Road Town, Tortola: In match 1 (one) of the ECVA U23 Male Championship, Dominica registered a first victory with a three (3) sets to zero (0) win over Grenada, in a Pool A encounter at the Multi-Purpose Sporting Complex.
Middle blocker Nester James led the scoring for Dominica with nine (9) points. The leading scorer of the match was outside attacker Jamal Collins, with ten (10) points, including two aces.
Dominica was able to overcome a very slow start in the first set, trailing eight (8) to one (1) at the first technical timeout, before clinching the set by a score of 25 to 19. This was a result of effective top spin serves, execution of key plays at crucial times and a string of unforced errors by team Grenada.
The second set was a competitive back and forth, until Dominica was able to create some distance between the two teams, eventually making a defensive stand to end the second set at 25 to 21.
Set number three was even more competitive. A service error and final block by Dominica was the defining stand, as they wrapped up the match 25 to 23, in the third.
Captain of Team Dominica Keaun Reefe expressed his excitement with register the championship’s first victory.
His coach Jeffrey Edmund was also content with his team’s win. He applauded their confidence, despite challenges with training sessions in the lead-up to the tournament.
Captain of Grenada Jabarie Collins noted that his team was frustrated with the loss but they are hopeful of more positive outcomes in upcoming matches.
Grenada’s coach Javin Noel blamed a string of unforced errors for his team’s loss but encouraged his players to regroup and grab the next opportunity to execute plays better.
Grenada play St. Maarten tomorrow morning (October 12) while Dominica play host BVI later in the evening.
