Knockout queens Chargers continued their unbeaten trek to double crown status by defeating the Rockets, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-17, when the Goddards Division One Volleyball League action continued on Monday night at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.
Both teams entered the game with 4/0 records and a maximum tally of 20 points. The attack of Shari Matthews and six footer Anicia Wood handed the Rockets the first set and should have taken the second after Chargers squandered leads of, 16-8, and 20-15, to see the Rockets fire to 15-16, and 22-20.
Unbelievably, the Rockets committed two blunders, at 23-20 and 23-22, by shanking two free and easy balls thus allowing the Chargers to even the contest. However, making the contest even was a misrepresentation of fact once Chargers kept St Lucia’s captain Dania Hamilton on the court.
Hamilton smote the ball with customary fire to inspire Thonya Joseph, Akeelah Phillips, Sharon Bovell and Avara Browne to revel in good setting by Afiya Taylor to leave Chargers as the only unbeaten team. The play of libero Janelle Pilgrim continued to give Chargers the edge.
Leila Pieper played a superb game as setter and in ground defense for the Rockets. However, while Hamilton never eased up in attack, Matthews and Wood stuttered at critical stages and their support cast never filled the breach.
That match was a stark contrast to the preceding battle for the cellar position between Plus The Club and Safe Security Carlton with Carlton creeping to victory after two hours and seven minutes of play, 18-25, 25-16, 25-12, 17-25, 15-12. The results jumped Carlton to eight points and leaves The Club in the cellar with two points.
Defending men’s champions RBC/RBTT Deacons and knockout kings Chargers warmed up for tonight’s decisive eight o’clock battle in similar style by giving play to their reserves. Chargers dropped a set before beating the BNB Juniors, 19-25, 25-15, 25-12, 25-12. Deacons beat Cawmere, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19.
Deacons are 4/0 with 20 points while Chargers are 3/0 with 15 points. Tonight’s action begins at 6:30 with Progressive meeting Sunpower Foundation United. The women’s fixture pits Carefree Toners against Sentry Insurance Brokers Deacons and The Club versus Warrens.
