Cameroon volleyballers edge TT in Women’s Grand Prix

Both teams had similar records in this round by beating Australia (3-1) and losing (3-0) to France and the game started equally, matching each other point for point.

The African champions then pulled away at 12-11 through tricky serves from captain Nana Christelle Tchoudjang. She was also influential throughout the set with her spiking at different angles and paces which gave the visitors the win at 25-18 for the 1-0 lead.

After trailing 7-5 in the second set, Channon ‘De Cannon’ Thompson fuelled energy into TT with some electrifying serves giving her team the lead. The local team maintained the advantage in the set from then onwards to win 25-18 and tie the game 1-1.

The inclusion of Delicia Pierre proved decisive and the “Soca Spikers” seemed to find their rhythm in the game from the beat of the drums and the vocal crowd cheering them on.

The third set started identical to the first set and it was tied at 10-10 when the Cameroonians went on a five-point run to lead 15-10 and didn’t turn back as they finished off comfortably to win at 25-17 and take the 2-1 advantage.

Another close set in the fourth and at 12-12, TT went on a sixpoint run as they upped their blocking and passing game much to the delight of hundreds of supporters as they kept their hopes alive by winning 25-18.

TT would have wanted a reset button for the fifth set but they lacked enthusiasm and concentration from the first point which allowed the visitors the win the set easily at 15-10. Cameroon’s Tchoudjang led the scorers with 17 points whilst TT’s Pierre had 15. TT finished the match with a tournament high of 39 unforced errors compared to their opponents 25.

TT’s coach Francisco Cruz said, “It is a big challenge to play against these teams, because they train and play against good teams.

We need to play more matches against good teams in order to help our concentration.” A satisfied captain Renele Forde mentioned, “I’m proud of my team despite the loss. We made errors in key moments that cost us the game but the positives were us getting good points in our blocking and our playing around the net.” Cameroon coach Akono Jean Rene took the positives out of the Grand Prix saying, “Good experience being here in especially as we won two games. It was our first tournament since Olympics but we had a short preparation.

We won three and lost three in the Grand Prix so it’s all good.” Cameroon skipper and star player Tchoudjang echoed her coach’s comments. “I’m satisfied with finishing with three wins and three losses because it’s our first time and hope next time we can be better. The game was difficult because TT is a good physical and technical team.” In the previous match, France were made to battle against Australia to complete the Grand Prix unbeaten. The French team won 3-2 ((17-25, 25-18, 25-23, 24-26, 15-12).

Both teams will meet again when Australia will host the Group 3 Final Four in Canberra from July 22-23.