Honduras rallies past Panama in front of local fans – Volleyball News
The hosts of the U 23 First Central American Championship Honduras delighted the home fans with a hard-earned win over Panama in the opening match on Tuesday, July 10.
The two teams contested their skills for almost 2 hours and 5 minutes. Eventually, Honduras came on top with 3-2 (25-20, 20-25, 18-25, 25-22 and 15-10) victory. City of Tegucigalpa in Honduras hosted the match.
Jose Rios of the visiting squad put up a valiant effort to lead his team to success. He charted match-high 15 points, but it turned out to be a failing effort for him as the team dropped the decision. On the other hand, Ornelio Watler supported Honduras
with team-high 12 points.
Equipped with stupendous support of local fans, the home team added consecutive points in the early few minutes of the match. The scoreboard showed the better status of Honduras, while Panama trailed behind. The visitors used many different tactics to take
lead, but face utmost resistance from the opposite side. Honduras closed the first stanza at 25-20 and went on front with 1-0 lead in the match.
In the second set, Panama covered its flaws and improved its performance on the net. With the help of strong offence from Rios, Panama levelled the game score in second set. They captured the set with identical score of 25-20 and brought the game to an even
point. Panama extended its lead to 2-1 by winning the next set in row.
The guests struggled to achieve match points in fourth frame, but the hosts did not allow them to do so. Honduras sent 25-22 on board and claimed fourth set. Honduras led the score in the fifth decisive set and finally closed the affair at 15-10.
Captain of the home Alan Padilla gave the credit of victory to local audience that backed-up the team throughout the match. He stated that his team was dragged under pressure by Panama, but the support of public helped the team to fight the challenge.
Rony Martinez, the head coach of Honduras, had the similar feelings. He said his team was mostly composed of young player with little experience. Nevertheless, the changes in second set of the game proved effective for Honduras.
“Honduras learned to take advantage of his club, if pressed, we desconcentramos in the fourth and fifth set that cost us the game, we left Costa Rica, a tough opponent, but we are on the classification,” said the Captain of Panama Gabriel Murillo.
Panamanian coach Eric Lucero regretted the loss of the match, but seemed determined to cover the deficit in the next game against Costa Rica.
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