Bahamas places ninth with historic win

GATINEAU, Canada, June 17, 2011 - The Bahamas earned its first ever victory at the Pan Am Cup men’s volleyball tournament on Friday defeating Panama 21-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-18 in the ninth place match.

It was the Bahamas’ first appearance in the six-year history of the tournament.  They had loss their first four matches this week, although clearly improved each time out.

Renaldo Knowles and Byron Ferguson each had 17 points for the victors while Princtanique Wilson added 15. Edward Diaz was the top point-getter for Panama with 15 points.  Ricardo Brown added 10.

‘’As the tournament progressed our players got more comfortable,’’ said Bahamas head coach Raymond Wilson.  ‘’The key for us is to be more consistent and not always come from behind.’’

‘’It means a lot for the players to get this win,’’ said Knowles.  ‘’We have confidence now that we can play at this level of tournament.’’

Edward Diaz was the top point-getter for Panama with 15 points.  Ricardo Brown added 10.

‘’Bahamas was more concentrated and organized,’’ said Panama’s coach Sergio Ballestas.  ‘’We could have tried harder.’’