Panama wins five set thriller over Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, December 8, 2014 - Panama won a five set thriller 25-17, 19-25, 25-20, 13-25, 16-14 against hosts Honduras at closing match on Monday at the XVIII Men’s Central American Cup.

It was a well deserved victory for Panama, who not only was win-less, but took by surprise Honduras who up to yesterday was unbeaten and with perfect score. The thrilling five-setter was nerve wrecking for spectators who never stopped supporting the home team. Panama has 1-3 record and seven points, while Honduras drops to 3-1 and seventeen points.

Benefiting from 41 unforced errors by Panama wasn’t enough for Honduras who committed 28 errors and held advantage of 53-41 in kills. Panama led in blocking 15-13, while both teams scored 4 points via serves.

Panama’s captain Domingo Avila led all scorers with 28 points, 3 blocks included; also contributing to the victory with 13 and 10 points were middle blockers Jose Gonzalez and Gabriel Murillo respectively. Honduras’ captain Evans Torres also led his team scoring 22 points, joined by middle blocker Wilfredo Lopez and outside hitter Carlos Osorio with 11 points apiece.

Domingo Avila captain of Panama said “it was a difficult match; my teammates are performing more mature and with more energy. We’re working on our deficiencies in blocking and defense; we’re building from less to more, the boys are young and gaining experience”.

“It was a very intense match, we knew Panama had experienced players and sadly some faults in the fifth set took us to the defeat. We must keep our heads up to face the two remaining matches” said captain Evans Torres.

Assistant coach Marco Perez of Panama expressed “each set was easy and difficult for either side because of the advantage in scores. The fifth set was a one on one duel, where our changes in the exact moment were vital for the positive result; two year ago we also took their unbeaten record”.