Nicaragua retains AFECAVOL U21 title with one match left to
play
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, October 5,
2019.- Nicaragua
retained the AFECAVOL U21 Central American title with one
match left to play after defeating host El Salvador 3-0
(25-20, 25-14, 25-16) at FESAVOL Gymnasium of San Salvador,
El Salvador.
With Panama winning to Costa Rica, Nicaragua needed to beat
El Salvador to win the gold medal for the second time in a
row, regardless of the result against Belize on the last day
of the event.
Nicaragua wins the gold with 5-0 record and 22 points; El
Salvador is 3-2 with 13 points and still has a shot of
winning a medal.
Nicaragua prevailed on a sizeable 42-23 margin in attacks
and a 6-3 advantage in blocks. Both teams scored 2 aces and
Nicaragua committed fewer errors (22-24).
Nicaragua’s top scorers were outside hitter Steven Lozano
with 17 points all on kills, middle blocker Jefferson
Cascante with 14 points on 12 kills and 2 aces, while
outside hitter Lenon Oporta tallied 10 points on 7 kills and
3 blocks.
On Sunday Nicaragua (5-0) faces Belize (0-5) and El Salvador
(3-2) plays against Costa Rica (3-2).
Jordan Carcache, libero of Nicaragua: “The entire team is
proud because we worked hard for the tournament. We were
determined to win against El Salvador; we had practice
matches with them and we knew what to do. We are really
happy”.
Jorge Mena, Head Coach of Nicaragua: “We are very glad to
have reached our goal; now we celebrate being champions, the
guys deserve it. This medal is for Nicaragua, it’s a reward
for all our strong effort”.
Diego Guidos, captain of El Salvador: “Nicaragua was really
disciplined, their defense was impressive and it shows they
studied us well. I hope that tomorrow we have a good outcome
against Costa Rica and reach the podium”.