T&T Women shine as men falter in dramatic day of CAZOVA volleyball

By Ben McLeod (CNW)- Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s volleyballers produced a dazzling performance on Thursday, dismantling defending champions Jamaica in straight sets to march into the final of the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Senior Championships.

In front of an energized crowd at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium in Nassau, Bahamas, the women in red, white, and black showed little regard for pedigree, sweeping aside their regional rivals 25–11, 25–19, 25–9. The result booked them a date with Barbados in Saturday’s final at 5:30 p.m.

Overcoming setbacks, rising to the occasion

The victory was made even more impressive given T&T’s circumstances. They entered the tournament missing two of their stalwarts, Channon Thompson and Krystle Esdelle, who were sidelined due to suspected COVID-19. Yet, instead of faltering, the squad drew strength from adversity.

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After dispatching Guadeloupe in straight sets in the quarter-finals, the Calypso Spikers looked fearless against Jamaica. From the opening whistle, T&T dictated the tempo, crushing any hopes of a Jamaican fightback with relentless attacking, disciplined defense, and unshakable composure.

Statement performance against regional nemesis

The dominance was emphatic. The Jamaicans, long a regional powerhouse, found themselves thoroughly outclassed. T&T set the tone with a blistering 25-11 opener, extended their lead with a more measured 25-19 second set, and then closed in ruthless fashion, storming through the final set 25-9.

For T&T, the manner of the victory sent a clear message: they are no longer simply contenders—they are chasing the crown.

Men’s team falters as Jamaica strikes back

Earlier in the day, however, the tables turned in the men’s competition. Trinidad and Tobago’s men, once the dominant force in the region with titles in 2010, 2014, and 2017, bowed out of medal contention after falling to Jamaica 3-1 in the quarter-finals.

Despite drawing first blood in a thrilling 32-30 opening set, the Calypso Spikers’ men faltered badly thereafter. Jamaica rallied to level the match with a 25-17 win in the second set, then edged out T&T 26-24 in a grueling third. Any hopes of a comeback dissolved quickly in the fourth, as Jamaica cruised to a 25-17 clincher, sealing their place in the semi-finals and consigning T&T to a rare medal-less exit.

A tournament of contrasts

For T&T volleyball, Thursday was a day of contrasting fortunes: heartbreak for the men, but glory and renewed belief for the women. With a chance to seize the CAZOVA crown against Barbados, the women’s team now carries the nation’s hopes—and the momentum of a statement victory—into Saturday’s grand finale