Young TT women v-ballers stay alive

Winless after two matches, the young TT team beaten by the powerful Puerto Ricans and the Dominican Republic faced regional champions Barbados in a crucial group match.

Victory would ensure they finish third in Group "A" at the preliminary stage of the continental championship with only the last place team prevented from going into the next round.

On Wednesday the Trinidad and Tobago suffered another embarrassing defeat as the Dominican Republic maintained a perfect record in the group following an impressive three-set win over the hosts.

Fielding a team that was taller and stronger, the Dominican Republic got off to a fast start that earned them the first set 25-8. But their dominance were curtailed in the second set when the Trinbagonians, led by captain Kelly-Ann Bellingy gave a much improved performance. However, the resistance was limited as the DR girls won 25-20.

In the third set the Trinidad and Tobago girls ran out of steam and were demolished 25-10 through the brilliance of Priscilla Rivers Brens who landed ten points. But it was Bethania De La Cruz who led all scorers for the Dominican Republic with 13 points. Not surprisingly Bellingy led the charge for Trinidad and Tobago for a second night running with a similar 13 points.

Yesterday the Puerto Ricans earned the top spot in Group "A" when they completed another three-set victory over the Dominican Republic in an early match.

A day after whipping Barbados the Puerto Ricans romped to a 25-23, 25-21, 25-22 win — a result that earned them a place in the next round.

And in another match Canada secured their first win of the tournament and earned themselves a place in the next round of competition.

Their win came at the hands of the struggling Mexicans in three sets 25-17, 25-22, 25-15 but they would have to settle for third in the group, following losses to the Cubans and the United States.

World Championship bound Cuba are also through to the quarter-final stage of the competition after winning their first two encounters.

Like the United States, the Cubans have already secured their place in the next round, but the two rangled last night to determine the winner of the group.