Barbados win close match with Suriname

HAVANA, Cuba, May 24, 2014 – Barbados edged Suriname in five sets (31-29, 23-25, 25-14, 24-26 , 16-14) in a thriller for third place of the NORCECA Men’s World Championship Qualification Tournament Pool P at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum on Saturday.

Shawn Simpson was the best scorer for Barbados with 19 points followed by Fabian Cox and Akeem Payne each with 15 while Ammuniki Wood charte 11 points.

Suriname’s Antoine Vilet had a match-high 27 points and Keven Sporkslede added 21. Clyde Fraser and Roberto Joval added 12 apiece.

“They (Suriname) battled hard point by point,” Barbados’ coach Ludger Niles said. “My team started a little bit nervous but was able to manage this very competitive match.”

Barbados’ captain Alain London: “We served as hard as possible to create difficulties to their offense. Our reception was weak at times but we attacked consistently.”

Jerry Slijngard, coach of Suriname: “Sometimes you need to be lucky and today we were not. Congratulations to Barbados and we will see them again. I want to appreciate the organizers for a good tournament and we are glad with having this opportunity.”