Bahamas survives another five-setter for semis spot

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, August 6, 2014 - Byron Ferguson had another impressive night as  defending champions Bahamas secured another five-set victory, 25-22, 22-25, 20-25, 25-22, 15-10, this time over  Jamaica to top Pool A of the 15^th Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association Championship (CAZOVA) Tournament at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo.

Middle-blocker Ferguson finished with 18 points as Bahamas got its second win from as many matches in the three-team pool, to take top spot with six points, and more importantly gain an automatic semifinal spot as group winners.

The duo of captain Prince’tanique Wilson and Renaldo Knowles added nine points each for the Bahamians while Chauncey Cooper chipped in with eight as their team showed real grit and determination in overcoming the loss of setter Tony Simon to injury in the third set with the score 21-18 in Jamaica’s favour.

For the Jamaicans opposite Jamion Hartley led all scorers with a tournament-high 23 points including three blocks and one service ace. Ryck Mc Kenzie-Webb was the next main contributor for Jamaica with 18 points.

Speaking after the loss, Jamaica’s Brown said his team came into the contest with a plan having seen Bahamas play in its first match and after starting well, things went downhill.

However, the usually animated Brown was proud of the effort and added, “We were beaten by the defending champions in five set and I could live with that. I have no problem because we are still in the competition and hopefully we can get to the final and meet them again, with a different end result.”

Bahamas captain Wilson was a relieved man as his team escaped another five set battle to win the group.

“For the second night we were caught in a very tight contest and as champions we are prepared for this because all the teams are aiming at our crown. Just like our first match we had to step up in crucial times and I think it has put us in good position going forward as we continue to show why we are the reigning champions.”

Losing coach, Steve Davis, while disappointed with the loss was full of praise for his team’s effort considering their preparations for the tournament.

“We made simple mistakes at crucial points in the match and it hurt us, but the guys did a great job and we now have to regroup and prepare for our next match against Curacao and then the quarterfinals.

Joe Smith coach of the winning Bahamians was first to point out that his team suffered a bit with the injury to setter Tony Simon during the third set.

“Tony’s injury forced us to change out tactics somewhat, but the main thing is that the guys stayed composed, played to their limits and came up big on the crucial points," stated Smith.