SPANISH TOWN, Jamaica, July 29, 2024.- Hosts Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago men took big steps into the semifinals of the CAZOVA U19 Volleyball Championships when they won their games on day three.
Jamaica, after beating Aruba on day one, had to produce mightily against the U.S. Virgin Islands who were impressive in beating Aruba on day two. It was the USVI who started sharper and took the first set 25-23. However, led by a vociferous band of supporters, the hosts rallied to take the second set 25-22. Jamaica led the third set for most of the way until the visitors produced some booming serves to take the set 26-24 and go up 2-1. The fourth set was similar to the third as Jamaica surged ahead to a 22-18 lead. This time Jamaica did not falter and took the set 25-20 to level at 2-2. In the deciding fifth set, the hosts jumped out to a 13-9 lead and held their nerves to take the set 15-11 and a 3-2 victory. A semifinal spot awaits them.
In another super game, Trinidad and Tobago, after thumping the Cayman Islands on Monday, returned to fight off Barbados 3-1 to head to the semifinals. Trinidad and Tobago took the first set 25-22 but Barbados clawed their way back to make it 1-1 at 26-24. Trinidad and Tobago eked out a 26-24 third set and used the momentum to wrap up the game at 25-22 for a 3-1 scoreline.
John Stuart coach of Barbados. “Trinidad and Tobago played well and they deserve to win. They took control of the third set. The standard of the competition is very good. Augurs well for the game in the Caribbean.”
Barbados men’s coach Curtiss Burkett: ” After winning both games, we think the sky is the limit for this team. It was a short preparation to get here, but we saw determination and heart in our players and we can’t go wrong with that. We are ready for whatever comes our way now. It’s a relatively young team and for them to do this good, we are doing well.”
In the only women’s game played on day three, the USVI sailed into the semifinals unbeaten by dominating Curacao 3-0, 25-12, 25-10, and 25-12.
English 
Spanish