The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FOLLOWING the success of the men’s national team in Martinique, the Bahamas Volleyball Federation is hoping that the women’s national team will duplicate the feat when they travel to the Cayman Islands.

The team, coached by Jason Saunders, will compete in the FIVA World Qualifying Round November 11-14 as they compete against teams from Guadeloupe, Bonaire and the Cayman Islands.

Last month, the men’s team, coached by Convance Mortimer, returned from their version of the tournament with the top spot after beating Martinique and Aruba.

Prince Wilson carted off the most valuable player award and was named the best receiver and best scorer, while Byron Ferguson was the best blocker, Jamaal Ferguson was the best spiker and Renaldo Knowles was the best digger.

The women’s team, consisting of a mixture of young and experienced players, is made up of the following: Laval Sands, Kelsie Johnson, Davia Moss, Melinda Bastian, Shantia Simon, JeNae Saunders, Eugunie Adderley, Britney Bonamy, Avoni Seymour and new team members Courtney Stevens, Latavia Braynen and Sari Albury. 

Braynen, 16, and Albury, 15, are both high school sensations and even though they are not expected to be among the team leaders, coach Saunders said he expects for them to fit in with the more seasoned players.

However, Saunders said although they will be without the services of some top local and collegiate players, he anticipates that they will perform exceptionally well in the Cayman Islands.

“I am a little disappointed that we are unable to carry some of the young ladies who are of to college,” Saunders said. “But I guess it’s nothing much you can do about it. Some of them can’t get of from school and there’s not enough money to bring them home.

“We also have a couple players at home who are injured by sisters Sherice Bain and Krystel Brown and Shantia Moss. Those three ladies are all injured.”

Saunders said the players have been working out and he expects that they will make some waves at the tournament and eventually join the men in advancing to the next round of play.

“Our strength will be on our back court defense and our power hitting,” Saunders said. “Our weakest area will be our middle. But I expect us to do very well in this tournament and move on.

“Even though the team is not as strong as I think it can be, I still think that we will perform very well. I think the girls practicing now are doing a wonderful job of it. They understand how we want to play the game. I think once we stay focused and do those little things, we will be okay.”

The team will be out to join the men in qualifying for the next round World Championships. The men beat Martinique and Aruba to set the stage for the Bahamas when they played in Martinique from October 20-25.