Asque leads Jamaica over Bahamas    

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, August 6, 2014 - Team captain Simone Asque was the lone player in double-digit scoring for the match as Jamaica coasted past two-time winner, Bahamas, 25-19, 25-14, 25-18 to remain unbeaten in the 15th Senior Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Championship at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo.

The Chicago-born Asque, who has played professionally in Cyprus and Denmark, tallied 12 points, while her sister, Gillian Asque got six in the 77 minute win. For the Bahamians, Melinda Bastian had a team-best eight points.

The Jamaicans, yet to capture the title after second placed finishes in 1996 and 2004, held the edge in spikes 26-20 and service aces, 4-2 while both teams were even on blocks with seven each. However, Bahamas added to its own downfall, by committing 38 errors to 22 from the Jamaicans, now with a 2-0 record and maximum ten points, the same as host and four-time defending champions Trinidad and Tobago.

After the loss, Bahamas captain Krystel Rolle-Brown was quick to admit her team made too many basic errors to have any impact of the match.

She said, “Our passing game was off and because of that we could not get our middles, which is our strong point into the game.”

An elated Asque said, “Today we did a good job controlling the match and we played the key points well. We had some issues with our communication, but we were able to make the adjustments and maintain our focus to get our second win.”

Going forward, Asque said, “We know we have two very important matches to come against Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Barbados which will be key to our chances of getting to the final.”

Despite the loss, Bahamas coach Joe Smith said he was pleased with the first set effort. “We have a few young players in the team and it was expected for their first match they will be nervous. So with the more time they get on the court I expect us to play better. We are here for growth and development.”

Demarr Pinnock, the assistant coach of the triumphant Jamaican women was satisfied with the win and has his mind set on seeing his team in the gold medal match.

“Going forward we don’t have much problems with our team. We just have to keep doing the right things well and improve on our transition from offence to defence.”