Oct 04 2008
Lucian Gals take Second Place in Sizzlin Sands Beach Volleyball Competition

St. Lucian duo of Dania Hamilton and Samantha Mann took second place in the 5th Annual Sizzlin Sands ‘Antigua Sunsplash’ Beach Volleyball Competition. Taking part in a round robin competition on Saturday the Ladies from the Helen of the West Indies defeated a mixed team from Antigua and Barbuda, Tessa Payne and St. Kitts, Shanicia Dyer (4th Place at Sizzlin Sand ‘Antigua Sunsplash’ 2007).

Hamilton and Mann were defeated in the first set but fought hard to win the second and then moved on to the third and final deciding set for the match. It was no walk in the park for the first timers to the Sizzlin Sands Competition with Dyer’s tough service getting valuable points for her team. Yet in the end the ladies from sweet Helen were victorious with Mann’s outstanding blocking ability and the ambidextrous hitting of Hamilton who in the end found great consistency with her left hand.

The ladies then advanced to the quarterfinal round later on that afternoon after having topped their group (group D) in the morning. They played against the 2nd place team from group A, Trinidad and Tobago (one of 5 teams). The first set was over in less than 15 minutes as team St. Lucia displayed perfect passing, blocking, placement and attacking skills. Trinidad and Tobago fought back in the 2nd set, but was unable to overcome team St. Lucia who won the set and game to advance to the semi finals on Sunday.

In a do or die match Hamilton and Mann came up against two time reigning champions Mason and Bovell from Barbados. The Bajan girls with a wealth of experience thought it would be a walk in the park coming up against the inexperienced team from St. Lucia in the semi final round. The first set was won convincingly by the defending champions. However, it was not that easy for the Bajans in the 2nd set as team St. Lucia fought hard for victory to win (21-19). In the 3rd set of the game, it was point for point scoring until team St. Lucia took the lead to win the set 15 – 11.

The ladies waited in great anticipation as the second semi final round began with one of five Trinidad teams played against another team from Barbados (who placed 2nd last year). In the end, Trinidad and Tobago advanced to the finals to compete against team St. Lucia for 1st place.

With the performance of team St. Lucia over the weekend and the play of the experienced Trinidad and Tobago team, no one was able to predict who would win Antigua Sunsplash. Team Trinidad and Tobago won the match convincingly in two straight sets defeating team St. Lucia 21 – 15 and 21 – 13.

In the male division, it was 2007 2nd place champions team Barbados versus Guadeloupe. The French team won the first set but lost the 2nd one as the experienced Elwyn Oxley displayed great form in his reception, blocking and attacking skills. In the 3rd set, team Guadeloupe was victorious and went on to win the game.

The final results of the 5th Annual Sizzlin Sand ‘Antigua Sunsplash’ Beach Volleyball Competition are:

In the female division;
1st – Trinidad and Tobago
2nd – St. Lucia
3rd – Barbados
4th – Barbados

In the male division;
1st – Guadeloupe
2nd – Barbados
3rd – Trinidad and Tobago
4th – Trinidad and Tobago