Confident TT v-ballers off to Martinique

TRINIDAD and Tobago junior women volleyball team led by national setter Aisha Sealy, is  confident of retaining the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Junior female title in Martinique.

Both the female and male national junior teams leave today for the French-speaking island where they will be seeking to return with the coveted CAZOVA trophies, emblem of volleyball supremacy in the English, French and Dutch-speaking Caribbean including Suriname, the only mainland country vying for honours in the biennial championships. The Championships start tomorrow and conclude on July 28. The junior team, having been coached by Macsood Ali (former Caribbean top setter) and his son Saleem Ali (national senior setter) won the title in Suriname in 2001, comprise six of the star players who brought glory to the country. Commenting on his team’s chances, Macsood said: “Once they play how they trained, they should come home victorious again.” However, the major focus will be on star hitter KellyAnn Billingy whose rapier-like shots and powerful services will determine the margin of victories over their opponents and overall success in the tournament in the French-isle.

The Glamorgan-club player Billingy has emerged as the most dominant force in regional volleyball in the last two years and her immense talent and ability has been the pivot of TT’s regional success at the senior and junior  competitions. Newcomers are Ayana Dyette, Karina Moore, Quanda Gloudon and Kemba Noel-London, all from national champion teams Glamorgan (club) and St Joseph Convent (senior schools). The male team has been weakened by the non-availability of top setter Dave Ragoonanan who joined the TT Police service and was unable to get time off to train with the squad. TT is bracketed with homesters Martinique, Aruba and newcomers Dominica in Group A while powerhouses Netherland Antilles (defending champion), Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica are in Group B. The women will compete in Group B which comprise Netherland Antilles, Aruba and newcomers Antigua/Barbuda.  Hosts Martinique, Barbados, Jamaica and Bahamas are in Group A.

Teams are: WOMEN - Aisha Sealy (capt), KellyAnn Billingy, Nadiege Honore, Jenna Ferguson, Marina Camps, Danya Augustus, Madonna Bedonoch, Shanna Ferreira, Karina Moore, Quanda Gloudon, Ayana Dyette, Kemba Noel-London. Macsood Ali (coach), Saleem Ali (asst-coach) and Danwantee Nado Deonath (trainer).
MEN - Sean Morrison (capt), Marc-Anthony Honore, Kerish Maharaj, Esil Seecharran,  Shervon Calliste, David Caton, Keron Jack, Bruce Lawrence, David Novoa, Ryan Deonath, Adrian Paul, Jamaal Blackburn. Juan Carlos-Rodriguez (coach), Kanhai Sirjoo (asst-coach).