Third straight victory for Curacao
 

KRALENDIJK, Bonaire, June 24, 2018 – Curacao scored their third victory in succession to end their campaign in emphatic fashion in the CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association) Under-23 Women’s Championship this morning at the Jorge Nicholas Sports Hall, Bonaire.

After coming within two points of victory against Suriname in a heart-breaking five-set defeat in their opening fixture on Friday night, they surrendered just one set and overwhelmed Aruba 25-9, 25-11, 25-11 in just 54 minutes.

Curacao’s only chance of winning the title was if the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) were able to upset Suriname right after in the second of four matches on the final day.

That outcome would more than likely eventually result in Curacao, Suriname and USVI finishing with three wins each tonight.

The team with the best points won/lost ratio will then be awarded the title.

Anais Conradus led the way for Curacao with 16 points and was ably assisted by Jewengely Hart (14) and Captain Sharnesca Esclodina (10) in what was the shortest of the seven matches thus far.

Coach Gilbert Paulina acknowledged that “the Arubans are at a lower level” and was satisfied with the performance of his team in the tournament.

His opposite number Daan Kleinbussini stated “We knew we had to play above our level to just keep up with them and we were unable to do that.”

The Arubans, who lost to Suriname last night after winning their opening fixture against Bonaire during the day session, will conclude their campaign against USVI in the penultimate match of the inaugural tournament at six o’clock tonight.

This is the first international competition ever to be staged in Bonaire, one of the smallest islands in the region.