Triumphant start for Aruba

KRALENDIJK, Bonaire, June 23, 2018 – Aruba made a triumphant debut as their hosts continued to struggle in the inaugural CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association) Under-23 Women’s Championship here today at the Jorge Nicholas Sports Hall, Bonaire.

After also losing their opening match in straight sets the night before against United States Virgin Islands (USVI), the inexperienced youngsters from Bonaire were beaten 25-17, 25-17, 25-18.

The Arubans, who did not play yesterday, won the last five points of the first game, the last three of the third and ten of next 11 when they were confronted with their biggest deficit at 11-8 in the second. 

Star player Shaira MacKay had a game-high 15 points for the winners and Bonaire captain Jahena Angela (10) was the only other player to reach double figures in the 57-minute contest.

Daan Kleinbussini was very proud of his girls, especially as “it was the first match that they had ever played together.”

The Aruba coach admitted that “they were nervous” and the opposition will only get tougher, but it will be a great learning experience.”

“We need to concentrate more. We did not have much time to practice as a team” before the start of the tournament, said captain Nakisha Winklaar.

Next up will be Suriname at 6 p.m. today, and Aruba will be in action against Curacao (9.30 a.m.) and USVI (6 p.m.) when the tournament ends tomorrow.

Bonaire now have virtually no chance of winning this five-team straight round-robin competition.

They have arguably the two toughest teams still to play as they will oppose Curacao in today’s final match at 8 p.m. and Suriname in the last match of the tournament at the same time tomorrow.

Both coach Rudi Anthony and skipper Angela were extremely disappointed today. 

“I am a little confused. We trained so hard, but concentration is a big problem,” said Anthony.

Angela, who is actually the oldest player in the squad at age 17, noted that “we are not playing as a team.”