El Salvador beats Belize for their first win

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, August 31, 2015.- El Salvador beat Belize 3-1 (26-28, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20) in their first win at the Men’s U-21 Central American Championship.

The home team improved their record 1-2 and has 8 points; and Belize still remains win-less with 0-4 record and 2 points.

El Salvador lost a five point advantage in the first set 13-8 as Belize became more powerful and their own errors took the best of them; Belize finished on top 28-26 after missing three set points. The second set was really tough, with kills from both sides; El Salvador was on top several occasions but Belize tied numerously.

At half set, Belize began more erratic while El Salvador had even more communication among its players which contributed in a five point lead 16-11 up to closing 25-19. In the fourth set, El Salvador charged batteries over the net and held an early five point lead that neutralized Belize; the home team finished 25-20.

El Salvador was more effective in aces 7-1; in spikes they held one point advantage over Belize (47-46) and both teams were equally effective in blocks (9-9). They committed similar amount of errors, El Salvador with 33 and Belize with 38.

Outside Hitter Rodrigo Sandoval of El Salvador scored a match high of 20 points; Middle Blockers Manuel Platero and Christopher Zelaya produced 13 tallies a piece, and Outside Hitter Gustavo Alvarado added 10. Outside Hitter Lino Jaryn and Opposite Ernan Caliz led Belize with 16 points each, and Gabriel Nunez contributed with 11.

Cristian Vargas captain of El Salvador said “Belize had energy from the beginning and when they are on top they are difficult to stop. I believe our win is because each one of us had in mind that every point counts added to audacity”.

Alwyn Mahung of Belize said “our errors limited our points, individually we couldn’t step up. El Salvador was effective in blocking and in defense”.

Coach Ricardo Rivera spoke about his teams’ victory “we took advantage of their deficiencies, especially in concentration; it wasn’t easy because it was a tough game, we both fought strongly. My guys were motivated. It hurts to lose points when you have good advantage, we won but they could have won also”.

Leslie Leon coach of Belize indicated “we brought more energy today, finally we are ready to play, and maybe it’s too late in the tournament. It was an exciting match, with points going back and forth.