TT junior v-ballers win, lose in Martinique

Trinidad and Tobago junior women volleyball team secured two victories while the male team was hammered at the Fourth Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Junior Championships in Martinique.

The women, led by setter Aisha Sealy and spearheaded by the power smashes and superior blocking by Kelly-Ann Billingy, Madonna Bedenoch and Danya Augustus whipped newcomers Antigua and Barbuda 25-17, 25-8, 25-9 in their Group “A” opening round encounter on Monday. But the defending champions got a minor scare in their second round clash with Aruba, which extended the Calypso Girls to four sets. Trinidad and Tobago prevailed by a 3-1 margin after three closely fought sets. They emerged victorious 25-23, 25-15, 21-25, 27-7. It clearly showed that it will not be easy sailing for their third lien on the coveted CAZOVA Junior crown. They will face Netherlands Antilles in a key fixture at 2 pm. This match will decide the winners and runners-up of Group “B”. The winners will advance to the semi-final scheduled for Saturday while runners-up will have to battle in the quarterfinals round slated for tomorrow.

On the other hand, Sean Morrison and his boys tasted defeat at the hands of the homesters who pounded them into submission after three sets in their Group “A” second round clash on Tuesday. TT lost at 20-25, 23-25, 16-25. Despite this result, the boys showed much improvement and readiness to capture their first regional title. TT were extended to a five-setter by newcomer Dominica. Clearly the whipping by the French guys was booked after they barely scrapped home 25-23, 23-25, 24-26, 25-19, 15-8 against the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) champions on Monday. Cuban coach Juan Carlos Rodriguez and his assistant Kanhai Sirjoo could find no strategy to stop the Martiniquans who were urged on by the vocal supporters. But there is still some hope for redemption with the arrival of hitter/blocker Esil Seecharran who was in Cuba on a scholarship programme. The Glamorgan player arrived back in Trinidad on Saturday and joined the team in Martinique on Tuesday. His presence should make a big difference at the net with his outstanding smashing and blocking abilities. Meanwhile, TT junior men team just needs to win this match to make to the quarterfinal round.

Junior Championships Results
FEMALE
Sunday)- Group “A”: BAHAMAS beat Martinique 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 25-18.
Monday)- Group “B”: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO beat Antigua/Barbuda 25-17, 25-8, 25-9.
Group “B”: NETHERLAND ANILLES beat Aruba 25-15, 25-11, 25-19.
Tuesday- Group “A”: BARBADOS beat Jamaica 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 (Walk-over).
Group “B”: NETHERLAND ANTILLES beat Antigua & Barbuda 25-12, 26-24, 25-6.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO beat Aruba 25-23, 25-15, 21-25, 25-7.
MEN
Sunday- Group “A”: MARTINIQUE beat Aruba 25-16, 25-9, 25-8.
Monday- Group “A”: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO beat Dominica 25-23, 23-25, 24-26, 25-19, 15-8.
Group “B”: NETHERLAND ANTILLES beat Barbados 27-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-16.
Tuesday- Group “A”: MARTINIQUE beat Trinidad and Tobago 25-20, 25-23, 25-16.
Group “A”: DOMINICA beat Aruba 25-16, 20-25, 25-14, 24-26, 16-14.
Group B: BAHAMAS beat Jamaica 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 (Walk-over).