Nicaragua retains AFECAVOL U21 title with one match left to play

 

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, October 5, 2019.- Nicaragua retained the AFECAVOL U21 Central American title with one match left to play after defeating host El Salvador 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-16) at FESAVOL Gymnasium of San Salvador, El Salvador.

 

With Panama winning to Costa Rica, Nicaragua needed to beat El Salvador to win the gold medal for the second time in a row, regardless of the result against Belize on the last day of the event.

 

Nicaragua wins the gold with 5-0 record and 22 points; El Salvador is 3-2 with 13 points and still has a shot of winning a medal.

 

Nicaragua prevailed on a sizeable 42-23 margin in attacks and a 6-3 advantage in blocks. Both teams scored 2 aces and Nicaragua committed fewer errors (22-24).

 

Nicaragua’s top scorers were outside hitter Steven Lozano with 17 points all on kills, middle blocker Jefferson Cascante with 14 points on 12 kills and 2 aces, while outside hitter Lenon Oporta tallied 10 points on 7 kills and 3 blocks.

 

On Sunday Nicaragua (5-0) faces Belize (0-5) and El Salvador (3-2) plays against Costa Rica (3-2).

 

Jordan Carcache, libero of Nicaragua: “The entire team is proud because we worked hard for the tournament. We were determined to win against El Salvador; we had practice matches with them and we knew what to do. We are really happy”.

 

Jorge Mena, Head Coach of Nicaragua: “We are very glad to have reached our goal; now we celebrate being champions, the guys deserve it. This medal is for Nicaragua, it’s a reward for all our strong effort”.

 

Diego Guidos, captain of El Salvador: “Nicaragua was really disciplined, their defense was impressive and it shows they studied us well. I hope that tomorrow we have a good outcome against Costa Rica and reach the podium”.