Panama wins AFECAVOL U23 opening match over El Salvador

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, September 16, 2018.- Panama won the Men’s U23 AFECAVOL Central American Championship opening match to El Salvador 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-19) at Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium in Guatemala City.

Panama took charge in set one with a comfortable eight point lead, while El Salvador struggled to get into rhythm up to the second set which Panamá easily recovered to take their first victory.

Panama le 40-32 in kills, 11-9 in blocks and 3-0 in aces, while scoring on 21 opponent errors and committing 19.

Outside hitter Felix Williams led Panama with 17 points including 15 kills, middle blocker Ludrik West added 11 points and outside hitter Jose Soto scored 10 points including 9 kills. Outside hitter Josue Palma of El Salvador scored 12 points, followed by opposite Banner Godoy with 9 points.

On day two of competition, Panama will face Guatemala and El Salvador plays against Costa Rica.

Capatain Ludrik West of Panama indicated “our goal was to celebrate every single point and always keep our head up no matter the score. El Salvador had a good defense and they worked well around our blocks. We knew how to change our tactic and earn our first victory”.

Horacio Angulo head coach of Panama said every team improves as the match advances “we started strong and El Salvador adjusted their block to improve and we had to attack on the sides to have a good result. It gives you confidence to win the first match, mostly when it’s with a new team”.

Banner Godoy captain of El Salvador said “it was hard because our setter lives in Guatemala and we weren’t able to practice with him, we are adjusting to his game, he is the most experienced player internationally speaking. I consider we will recover; we were too anxious and nervous because it was the first match. We failed many serves; I believe Panama benefited from our errors”.

Feridth Alabi head coach of El Salvador said his team needs to gain confidence, “the players got nervous, they lost confidence and concentration; they gave away too many points. The team has to believe in their good performance”.