Exciting five set victory for Honduras against El Salvador
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, November 13, 2018.- Honduras earned
an exciting five set victory 3-2 (25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 22-25,
15-10) over host El Salvador at the twentieth Men’s Senior
AFECAVOL Central American Championship at FESAVOL Gymnasium in
San Salvador.
This was Honduras first win after four days of competition; they
improved to a 1-3 record and have five points; El Salvador
stands with 1-2 and seven points. Honduras started off strong,
their attackers were on top of every move and jumping to a
comfortable six point advantage (16-10); El Salvador on the
other hand, had difficulties in coordination and
miscommunication. The second set was tougher and closer, points
went for both sides and El Salvador was more involved
offensively, still Honduras remained on top. It was up to set
three that El Salvador recovered from a seven point deficit
(17-21) to extend the actions further. Tensions grew in the
fourth set, for an intense lead by the host and reach the tie-break.
Honduras managed the pressure better, finishing with a sizeable
five point margin 15-10.
Honduras finished with 58-54 margin in spikes, 16-13 in blocks
and 33 unforced errors. El Salvador committed 34 errors and both
teams scored on 3 aces.
Four players of Honduras finished with double figures, outside
hitters Arturo Duran and Fabrizzio Matamoros registered 18
points apiece, opposite Carlos Osorio and middle blocker Ornelio
Watler scored 12 points each, and middle blocker Jose Reyes
scored 12 points. Middle blocker Diego Guidos of El Salvador led
all attackers with 20 points, including 9 impressive blocks.
Also from El Salvador, opposite Carlos Rodriguez and outside
hitter Francisco Hernandez scored 16 and 13 points accordingly.
On day five of the event, El Salvador (1-2) will face Costa Rica
(3-1) while Honduras (1-3) has the day off.
Opposite Carlos Osorio of Honduras said they struggled and it
was a good duel “we were overconfident because we were in the
lead, this has been happening for years and things start to
complicate; thank God we got the result and we must continue
working. Our concentration made the difference, we followed our
coaches’ instructions to where to stand, where to serve, how to
move and defend; the morning practice was based on this”.
Cuban Juan Andrés León, coach of Honduras expressed “it was a
really good match, the game level was similar. Central America
has a good level and it should be respected, the referees also
should have level”.
Franklin Flores setter of El Salvador indicated “we came from
behind improving our reception and our attitude. Honduras
previously lost all their matches and we couldn’t be losing, so
our efforts were harder and changing our offense to the sides.
Honduras had more confidence, they had nothing to lose and no
pressure, and we pressure ourselves because we are the hosts.
It’s important to win tomorrow’s match against Costa Rica to
keep fighting for a medal”.
Luis Gómez (Chichi) assistant coach of El Salvador defined the
game in one word “anxiety”; he added that his team lost control
fast “this is competitive volleyball and you must have your mind
always on the game. Honduras had lost all their matches and we
had already won a match, the support from our fans. We came from
behind in all five sets, we were able to calm the team but the
players were desperate, while Honduras was on fire”. |