Antigua and Barbuda wraps up Montserrat in 60 minutes 

St. JOHNS, Antigua, September, 9, 2016 – it took all of 60 minutes for Antigua and Barbuda to record a straight set victory (25-16, 25-13, and 25-8) over Montserrat  in the ECVA World Cup Qualifying tournament Group A men

Captain Collin Thomas was a key factor in determining the game.  He had 13 kills and 15 points overall as he scored from several positions at the net. When asked about his role Thomas appeared to have embraced it. “Having been with the team for a number of years I have grown quite accustomed to this especially now I am with quite a number of young guys I am the regular “go to” guy and I accept that responsibility while being a part of this team”, he said.

Team Antigua and Barbuda controlled all the scoring departments with 31-15 in Spikes; 6-1 in Blocks and 9 to 3 in Service Points. Apart from Thomas, Ronel Richards contributed 11 points and Adrian Constant 6.

Coach Carl Williams showed little emotion while he assessed their performance. “It was an easy game I must admit. We did not look at it that way though, we simply wanted to get in our passing and rotations and we did. Our service game was also an advantage and so our points at the net did not meet much resistance. In general it was a victory and that is what counts”, he said.

Coach Denfield Cadett Morris and assistant coach Dennison Daley both carried playing roles. They both promised to be more competitive in the next game

Morris was very optimistic during his interview. “Overall it was a good game but having said that it was really a baptism by fire as several of them were playing at this level for the first. We attempted some new rotations as we wanted to get a feel of our strength and weakness. We now know where we are and what we need to do in order to improve and which rotations are working best for us. So now we have the formula to compete and we promise that we will leave a mark on the other team and meet Antigua again in the finals”, he said.

Morris too was very upbeat. “I am particularly proud of the effort from our young lads particularly in the first set. They were a bit lackadaisical in the second set but I understand that as rookies these things will happen especially when playing against a stronger team. However this is something we can work on and come back stronger in our next encounter”, he promised.

No one got to double figures for Montserrat. They next play against Anguilla in their second round robin game. Antigua and Barbuda on the other hand will tackle St. Eustatius.