ROAD TOWN, Tortola: Hosts British Virgin Islands won a thrilling five set encounter against Grenada to keep their hopes of moving out of pool (B) play alive. The final attack from the BVI that drizzled past the Grenada block, then dropping to the ground, sent the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex into a frenzy. The final scores were 17-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-22 and 17 15.
Top scorer for the British Virgin Islands was their captain Kymal Panchoo, with fifteen (15) points. Top scorer of the match was Jamal Collins, who tallied 17 points.
Grenada sped out to an early lead in the first set and never looked back. The British Virgin Islands made several attempts to level the scores but Grenada held firm to claim a 25-17 first set.
Spurred on by a boisterous home crowd, the British Virgin Islands fought doggedly and stayed neck and neck with their opponent. They sealed a hotly contested second set, 26-24, with a massive block from their captain Panchoo.
Grenada regrouped and disrupted the rhythm of the host and made two crucial stops to secure the third set 25-22.
The British Virgin Islands surprised Grenada with their aggression in the fourth set and quickly extended the scoreline. Their reward was a 25-22 set win.
An emotional captain Panchoo said his team was delighted to have won their second match of the tournament. He praised his teammates for their resilience and said he looked forward to their next match.
Grenada’s captain Jabarie Collins noted that it was a heart-wrenching loss but he was proud of his team’s fight, particularly willing themselves on despite the overwhelming support for the home side.
Grenada play Anguilla tomorrow, October 14, and the British Virgin Islands play St. Maarten, right after.
Watch games live on the link below:
