Recap of the final encounter of the XVI Central American Women’s Volleyball Cup 2010
Costa Rica’s Women’s Volleyball Team defeated hosts Panama in the final showdown of XVI Central American Women’s Volleyball Cup on Saturday, 4th December, 2010. They posted 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, and 25-10) victory over strong team of Panama and carved
their names in golden words for another year in a row. It was their 10th consecutive crown at this tournament. The Costa Rican team exhibited great courage to defeat Panama on its home soil. The home team was equipped with enormous support of local
fans but the team failed to give them a chance of celebration in the influential final match.
Panama had a good record of triumphs in the tournament. They performed outstandingly and remained unbeaten until the final stage of the tournament. Defending champions Costa Rica proved to be detractor for home and pushed them behind.
Match overview
Costa Rica opened the match with convincing serves and blazing shots. They were able to draft Panama’s team under pressure in the early phase of the match. Panama’s team attacked nervously, which didn’t bring any change in the game. Costa Rica built a strong
lead and put more effort to widen the gap of points. Panama was down with weak defence, which provided an edge to Costa Rica to take the game away from Panama. Extraordinary game of Verania Willis didn’t leave a choice for Panama. They suffered the damage
and first-set slipped from their hands. Costa Rica overpowered them by posting 25-11 victory in first set.
Panama came up with a different strategy in second set and hit back strongly. They put a nice effort and brought a little stability in the team. Panama’s players poised their feet in the court and resisted to heavy strikes of Costa Rica. The performance
of home team improved in second set but Costa Rica refused to acknowledge their better status. Costa Rica captured the second set of the game with 25-21 score.
After dropping two sets in a row, Panama was deep down in trouble. The clouds of uncertainty started hovering on their heads. Costa Rica attacked with full power and added quick points. Panama failed to stop them and finally gave way to Costa Rica’s victory
in third set. The visitors claimed the third set by polling 25-10. They got their hands on the title trophy and secured the gold-ware for a consecutive year.
Comments
The captain girl of victorious squad, Verania Willis was happy with the performance of her team. Talking of success, she said, “We had to work very hard to claim this title, and we are happy with the victory. Panama was a good opponent and they showed it
during the tournament.”
Joanna Arroyo, captain of home team regretted about the loss of important final match. She expressed her views after the match, “We didn’t play our best and started very nervous. Even though we have been playing together for many years this is a new team
without experience in these tournaments. We have a good opportunity with our qualification to the 2011 Continental Cup and we are going to train harder.”
Players’ achievements
Verania Willis topped the scoring chart in the final match. She clipped 18 points with her explosive spikes and exquisite pokes. Willis also became the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. Her teammate Paola Ramirez contributed 16 valuable points
in Costa Rica’s score and captured the Best Spiker’s spot. Dionisia Thompson of Costa Rica settled for Best Server and Best Setter’s positions. Likewise, Karen Cope proved her endeavour in the game and added 11 points. On the other hand, Panama’s top spiker
Taju could only work out nine points, while Katherine also registered nine points. However, Jenny Madrid of home-side captured Best Blocker’s slot.
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