Antigua/Barbuda blooms to earn a semifinal spot

ST JOHNS, Antigua, August 18, 2018 – The home fans left the stadium pleased this time around as Antigua/Barbuda found some form and cruised pass St. Maarten in the second Quarter Finals of the ECVA Senior Female Competition.

Led by Middle Blocker, Mali Peters with a game high 15 points Antigua Barbuda won in straight sets - 25-21, 25- 15 and 25 -21.

The game was more of an attritional type battle with host Antigua/Barbuda being the more consistent in attack and defense. In fact they eked out 45 points from opponents’ error. Then, they led in all other areas of the score sheet as well. Spikes -18-15, Blocks - 7-5 and Aces - 5-4.

For St. Maarten, six of the players recorded points with Nichelle Van Der Mark leading the way with 8 in a losing cause.

Despite the loss St. Maarten’s coach Demitri Beauperthuy was satisfied with the team effort. “We gave it our all, I am proud that the girls did not hold back and left every effort on the court. We tried our best but we just came up short to a better team on the night hence I have no regrets I feel extremely proud”, he intimated

Dan Girleanu of Antigua Barbuda had a twinkle in his eye. “Part of our success was due to psychological preparation. We held a team meeting and really wrapped our minds around what was expected of us. So now I am really pleased that they all went out there and executed. There is still room for improvement as they now have to pay attention to the finer details of the game – correct positioning, type of service and communication on the court”, he pointed out.

For their efforts Antigua Barbuda earned a berth to play in the semi-finals against tournament favorite St. Lucia who has not lost as set as yet. St. Martin on the other hand may be involved in a 5^th place play off mainly to determine ranking for future competitions.