Posted: Saturday, September 7, 2024. 12:21 pm CST.
Belize’s Karym Coleman (red) attacks Nicaragua – Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize put up a hell of a fight against AFECAVOL Central American Men’s Final Four Volleyball Championship winners, Nicaragua, but fell 3-2 (20-25, 25-15, 25-18, 28-30, 15-10) in their final game at the 7 de Diciembre ‘Alfonso Gordillo’ Gymnasium in Guatemala City on Friday.
The loss was Belize’s third, dropping our team into last place, while Nicaragua won their third straight and claimed the regional title, qualifying for the NORCECA Continental Championship.
As in the first game against Guatemala, Belize was led by Karym Coleman with 26 points. Francis Hauze scored 17, Ernest Broaster 15, and Kerwin Palacio 13.
Axel Gutiérrez was Nicaragua’s point man with 26 points. Jonny Zeledón added 21 points, Emilio Andrews 15, and Denis García 10.
Nicaragua outplayed Belize in attacks 62-60, though Belize was better in blocks 15-12. Both teams were tied in serves with three each. AFECAVOL reported that Belize missed 19 serves while Nicaragua missed 7. Overall, Nicaragua gained 36 points from Belize’s errors, while Belize only gained 20. Those 16 points difference gave the game to Nicaragua.
Belize went in as the third-ranked team but faltered, finishing fourth of four.
“We played a very good first set with quite an offensive serve, which led us to win it,” Belize’s assistant coach, Yamill Herrera, said.
“We slowed down the pace of the match and managed to win the fourth set. In the fifth set, we made mistakes that allowed Nicaragua to take the lead. When you face a team with good reception and a high level of attack, you have to take risks with the serve.”
“We are very happy. We prepared for this tournament, selected players in whom I had confidence from the beginning,” Nicaragua’s coach Jorge Mena said.
“I feel proud and dedicate this to my country, to the people who supported us, and to those who were always with us. We won the Gold Medal, and we have to celebrate it.”
Belize dropped to a 0-3 record after falling 3-1 (25-18, 25-17, 13-25, 25-21) to Guatemala, and 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23) to El Salvador.
Belize’s Elton Anderson earned the Best Setter award.
In the other match on Friday, Guatemala defeated El Salvador 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-22) and earned the silver medal ahead ahead of El Salvador, who had to settle for bronze, in the regional tournament.
Belize’s Elton Anderson earned the Best Setter award.
Belize’s Ernest Broaster, Francis Hauze (6) Elton Anderson (6), Kerwin Palacio (behind Anderson), and Jenkins (12 – hidden behind Hauze) celebrate point against Nicaragua – Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
Belize Men’s National Volleyball Team prior to Nicaragua game – Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
Belize Men’s National Volleyball Team’s Coaching Staff (l-r): Assistant Coach Wallace Tillett, Assistant Coach Yamill Herrera, Head Coach Albert Humes – Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
Team Belize
#2 Captain Elton Anderson (Setter)
#3 Jaylen Manzanero (Setter)
#4 Ernest Broaster (Outside Hitter)
#5 Ethan Dawson (Opposite)
#6 Francis Hauze (Outside Hitter)
#7 Kyron Sutherland (Middle Blocker)
#8 Daril Avila (Outside Hitter)
#10 Kerwin Palacio (Middle Blocker)
#11 Karym Coleman (Opposite)
#12 Michael Jenkins (Libero)
#13 Shane Gentle (Outside Hitter)
#14 Edgar Martinez (Middle Blocker).
Head Coach Albert Humes
Assistant Coach Yamill Herrera
Assistant Coach Wallace Tillett
Team Manager Ben Ramos
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The post Central American Men’s Final 4 Volleyball Championship: Belize put up a fight, fall 3-2 to tournament winners, Nicaragua appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, September 7, 2024. 12:21 pm CST. Belize’s Karym Coleman (red) attacks Nicaragua – Photo Credit: AFECAVOL By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize put up a
The post Central American Men’s Final 4 Volleyball Championship: Belize put up a fight, fall 3-2 to tournament winners, Nicaragua appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
