Dominica journeys to the finals with semis win over Antigua/Barbuda

Oranjestad, St. Eustatius, July 13, 2014 – Dominica ensured that errors of the recent past were not repeated when they pushed past Antigua Barbuda in three sets (25- 21; 25-16 and 25-21) in the other semifinal of the ECVA Senior Female Volleyball Championship.

In the 2012 semifinal Antigua defeated Dominica and went on to play against St. Lucia in the finals.

“This time it was all about our hunger and great desire to win this championship” said Albert Loblack coach of Dominica. At times  we lost concentration and made a few basic errors  but with constant reminders of the mission we were able to pick ourselves up and step on the gas as we did not want to drop a set” he indicated.

Captain Anna Maria Xavier said that it was not about revenge. “We are just really excited to go all the way to the title so we have to do the required job regardless of the team that confronts us. We now know that we will play St. Lucia once again and they have taller hitters and better blockers than Antigua but we are mentally prepared for the task” she quipped.

Opposite Captain Vanessa Burke was a bit down in the mouth. “I think we wanted the win badly and as a result we were a bit too anxious and rushed the game. Anyway we will still keep our heads high and look forward to the bronze medal game” she said.

Coach Esron Gittens of Antigua had similar sentiments. Although we had a definite game plan which worked to a certain extent I believe that we needed to be a little more selective in attack. Added to that, we were too slow in regaining our key positions” he explained.

Dominica edged Antigua/Barbuda in spikes 32-31 but Antigua held a distinct advantage in blocks 10- 3 while service aces were 6-2 in favour of Dominica.

Xavier herself led her team’s score sheet with 16 points compiled from 14 spikes and 2 aces while Zahidu Henry proved to be a trusted aide with 10 points.

Naheemah Wilson of Antigua was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points from 14 spikes and 3 blocks. Sharon Payne chipped in with 15 but both ended on the losing side.