PR trounce gallant women v-ballers

Despite an improved performance by ace hitter Kelly-Ann Billingy, blocker Nadiege Honore and Melissa Tang, the gallant Trinidad and Tobago women’s team bowed to Puerto Rico in the second round match of the NORCECA Championships in Santo Domingo on Monday. The Mascood Ali-coached team lost in three straight sets at 15-25, 14-25, 21- 25, but the score does not truly reflect the fight put up by the Sealy and her girls. Libero Jenna Ferguson and universal player Marina Camps as well as captain Sealy provided valuable support for the frontline hitters and blockers. Billingy led the scorers once again with 17 points.

She recorded 11 against Canada. Wilma Bassini, Yarimar Rosa and Omayra George scored 12 each for the Puerto Rican team, which is coached by David Aleman. Coach Macsood Ali knew that his girls would not be able to stop the traditional powerhouses but the exposure for ten of the players who are eligible for the NORCECA Junior Championships in Montreal, Canada next year is vital he feels. Already the signs are there that they can hold their own against their senior regional counterparts. “We are here to learn and to develop the players’ confidence. They need this exposure against the best players in the NORCECA Zone. There is improvement in every match we have played so far,” he said. Last night, the Trinidadians were due to face reigning Pan-American champions, the Dominican Republic, who were fully tested and extended by the Canadians before emerging victorious in a five-setter. The host nation prevailed by a 3-2 margin, winning 22-25, 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 15-8. That victory was achieved before another emotionally charged crowd.

Meanwhile, the USA team, coached by Japanese Toshi Yoshida, enjoyed themselves with a clinical performance against Central American champion Costa Rica, winning by a 3-0 margin. The Cubans, who had beaten the Costa Ricans on Sunday, had a bye because Mexico failed to show up. This means that there will be no play-offs for the seven and eight spot. TT chances are slim against the Dominican Republic and will end up in seventh position.

NORCECA Women C/ships Results.
Group A: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO lost to Puerto Rico 15-25, 14-25, 21-25.
Dominican Republic beat Canada 22-25, 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21.
Group B: USA beat Costa Rica 25-11, 25-11,25-19.
Cuba - bye.