Venezuela breezes past Panama to win Pool A
PANAMA CITY, Panama, June 24, 2011 – Venezuela outclassed Panama
in straight sets (25-10, 25-16, 25-10) to finish atop Pool A in
the U-21 Men’s Volleyball Pan American Cup taking place at
Roberto Duran Arena in Panama City.
The home team tried to play an evened match but could not keep
pace against a Venezuela’s team which dominated the same way
they did one day earlier against Honduras.
For Venezuela, the best player was Kervin Piñerua Urbina with 15
points while Otto Otton topped Panama with 8 points.
Venezuela’s coach Idolo Herrera was satisfied with the victory
of his team that was better than the Panamanian team which lacks
experience and preparation and now is waiting for the next
semifinal match against the winner of the contest between
Dominican Republic and Canada.
Carlos Páez, the captain of Venezuela, said it was a very
important victory always respecting the opponent home team,
while adding that the next game will be a tough one with the
chance of going to the final in line.
Panamanian coach Elliott Clarke was visibly disappointed and
resigned and said they will try to recover against Puerto Rico,
the rival in the quarterfinals, because it doesn’t exist an
unbeatable opponent.
Clarke also hopes the local fans will continue with their
support during Saturday’s quarterfinals. |