Guatemala wins opener to Panama

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 10, 2017.- Guatemala opened the men’s Volleyball tournament of the 2017 Managua Central American Games winning 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-20) to Panama at the Alexis Argüello sports complex.

Guatemala began their winning campaign with 5-0 margin in set one and went on pushing until Panama’s reaction in set three. Panama couldn’t hold off Guatemala’s 9-1 margin in blocking and 7-1 in aces. Guatemala also held 34-20 advantage in kills.

Guatemala had a balanced scoring with leading scorer Erik Flores with 13 points, followed by Leonel Aragon with 11 points and Wagner Chacon with 10 points.

Panama was led by Domingo Avila with 7 points, Otto Othon chipped in with 4 points playing the entire third set and as substation in the first two sets.

Guatemala also opens day two of competition facing Belize and Panama faces hosts Nicaragua.

Captain of Guatemala Gerardo González: “We are very satisfied with today’s result, happy to have kicked-off the tournament. We didn’t finish set three with the same force. Our preparation this year was strong and we are decided to perform well”.

Head Coach of Guatemala Reider Lucas: “Finishing a first match is very important for every player, they gain confidence and start focusing on the competition. My guys performed well, we development most of our skills and we will go on improving and keep our rhythm”.

Captain of Panama Domingo Avila: “We had difficulties in adjusting, we lacked decision in our passing and receiving, we will correct these two aspects in practice. Panama is well prepared; sadly we were too anxious against a team that just played a world qualifier. I believe we can do better to be finish with a medal”.

Head Coach of Panama Eugenio Ortiz: “Our opening match was very difficult, our opponent just finished playing in United States and Cuba, and they are well prepared. I expected my team to play better; I had to change my line-up because four of my regular players weren’t responding; my bench players performed very well. This is just the beginning”.