Ferguson stars in Bahamas five-set victory
 

RIVIERE SALEE, Martinique, October 22, 2016 - Jamaal Ferguson was a surprise joint top scorer for his team as Bahamas survived three match points to overcome Martinique in five sets (3-2) in their  Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA)/FIVB World Championship Men’s Qualifier Group A opener.

Ferguson, who normally plays the libero position but was shifted to opposite hitter due to some absentees and injuries in his team, tallied 23 points along with team captain Princ'tanique Wilson while middle-blocker Byron Ferguson added 17 as they led their team to an entertaining 25-23, 21-25, 25-27, 25-22, 18-16 win over Martinique in two hours and 40 minutes, at the Palais Des Sports Riviere Salee.

Despite playing way below their best, Bahamas through their experienced and most senior players managed to hold the edge on spikes 58-51 and blocks 15-14, while they were out-served 2-4 on aces.

Both teams also showed signs of lack of proper preparations and committed numerous errors, with Bahamas being credited with 44, and Martinique 39 in the clash of former CAZOVA champions. 

For Martinique Yoannn Breleur led all scorers with 15 points, 45-year-old captain David Le Favre got 14, and the pair of Gregory Alpha and Rodrigue Larcher chipped in with 13 apiece in the close contest which sometimes had the vociferous crowd on the edge of their seats, in anticipation of a home win, but which never came.

Commenting after the match, Le Favre said his team was ready to play a big match against Bahamas, but in the end they came up short.

"The match was not that difficult as both teams were not at their bets, but in the end we made too many mistakes.

Wilson was quick to admit that his team was not currently at the level of play it was in recent years, but was happy to get the win.

"It's our first match in three weeks due to the recent circumstances with Hurricane Matthew, and I must credit Jamaal (Ferguson) for stepping out of his regular position and coming up big for us."

Eddy Erialc, coach of Martinique said while he was happy to see his team push as hard as it could, he still thinks they made crucial errors at the wrong time.

"The final result could have gone either way, but it has been more than two years we last played an international match and we have room to improve while Bahamas showed why they were recent Caribbean champions.

Covanc Mortimer, who made his senior national team coaching debut for Bahamas was quick to admit that he felt his team escaped with a win.

"We came with the expectation of having a tough battle with Martinique and we got more than we wanted."