Panama dominates Belize in their second win

 

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, October 3, 2019.- Panama dominated Belize 3-0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-23) in their second win at the AFECAVOL U21 Central American Championship being held at the FESAVOL Gymnasium of San Salvador, El Salvador.

 

Panama breezed past Belize with comfortable margins in sets one and two. Set three was a different story as Belize picked up their game and energy, edging Panama while evening the scores on several occasions. Panama added their second win improving their record 2-1 and adding five important points for a total of 11 ranking points.

 

Panama led held a 32-21 advantage in attacks and 10-7 in blocks, and limited to 19 their errors against 31. Belize led 4-2 in aces.

 

Only two players scored double-figures, Denzel Arboine of Panama with 15 on 13 kills and 2 blocks, and Ernest Broaster of Belize with 10 points on 7 kills and 3 aces.

 

Panama (2-1) will face Nicaragua (2-0) on Friday, and Belize (0-4) plays against El Salvador (2-1).

 

José Vásquez, Captain of Panama: “Panama came out with all we have because these five points were valuable to improve our position in the general ranking; losing to El Salvador affects us in the tournament. In the third set we were over confident, we thought Belize wasn’t going to battle and was the contrary”. 

 

Ryan Arnold, Captain of Belize: “In the third set we communicated and prosecuted, we played hard and came back from that 25-11 loss; so we have to do the same but comeback stronger”.

 

Javier Polo, Head Coach of Panama: “Our blocking and defense takes the credit for today’s win. In the third set, I believe the guys were over confident; in this age-group the emotional part has great influence and what is most important is that Belize wasn’t going to give up that easy, they fought strong”.

 

Albert Humes, Head Coach of Belize: “The third set was very close, I thought we had it. For Belize it all comes down on the mental disposition; they lose focus in what they are supposed to do and in the third you can see we were real close. I guess we have to find how to prepare them mentally”.