THE Sandy Beach in Vieux Fort was the place to be as the St. Lucia Volleyball Association staged its 3rd Annual Independence Day Volleyball Classic over two days at the weekend.
The official FIVB Beach Tournament Regulations were in effect as a number of the island’s national players including Dania Hamilton, Samantha Mann – Reid, Lisa Casimir, Kerin Neptune, Dala Noel, JamalaLansiquot, Skye Mondesir, Nikita Greenidge, Darnell Eudoxie, Sheldon Emmanuel, Augustin Faulkner, Cowen Cesar, Tevin Jean and coach Café, just to name a few, showcased their talent.
In the men’s final Augustin Faulkner and Cowen Cesar defeated Darnell Eudoxie and Sheldon Descartes in straight sets Kerine Neptune and Dala Noel defeated Lisa Casimir and JamallaLansiquot in the ladies to emerge as champions.
Meanwhile, President of the St. Lucia Volleyball Association Bryan Louisy following the showpiece spoke to The VOICE as to the outcome of the tournament: “ We are extremely pleased with what we have seen. We think that the technical level of the players is improving and growing and we are happy about that. In the ladies category we had two new teams emerging, that means we have two teams to be reckoned with. The traditional power houses of Dania Hamilton and Samantha Mann – Reid were not able to pull it through, losing in a very close set. It’s good to see the younger players improving so rapidly. When you look at the four top teams you could see a bright future for St.Lucia volleyball”.
About the venue, Louisy replied: “It has worked out very well. The wind is a major factor that the players have to deal with. We have been to tournaments where the wind was even worse, but this has been great. I don’t want to leave out the male players. When you look at what we have achieved with Augustin Faulkner and Cowen Cesar, what we have invested in them to take part in the world under – 23 championship, and now are they emerging in the men’s division, that is really good. We have sent players to represent St. Lucia on the NORCECA circuit and now we are seeing that coming to bear fruit.