first match. Our serves worked well and Nicaragua had difficulties closing the last two sets. In general, we have the resources but we don’t have enough confidence in executing”.

“I had to make changes in our line-up because I have an injured player, I thought the bench players could perform better but it wasn’t the case. We did better in set two forward, but my players get lost while performing, they hurry too much and easy things turn out in errors. Despite having a game plan, they aren’t confident; Nicaragua neutralized us” said Cuban Marcos Tejeda, coach of Honduras.