Panama third place at AFECAVOL qualifier

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 4, 2016.- Panama earned third place of the AFECAVOL Women’s FIVB World Championship qualification tournament after defeating Honduras 3-1 (27-29, 25-13, 25-19, 25-23) at IND Volleyball Venue in Managua, Nicaragua.

In sets one and four, both teams engaged in long rallies and with a similar performance. Panama had no difficulties in sets two and three making significant changes in their line-up, leaving Honduras with little possibilities to recover.  Panama finishes with ten points and 2-2 win-loss record; Honduras leaves with four points and 0-4 record.

Panama held a huge margin in blocking by 14-6 stopping Honduras offense. They were also better in service points with 8-5 advantage. Honduras did better in kills 47-40 but not significant as they allowed Panama to score on 40 unforced errors. Panama committed 26 errors.

Middle blocker Yileen Ng scored 16 points for the winners joined by outside hitter Joanna Arroyo and middle blocker Angela Evans with 13 points apiece. Honduras’ opposite Cecille Johnson led all scorers with 22 points, outside hitter Lourdes Morales scored 12 points and middle blocker Mariajosse Diaz 10.

Joanna Arroyo, captain of Panama: “We are very proud for finishing in third place; we struggled to be in this tournament. We came with our heads up and this result benefits Panama; our federation authorities can see that we are a team worth investing in. Undoubtedly this is a good lesson for our president to set a serious plan for the next Central American Games and try to win the gold”.  

Catarina Leiva of Honduras: “Despite losing, we saw a significant growth in our junior players; setter Ruth Campos is 16 years old and opposite Cecille Johnson is 17. Lourdes Morales is a U-23 player and she improved enormously. We are satisfied of a team winning intangible things”.