Nicaragua finishes strong their Central American Cup campaign

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 11, 2014. - Nicaragua beat Panama in straight sets 25-10, 25-15, 25-14 to finish strong their Women’s XVIII Central American Cup campaign.

Nicaragua dominated the entire match as they got off several long rallies taking advantage in all scores. With the win Nicaragua secured a medal, they’ll have to wait for the results of Costa Rica’s and Guatemala’s two remaining matches.

Nicaragua finishes with 5-1 win-loss record and 25 points; Panama with one match left has 2-3 record and 9points.

The winners executed well, taking enormous advantage of 27 unforced errors by Panama against only 4 of their own. Nicaragua held a huge advantage in blocking (7-0) and in serves (7-2); their performance in kills was only one point ahead (34-33).

With 14 points, setter Lolette Rodriguez and outside hitter Amalia Hernandez led Nicaragua’s offensive line; captain Claudia Noguera added 10 points. Captain Joanna Arroyo led Panama with 10 points.

Claudia Noguera said “we knew winning this match would keep up among the medalists so we played strong from start to finish. Nicaragua faced each match giving our maximum effort and I am pleased that this tournament has been one of best”.

“We need to have a better attitude” said captain Joanna Arroyo. “Panama is used to battling hard and we’re not performing as a team, we lack communication and we lack determination mostly acknowledging that this is a team sport, there are six of us at the court. We must work harder for better results”.  

Nicaragua’s coach Rene Quintana said “with this win we are guaranteed a medal; still waiting for other results and see our final position. I congratulate Panama for their efforts in being here, it has been difficult for them to put a team together; I especially congratulate Joanna for her performance. I dream for Central American teams to play better in benefit of volleyball in our region”.  

Coach Reynaldo Ortega said that Panama practices better than they perform “I always expect more because our practice is very strong, I believe it’s the player’s lack of experience and today Nicaragua scored mostly from our errors. Tomorrow we’ll look to defeat Honduras and finish in fourth place. I must have faith in the future”.