TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 16, 2004,- Honduras defeated Guatemala in straight sets and is still unbeaten after four outings in the XIII Men’s Central American Cup. 

The host Hondurans enjoyed their best match in the competition and came out winners over the Guatemalans by score of 25-20, 25-23, 27-25. In the other action on Wednesday, Panama won for third consecutive day this time 3-2 over El Salvador and Nicaragua scored its first victory edging Belize also in five sets. 

Luis Salgado, who plays in Spain, was once again the star of the host Honduras. He and Felix Sabio were the leading scorers for the winning team. 

“It was a tough match because Guatemala is a very dynamic and fast team,” said Salgado. “This success is the result of a great team effort.”

Talking about their next match today against Costa Rica, Salgado said: “We can’t go out over confidents and the need is to double our efforts because they have a great team.” 

Panama, who is looking for its sixth crown in this traditional competition, had to stretch to the limit for the win over El Salvador. The Panamanians erased a 1-2 deficit to keep their unbeaten record while defeating El Salvador by score of 22-25, 25-21, 19- 25, 25-20, 15-8. 

Jose Alberto Remon, who at 71 is the dean of the coaches in the event, said Costa Rica and Honduras will be the toughest opposition in their search for the sixth crown. 

“We have come to Honduras looking for our sixth title but it won’t be easy,” said Remon, who is also the President of the Panama Volleyball Federation. “Here the team that loses two matches has no chance for the crown.” 

Of the past twelve editions, Panama won five, Costa Rica has four, Honduras two and El Salvador one. In the first match of the day, Nicaragua won for the first time but needed to go five sets to defeat Belize by score of 23-25, 25-22, 25-20,16-25, 15-13. 

The standings after four days is as follow: Honduras (4-0), Costa Rica (3-0), Panama (3-0), Guatemala (1-2), Nicaragua (1-2), Belize (0-4) and El Salvador (0-4).