Panama outduels Haiti to go top of Group N

ST GEORGE , Grenada, June 22, 2013- Panama rebounded well after losing the first set, to outlasts  a youthful Haiti outfit 3-1( 19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-18), to go top of Group N of the Second Round of the NORCECA Women’s 2014 World Championships, here at the Laborie Indoor Facility.

Once again, it was the duo of Joanna Arroyo – 16 points and Yokhanny Comrie- 12 points, who were the top scorers for the unbeaten Panama.

Ruth Ignace recorded 16 points and there were 11 apiece for Carline Pierre and Lourdia Pelcier, which accounted for the bulk of Haiti’s tally.

Panama also outdid Haiti in digs, 13-8 and receptions, 15-14.

The Haitians though did better in blocks 10-8;serves 9-5, and sets 11-8.

Team captain of Panama, Joanna Arroyo said that after losing the first set, they did a rethink of their strategy.

“The Haitians came out stronger than we expected and were blocking our shots, so we began using the width of the court and that worked for us”, Arroyo stated.

Meanwhile, head coach of Panama – Reynaldo Ortega was high in praise for his players stating that they executed the adjusted game plan, “very well”.

 Defeated Coach of the Haiti team, Frederic Francois is putting the loss behind them, and is hoping for a win against Dominica on Sunday morning to keep their chances alive for a place in the final.

Reflecting on the loss against Panama, Francois voiced:“We played well in the first set and had the opportunity to take the second also but missed it….After that we had some trouble with our setter and there was a lot of pressure on her shoulder   and team Panama reacted well and added greater pressure on the entire team and we could not come back”.

Sunday morning’s other match sees Grenada engaging Panama.