Jamaica reach CAZOVA/ECVA Olympic qualifying semis
OCHO RIOS, Jamaica — The semi-finalists of the NORCECA Continental Cup Women’s Inter Zonal CAZOVA/ECVA phase were determined yesterday at Ocho Rios Bay during day one of competition of the BVB Olympic Qualifier, which include Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and French St Martin.
CAZOVA zonal phase winners Jamaica advanced to the semi-finals after beating Suriname 3-0 in the quarter-finals. Alicia Malcolm with partner Sashalee Wallen of Jamaica-B defeated both Suriname’s representatives; they took down Cheryl Brunings/Sandrina Hunsel (SUR-A) in a tight 2-0 (21-17, 23-21) win and Chagnaz Fränkel/Chavelli Wip (SUR-B) by 2-0 (21-18, 21-10). Jamaica-A team of Kai Wright/Danielle Perry defeated Chagnaz Fränkel/Chavelli Wip (SUR-B) 2-0 (21-10, 21-17).
The hosts will face another CAZOVA representative Trinidad & Tobago in today’s semi-finals. T&T couldn’t have a clean sweep over Antigua & Barbuda, as they finished the quarter-final series 3-1. Dyana Dyette and Malika Davidson of team-A took down Natasha Best/Naheemah Wilson (ANT-B) by 2-0 (21-10, 21-9) and Nyota Peters/Rosemarie Simon (ANT-A) by 2-0 (21-10, 21-8). Apphia Glasgow/La Teisha Joseph (TRI-B) defeated Natasha Best/Naheemah Wilson (ANT-B) 2-0 (21-15, 21-12), but lost to Nyota Peters/Rosemarie Simon (ANT-A) battling hard 1-2 (22-24, 21-18, 11-15).
Barbados dominated ECVA zonal phase champions St Lucia 3-0 in a well fought battle where Barbados-A of Shari Matthews/Anicia Wood took two wins. Matthews/Wood beat Dala Noel/Kerin Neptune (LCA-B) by 2-1 (20-22, 21-17, 15-6) and Skye Faucher/Dania Hamilton (LCA-A) 2-0 (21-11, 21-7). Sharon Bovell/Anthazia Mason of Barbados-B defeated Skye Faucher/Dania Hamilton (LCA-A) 2-1 (19-21, 21-12, 15-12).
Joining the semi-finalists are also French St Martin, the only team from ECVA. The duo of Stephanie Pioche and Melody Benhamou prevailed 2-0 (21-19, 21-19) over Wolfenden Jessica/Gandolfi Stefania (CAY-A) and 2-0 (21-8, 21-13) over Chante/Powery Ileann (CAY-B). Meanwhile, Valerie Damaseau/Fosemarie Audrey (FSM-A) defeated Smith-Johnson Chante/Powery Ileann (CAY-B) by 2-0 (21-19, 21-12).
The tournament continues today with the loser’s elimination bracket and semi-final matches between Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago and French St Martin v Barbados.
