Suriname women reach semifinal to play defending champion Trinidad and Tobago

PARAMARIBO. Suriname, July 27, 2023.- Suriname women have clinched a semi-final berth and will play the semifinal against defending champion Trinidad and Tobago in the 18^th Caribbean Championship. In the quarter final game, the host beat Barbados 3-1 (25-17, 25-21, 24-26, 25-19) at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Paramaribo.  

It was a must win game for both teams coming up in the quarter final. Suriname dominated the whole game. Barbados only came close in the third set to build some momentum after winning that set, but it wasn’t meant to be. Suriname committed 27 unforced errors and Barbados 32.

Outside hitter Ketura Margaret led with 22 points, joined by outside hitter and team captain Sandrina Hunsel with 15 points including 2 block and 4 spikes. Outside hitter Shonte Seale of Barbados had a game high 17 points.

The win for Suriname means that they play on Friday against Trinidad and Tobago. Despite the loss Barbados will play the undefeated team Jamaica in the other semifinal.

Sergio Valdes, coach of Suriname: “We played very good today. I am happy my team stick to the plan. Now we will face Trinidad once again. We lost against them, but it will be a much better game this time around.”

Sandrina Hunsel, Captain of Suriname: “We have a good team spirit at the training sessions. Actually, in bad times growing together and lift each other up. We now have to peak towards the final.”

Outside hitter Ketura Margaret of Suriname: “Today I was confident in my teammates and enjoying the game. We are now going to play against a strong opponent again, but we have to succeed.”

Shon Hurdle Coach Barbados: “We must work hard going forward. This core of the team is very young, and I know they haven’t reached their full potential yet. There is room for improvement.”