THE hard-hitting and thundery spiking will resume on centre court today as the Saint Lucia Volleyball Federation in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association and NORCECA stage Group D World Qualifiers second round at Beausejour Indoor Practice Facility.
Battling for supremacy will be Anguilla, French Saint Martin, Dutch Saint Maarten and host Saint Lucia. The winner of that group will proceed to the Continental Championship in Colorado Springs, U.S.A. and, if successful, head to either Italy or Bulgaria (cohost) for the World Championship from October 10-30, 2018.
On centre court, Saint Lucia will open their campaign against French Saint Martin from 9:00 a.m. and it’s Dutch Saint Martin versus Anguilla at 11:00 a.m.
From 6:00 this evening, Dutch Saint Maarten play French Saint Martin while Saint Lucia meet Anguilla at 8:00.
On Sunday, French Saint Martin play Anguilla from 9:00 a.m. and it’s Saint Lucia versus French Saint Martin at 11:00 a.m.
For championship honours, Team 3 will play Team 4 from 6:00 p.m for the bronze medal while Team 1 plays Team 2 for the championship opportunity to represent the ECVA in Colorado Springs, U.S.A.
Saint Lucia will select their final squad from the likes of Joseph Clercent, Servin Mongroo, Sheldon Desecartes, Levi Leonce, Darnel Eudoxie, Coen Cesar, Mathius Leonce, Tevin St. Jean, Lance Son, Anfernee Ferdinand, Regal Annulus, Scott Louis, Joshua Lesporis, Mozius Promesse, Rudy Avril and Keson Edmund. Team Coach is Terry Verdant and Assistant Coach Bernard President.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were crowned champions of Group E and, by virtue of winning the group, booked a place as one of two representatives from the ECVA zone to the NORCECA Continental Championships in Colorado Springs, U.S.A. next month.
The Vincentians took home the gold medal with a 3-1 win over Dominica (22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21).
After losing the first set, the young Vincentian team with 7 players who recently played in the Windward Islands Games Tournament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on its roster, regrouped and took command of the championship match with some controlled spiking and blocking to derail the Dominicans off their tracks.
Opposite Hitter Ronaldo Franklyn had 16 points, Outside Hitter Asmond Franklyn 15 points and Middle Blockers Kemaul Lee and Marcus Thomas contributing 11 points.
Middle Blocker Yhan Florent top scored with 22 points while Middle Blocker John Lewis Kershaskie and Outside Hitter George Kerwin scored 7 and 6 points respectively for the Dominicans.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was better at attacks (44-39), Blocks (10-7) and Service Aces (8-4).
