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GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, November 4, 2021-
Nicaragua is still in the battle to win the
bronze medal of the XXI Men’s Central American
Cup after beating El Salvador 3-2 (25-17, 24-26,
28-26, 18-25, 15-11).
With still one match left to play, Nicaragua
improved their possibilities of winning a medal
at a Central American senior level after 30
years; their only medal is bronze, won in 1991.
Nicaragua has 3-2 win-loss record and 15 points,
while El Salvador concludes the event with 3-3
record and 16 points.
On the last day of competition, Nicaragua faces
Honduras.
Nicaragua dominated the intense battle with a
68-61 margin in attacks and El Salvador 15-14 in
blocks; both teams scored 2 points on serves. El
Salvador committed one less error than
Nicaragua.
Opposite hitter Axel Gutiérrez led Nicaragua
with 22 points on 18 kills and 4 blocks, outside
hitter Byron Hernández alongside opposite hitter
Gerald Gómez contributed with 16 points apiece,
middle blocker Emilio Andrews scored 14 points
and outside hitter Jonny Zeledón finished with
12 point.
On El Salvador´s side, outside hitter and
captain Rodrigo Chávez scored a match-high of 25
points, on 20 attacks, 3 blocks and 2 aces.
Outside hitter Franklin Flores chipped in with
21 points and middle blocker Diego Guidos added
16 points.
Osman Hernández, Head coach of Nicaragua: “We
won suffering, but we did it. We know the medal
is still on hold and we must prepare for
tomorrow's match, we can’t leave anything to
chance, the guys have to work to reach the
podium. I believe the difference was our
middles, they are taller than those we used to
have; Emilio and Lenin proved well, it was a
change and we still have more players we can use
for tomorrow”.
Axel Gutiérrez, top scorer of Nicaragua: “We
are really excited; we are one step away from
winning a medal for Nicaragua. I think our
players have more international experience and
that made the difference”. |
