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Suriname cruises to victory over Bahamas

 

Paramaribo, Suriname, September 1, 2012 - Sandrina Hunsel had an all round solid display in tallying 19 points to lead host Suriname to a convincing 3-0 win over Bahamas in their second match of the 2014 FIVB World Volleyball Women's Norceca First Round Group A qualifiers in Paramaribo, Suriname on Saturday afternoon at the Ismay Van Wilgen Sports Hall.

 

Hunsel's tallied included 13 kills, four blocks and two service aces as she was the lone player to reach double-figure scoring in their 25-22, 25-15, 25-15 triumph which was accomplished in 67 minutes.

 

Kame Sigourney, only aged 14, and Xaviera Willemsberg added nine points each for Suriname to rebound from its shock opening loss to Guadeloupe and climb into second spot on the four-team round-robin standings with seven points, two behind unbeaten T&T ahead of their show-down on Sunday morning.

 

Third is Guadeloupe with three while winless Bahamas has one point from its 3-1 loss to T&T in Saturday's first match in the morning session.

 

For Bahamas, Cheryse Bain had nine points and Kelsie Johnson was the next best scorer with six.

Reflecting on her team's loss, Bahamaian captain Krystel Rolle said she was lost for words and not sure what really transpired on the court.

 

"We started off well in the first and held the lead at 21-19 but from there our game just fell apart completely and we lost it mentally as well,” Bain said.

 

Cheryl Brunnings, captain of Suriname on the other hand was elated with her team's improved showing after the opening loss to Guadeloupe.

 

"Tonight we came out and did what we had to do, which was serve and pass much better than we did in our first match,” Brunnings commented.

 

Bahamian coach, Joe Smith admitted he was disappointed by his team's effort but was quick to note all was not lost as the top three teams will advance to the next round.

 

"It was a total melt down from our performance against T&T this morning,” Smith said. "I expected our girls to play better this afternoon but we did not respond to Suriname's challenge at all. At the same time, tomorrow is another day and we can still finish second depending on how the final set of matches go in the preliminary round and play in the final. If not we still have a lot to play for as the third team also qualifies.”

 

Eric Aikman, coach of Suriname said after the loss to Guadeloupe he had a good team discussion and made some tactical adjustments which brought reward.

 

"We played much better tonight as a unit and we can now hope to continue and improve for our next two matches,” Aikman said.