Last week, the Virgin Islands under-23 volleyball team competed in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association’s under-23 male championships in Antigua.
All told, seven teams competed in the tournament, including Bermuda, the VI, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Maarten and Antigua.
The second-place finisher will compete in the CAZOVA under-23 championship on Aug. 11-15.
Last Wednesday, the VI started the tournament against Antigua and lost in three sets, 25-15, 25-14 and 25-9.
It was reported that VI coach Stephen Payne felt that his team should have done better, but said that they are “inexperienced” and were in awe of the occasion.
The VI’s other loss came from St. Maarten, 25-23, 25-22 and 25-19.
Team captain Mikey Joseph had a strong performance and was supported by Paul Mourillon and Tyler Jackson. The captain said the opposition was a superior team and that his team needed to improve on passing and setting up offensive plays.
Mr. Payne added that the team had little preparation for the tournament and this was a clear indicator in the team’s performance.
In the VI’s last match, they faced Grenada and lost, 25-18, 25-19 and 25-13. Mr. Mourillon had 11 points in the loss.
Mr. Joseph congratulated Grenada and said his team made a good effort. Although he is now looking forward to other ECVA events, he said his team will have to work on their skills.
Mr. Payne said the team had “pockets of brilliance” throughout the tournament, but more preparation is needed along with recruiting more players. However, he is looking forward to coming back next year.
The VI team: Paul Mourillon, Mikey Joseph, Marlon Burke, Clyde Potter Jr., Tyler Jackson, Ricky Singh, Lestin Wiltshire, Carldon Morton and Mortland Gordon.
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