Ten-time kings Barbados showed their royalty in a straight-set dismissal of hosts and defending champions Suriname when day one of the 18th CAZOVA Volleyball Championships climaxed after midnight yesterday morning in the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Suriname.
Boasting a line-up of players standing over 6ft 5in, the home side looked intimidating and promised the large crowd, including Minister of Sports Gracia Emanuel and president of the Suriname Olympic Committee, Ramon T Jon-A-Fat, an opening victory in Group A.
However, coach Andrew Culpepper’s starting six of cousins Akeel Oxley and Ashe Oxley at power hitters, United States-based duo Ammuniki Wood and Akeil Williams in the centre, with Ahkeem Mayers playing opposite setter Ronald Rice, wrote a different script.
Suriname matched the Bajans’ fire up to 10-all before Barbados’ attack and defence blazed too hot, melting the home team’s hopes of a win. (KB)
