JUANA DÍAZ, Puerto Rico, June 11, 2023.- Trinidad and Tobago won the 2023 Women’s Norceca International League Final Four bronze medal defeating US Virgin Islands in straight sets 3-0 (25-10,25-23, 25-20) on Sunday at Dolores “Toyita” Martínez Coliseum in Juana Díaz.
Trinidad and Tobago (1-2) closed the match with advantages in attacks 64-19, in blocks 8-5 and 9-0 in aces.
Opposite hitter Channon Thompson of Costa Rica topped all scorers with 17 points from 13 kills and three aces. Also contributing to the win, middle blocker, and team captain Jalicia Ross-Kydd with 11 points and Krystle Esdelle with nine points.
Opposite hitter Anne Gillens of US Virgin Islands with nine points on eight kills.
Jalicia Ross-Kydd, captain of Trinidad and Tobago: “We are feeling very excited and pleased to be here and play against USVI and win. We work together and we build from the first two matches against Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. We brought that momentum into this match because we have to play against them on top of the Caribbean in July and August. This is what we are stepping stones together. We are very excited and proud of ourselves”
Saleen Ali, coach of Trinidad and Tobago: “It’s great because as I said before, our program has now started two months ago. Our main objective in this cycle is the Caribbean Volleyball Championships and USVI is one of our main rivals. So, we’re here. It’s psychological and also good for us going into the championships”.
Isaac Raphael, coach of US Virgin Islands: “I really enjoyed ourselves with everything was very smooth. The final game there was a bigger team than us. We need to learn to execute but the experience was great for us here at this level. The more we play at this level, the better we will do. It was the first time for many of my players. I would like to win but we’re getting better, that’s what matters”.