Panama opens the Women’s Central American Cup with victory
The outstanding Women’s Volleyball action is underway in Panama this week. The XVI Women’s Central American Cup has hit the town will full intensity. The event was officially kicked off on Sunday, 28th November, 2010. The volleyball fury will
be continued up till December 4, 2010. Three matches were played on the opening day of the tournament. The home team appeared in the last match of the day. They were challenged by younger side of Belize. Panama’s team easily managed to cover the length of
first match with success.
Panama vs. Belize 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, and 25-9)
The first set of the match started out with average speed hits. Panama’s ladies took a little time to settle down in their positions and then produced commanding serves. The team was equipped with experienced players, while Belize’s team had a younger lot.
The heights and better physique of players benefitted Panama’s team. They were able to build a strong lead of points in the early phase of the game. Belize’s team hit the ball with full might and struggled to create good impression in the game. But since the
players lacked in skill, they threw most of serves out of the finish line.
Panama, on the other hand, was well aware of the huge factor of variation in serves. They varied the length of serves and created problems for Belize by throwing short serves. Belize’s defenders tried to grasp the game plan and kept a close eye on the movement
of ball. In the meanwhile, the reception errors by Panama’s libero resulted in points for Belize. However, Panama was ahead in the game. They remained consistent in hitting the ball at right spots. Panama added consecutive points with the help of unstoppable
spikes and prolific shots. The first set of the match slightly inched its way to the finish line ending in Panama’s favour, while Belize suffered the damage.
Panama’s team grabbed full control of the game. The second proved to be a real disaster for Belize. They failed to stand the hard hitting of Panama. The powerful serves coupled with tricky bump passes and ground-breaking spikes, enabled Panama to contribute
quick points. On contrary, Belize was restricted to a low score. They totally lost the energy and momentum in second set. Panama bagged another set-win and strengthened their grip on the game. Belize received defeat in the second set with a big margin of 15
points.
The victory in opening two sets signalled Panama’s success in the match. Nonetheless, they had to capture the third set, in order to claim the match. The team opened the fire in same style. Belize was deep down in trouble and failed to penetrate the powerful
shots of Panama’s hitters. The home team showed no mercy to visitors and attacked them from every angle. Panama was destined to win the match. They claimed third set by sending a score of 21-9 on the board. Panama declared match victory on the first day of
the tournament. The team received huge applause from local crowd for their convincing performance.
Post match
The captain of victorious squad, Joanna Arroyo was delighted about the victory. She commented, “I am very happy with the victory. Belize has a young team with big future. I think we could give more and we need to improve to beat Nicaragua
in tomorrow’s match.”
Tanesha Encaladda, the captain of Belize expressed her views about the match saying, “Panama has a strong and tall team and is very difficult to play against them. We lack the experience.”
Arroyo also settled for the position of best scorer in the match. She registered 16 valuable points and led her team to victory. Likewise, Suany Terrero contributed 9 points in Panama’s score. Brabra Cadle and Shantel Arnold of Belize helped 6 points each.
Tags: