Double crown volleyball queens Flow Sentry Brokers Deacons will be carrying the Bajan fight when the fourth edition of the VolleyBarbados Winter Championships serves off at the Garfield Sobers Complex’s Gymnasium this evening from 5 p.m.
Deacons, who dominated this year’s league and knockout competitions losing just one match for the entire season, will come up against five Canadian teams – the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat, Brandon University Bobcats, Bois de Boulogne College Cavaliers, the University of Calgary Dinos and defending champions, the University of Montreal Carabins.
This will be the biggest event to date in the tournament’s history with a combined total of 100 persons made up of players, coaching staff and supporters having flown in from Canada for the week-long event that concludes with the finals on Friday at the Gymnasium.Â
Deacons will be aiming to provide the visitors with a change from the chill of North America to the volleyball heat in the Gym.
Deacons’ coaches Andrew Culpepper and Elwyn Oxley are leaving nothing to chance in looking to become the first Barbadian team to defeat the powerful Carabins with three of the best talents being drawn from other teams to boost Deacons’ height, elevation and playing prowess.
Professional duo Shari Matthews and Anicia Wood from league and knockout runners-up Brydens Rockets as well as the explosive multi-talented Rhe-Ann Niles from the Warrens Sports Club will give Deacons additional offence and defence power.
The form of knockout and league Most Valuable Players, Julia Lewis and Fabia Greaves respectively along with De-Ann Smith and the support of Dionne Licorish provide Deacons with an embarrassment of options. Earning more national pride will be the queens’ goal over the next couple of days.
This evening Montreal will meet Calgary at five before Deacons take to the court against Bois-de-Boulogne College at seven.
