TTO wins CAZOVA U21 men’s bronze

 

RIVIERE-SALEE, Martinique, December 13, 2019 - Marley Davidson led three players in double-digit scoring as T&T outclassed Guadeloupe 3-1 (25-20, 25-20, 21-25, 25-17) to secure the bronze medal at the 2019 Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Junior (Under-21) Men Championship.

 

The bronze for Trinidad and Tobago equaled their showing in 2009 in Guadeloupe when they beat the host, and two years later in Jamaica with a victory against Barbados, who turned the tide in the final in 2015 on home soil to deny Trinidad and Tobago a first-ever gold medal.

 

Coming off an emotional and controversial five-sets semifinal loss less than 24 hours earlier to 2011 champions, Curacao, Davidson scored 18 points, highlighted by 13 kills and five service aces, while Jerome Belgrove added 12, which comprised eight kills and four blocks, and the feisty Georlani Austin, 11, laced with four aces.

 

Josiah Constant and captain Joshua Persaud added, seven and five points respectively for Trinidad and Tobago who outscored Guadeloupe 37-29 on spikes, and 11-5 on service aces, and also committed fewer errors, 39 to 42 in the one hour, and 44 minutes duel.

For Guadeloupe, Damien Leveille led all scorers with 22 points, behind 17 kills, three blocks and two aces while Alexandre Lancelot got 11 in the loss.

 

Speaking after the win, T&T coach Peer Nassier, who only arrived from the hospital with injured player Elijah Best who had successful surgery on his left knee said his team was lucky and happy to pull off the victory to get the bronze medal.

 

“We had an exceptional game as their Opposite (Damien Leveille) is a very strong hitter, and we had to make some tactical adjustments to contain him.

 

Concerning having Best presence in the stands to watch their final game following his tournament ending injury on Sunday against Martinique, Nassier said it was very motivating and inspiring to the boys.

 

“They have not seen him since his injury and was awarded at the hospital, so it was nice to have him here with the team which I believe helped to lift their game.

 

Captain Persaud was quick to point out that it was hard for his team to lift themselves after the outcome of their semifinal encounter with Curacao.

 

“At a point in the match, we seemed to lost our way and when he (Best) arrived at the venue we all felt a sense of motivation and wanting to get the win for him.”

 

Despite his injury, Best said he still felt the tournament was a good one for the team.

 

 “It was disappointing to get injured in the first match, but my surgery went well and I was given great care by the hospital staff.

 

“As for my team-mates I appreciated their support and it was nice to see them get the bronze medal, calling my name out so many times and using it as inspiration.”