The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE women’s senior national volleyball team got off to a positive start with an opening round win in the 14th Annual Caribbean Volleyball Championships.

The team overcame a slow start and rebounded for a four set win over the host country US Virgin Islands.

“We won in four sets because we came out shaky in the first. There

were some jitters all around, not only from our team but from theirs as well. We did not know what to expect but the team was able to adjust,” said head coach Joe Smith. “After the warmup there was about a 10-minute wait until the actual start of the match so we were a bit behind because of that. We came out cold and flat and that was difficult to overcome until the second set. Once we got a groove going in the second set, we played more relaxed and were able to settle down and cruise for much of the match.”

The team took on Jamaica last night in the second match of the tournament, however results were unavailable up to press time.

Smith said the team would have to adjust as they advance and face greater powerhouses in the region, but was confident in their ability to rise to the level of their competition.

“We had a productive practice session in the morning. We went over basics, got in more reps, drills, and tried to focus on the few areas we feel we fell short and we should be ready.

“I am certain the team will play better as the tournament goes on, much of the first game was just nervousness. Their confidence level has grown quite a bit after beating the USVI, who is considered one of the top teams in the tournament.”