El Salvador with second consecutive win

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, August 11, 2014.- El Salvador obtained their second consecutive win while beating Panama 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-23) in the closing match of the fifth day of competitions at the II Women’s U-23 AFECAVOL Central American Championship.

El Salvador sustained a good rhythm during the first two sets while Panama was able to dominate up to the third set in a more orderly matter but lost middle blocker Angela Evans due to a knee injury.

El Salvador was able to detain Panama’s offensive line with stronger serves.

El Salvador improves their win-loss record to 2-3 and accumulates ten points; Panama remains winless 0-3 and two points.

The stats varied enormously, El Salvador held advantage of 31-19 in kills, 13-5 in service points and committed 22 errors, while Panama held advantage in blocks by 11-4 and they committed 27 errors.

El Salvador’s outside hitter Maria Jose Galeano continues to lead her team to victory, on this occasion with 22 points, including 6 aces, followed by middle blocker Alexandra Calderon with 10 points. Outside hitter Yariceth Castillo led Panama with 11 points.

“El Salvador improves with each match in every aspect, the team is building up well and we hope to continue developing” said captain Gabriela Soriano.

Panamanian captain Maria Añino about the loss of Evans said “we don’t depend of only one player, yes she is important and I hope she recovers for tomorrow. Panama fought for each point but we had too many ups and downs. Our serves worked better in the third set and it reflected in the score”.

Nery Henriquez, coach of El Salvador said his team is learning to be more competitive “we needed several matches to get in better rhythm and it shows with our two consecutive wins. Panama played strongly and their players have a good height, hopefully they will continue to progress”.

“I am responsible for my team’s performance; they don’t have the necessary skills and needed preparation to play better. Our reception has many deficiencies and this makes our offensive line perform weakly. The team that plays better is the one who wins” indicated coach Edgar Restrepo of Panama.