The senior men's national volleyball team sent a strong message to the other squads playing at the 14th Annual Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Championships, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Tuesday.
After receiving a first day bye, the national team took to the court against Guadeloupe. Led by captain Prince Wilson, the team served up its first win, 25-17, 25-20 and 25-13. The match lasted 73 minutes and Wilson finished as the top scorer with 14 points. Teammates Renaldo Knowles and Byron Ferguson added 10 and eight points respectively.
The Bahamas is playing out of Pool 'B' with host country the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), and Guadeloupe. Over in Pool 'A' are the defending champions Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados and Martinique. Head Coach De'Vince Smith likes the start the team is off to, and was looking to keep the win/loss record blemish free when they took to the court against the U.S. Virgin Islands last night. The result of that match was unavailable up to press time.
Smith said: "Our players had the opportunity to compete against most players throughout the Caribbean in numerous club and semi-professional tournaments prior to traveling to the Caribbean Volleyball Championships. However, we were placed in a pool with southern countries in the likes of Guadeloupe and the U.S. Virgin Islands where we had no prior opportunities to see the level of competition of these teams.
"Fortunately, host country USVI played Guadeloupe on the opening night which gave us an opportunity to watch and scout both teams. Guadeloupe plays a relatively slow and high game, with most of their sets to the outside or right back position. During our practice session, I had players assimilate the exact style of play in an effort to strategize our game. For the most part, we quickened our offense to beat the taller, slower blocks and used the three-man block to defend the high balls being set to the wings. It was of utmost importance to win the first game and set the tempo. We wanted to make a statement for the remaining games."
The national team was training in preparation for the tournament for over three months. The team is missing Shedrick Forbes, a right-side attacker who plays an integral part in the team's offense. He was unable to travel because of technical issues with his passport. The team was forced to re-adjust the offense, shuffling players around into various positions.
"We have a very versatile team and so we were able to make the necessary adjustments," said Smith. "He (Forbes) is going to be missed. It did bring the mood down a bit but the guys were all hyped and excited to finally hit the court and show that they belong here, and that the title can be won by them. We jumped on Guadeloupe from the first point which was a perfectly executed slide from Byron Ferguson.
"From that point Prince Wilson went to the service line and gave the team a comfortable seven-point lead. The team never looked back as setter Tony Simon ran a consistent offense, coupled with strong blocks at the net from Byron and Renaldo Knowles. Team libero Jamaal Ferguson played a steady reception and defensive game allowing the setter to take control of the offense.
"If we continue to play and have a well-balanced game every time we step on the court, it will be hard to beat us."
The quarter-finals will start on Friday and continue on Saturday. The championship will wrap up on Sunday. The women's segment will come on the heels of the men's, commencing on Tuesday. The women's national team will leave on Monday.

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