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Defending women champion Trinidad and Tobago opened the 18th
Senior Caribbean Championships defeating Barbados
PARAMARIBO. Suriname, July 23, 2023.- The defending women champion
Trinidad and Tobago opened the 18th Senior Caribbean Championships
defeating Barbados 3-1(25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 25-19) at the Anthony Nesty
Sports Hall in Paramaribo.
Trinidad and Tobago led the first set with a six-point advantage, while
Barbados earned their way to move on top on opposite Desiree Donald
serves. Trinidad and Tobago gained momentum to earn their first win in
the round-robin competition.
The Soca Girls held a 50 to 46 advantage in points from attacks and a
comfortable 13-5 margin in blocks. Barbados did better in points from
serves 10 to 4. Trinidad and Tobago scored 36 points from Barbados
errors and handed out 25.
With impressive 29 points, opposite Krystle Esdelle of Trinidad and
Tobago led all scorers on 11 kills and three blocks. Mid and team
captain Kaylon Cruikshank contributed in the win with 9 points and 5
kills.
On Barbados , outside hitter Shonte Seale led with 19 points (5 kills
and 6 aces), joined by outside hitter and team captain Shakera Hall with
14 points (10 kills and two block) and opposite Tiarra Johnson who
finished with 13 points (5 kills and three aces).
On day two of the event, Trinidad and Tobago faces the host Suriname and
Barbados plays against Jamaica.
Kaylon Cruickshank, captain of Trinidad and Tobago:
“Technically is our first time playing as a complete team. So, we have a
couple of things we had to work out in order where we want to be in
terms of scoring. The pass and serve was great, but we had to figure out
how and when the points will be made. In the third set we gave them. I
think we didn’t communicate that well and had a lot of pressure within.”
Saleem Ali, Head Coach of Trinidad and Tobago:
“This is a completely new team and I think these women need some playing
time together. In the third set they took a step back a little, but they
saw what the issue was and capitalized.”
Shakera Hall, captain of Barbados:
“Playing today was good. I think we played well. But there are things we
should work on. Some of our players were nervous. The next game we will
be ready and in the third set we did really well. But unfortunately, it
went Trinidad way.”
Shon Hurdle, Head Coach of Barbados women team:
“Playing the defending champion is always a challenge. You know they
always going to come straight at you. They have a lot of experienced
players on their side. From our side I am happy especially with the
input in the third set, because of the fighting spirit within the team.
That energy we need to take to game two.” |
