CHITRÉ, Panama, October 11, 2024.- Panama defeated Honduras 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-20) on the opening day of the 20th AFECAVOL U21 Men’s Central American Championship at the Papa Francisco Gymnasium.
The host team led in attacks (29-24), blocks (10-1), and aces (7-2). Panama committed 26 errors, while Honduras had 29.
Panamanians David León and Kendrieck Newby each scored 11 points, with Víctor Pérez adding 8.
Fernando Herrera led Honduras with 8 points, followed by Leonardo Villegas with 7.
On the second day of the event, Honduras (0-1) will face Guatemala (1-0), and Panama (1-0) will play against El Salvador (0-1).
Horacio Angulo, Coach of Panama: “The first set seemed complicated to me due to Honduras’ serves and organized defensive line. Taking advantage of the setter’s short height, we were able to align our defense and successfully take the first set. After that, the game became easier because we showed what we could do with our blocking, and we secured the victory. This is the first win, and we’ll take it step by step because we know that all teams are here to fight for a medal”.
Rodolfo Funez, Coach of Honduras: “During the morning practice, our main middle blocker got injured. We had been working with another middle blocker who couldn’t travel, so without our key players, we had to rearrange the team, and it wasn’t enough. Tomorrow, we’ll work on other tactics to improve the team. Today, the boys fought until the end, gave it their all, and never gave up.”
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