Bahamian blocks inspire five-set win for champions

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, August 5, 2014 - Middle-Blockers, Byron Ferguson and Endierich Rahming came to their team rescue as Bahamas survived a fifth set match-point in a 19-25, 25-22, 19-25, 25-21, 16-14 triumph over Curacao in their Pool A opener of the 15^th Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association Championship (CAZOVA) Tournament at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo.

Outside hitter, Renaldo Knowles was the main scorer for Bahamas with 16 points, which included two aces while Ferguson ended with 15 points, inclusive of his six blocks, captain Prince’tanique Wilson had 13 and Shedrick Forbes 11, in the win which came after two hours and 12 minutes.

For Curacao, Rachid Isenia was its leading scorer with 15 points while veteran Gilbert Paulina, Anderson Prosper and captain Heinrich Daal added, 11, 10 and 10 points, respectively.

Commenting on his team’s performance, Curacao’s Daal said his team failed to full use of its chances, but at the same time credited Bahamas for showing its quality as defending champions and playing the close points well.

Wilson first congratulated Curacao for playing a very hard match and giving his team a good fight. Then he added, “I am also very proud of my team-mates for showing the heart of champions and the way we responded to being under pressure”.

Looking ahead Wilson, “Our guys know we have to limit the amount of mistakes made if we want to repeat as champions, so this match was a good test.”

Curacao’s coach Rigoletto Thode said while his team had a good chance to get a win against the champions but failed to take it he was still proud of the effort.

“We prepared well for this tournament and the guys did their best today, but we made crucial mistakes against a champion team and when that happens, they tend to take advantage, which Bahamas did.”

A relieved Vince Smith, coach of the Bahamians said he was happy to get the win, considering the position his team found itself in at times.

“We had a lot of issues in our preparations for our title defence, but as champions the guys rose to the challenge and while it was not our best display, we were able to get the win.

“We know coming into the tournament it was going to be tough with the five other teams all capable of winning overall and for us to keep our crown we will need to be much more consistent in what we do,” ended Smith.