SPANISH TOWN, Jamaica, CMC – Hosts Jamaica captured the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball (CAZOVA) Under-19 boys’ title in style here Sunday night when they stormed to a three-set victory over defending champions Barbados.
In a lopsided contest at the GC Foster College, Jamaica carved out a 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 result, to atone for their preliminary round, straight sets defeat to the Barbadians four days ago.
Captain and MVP, Jovan Thomas, led the winners with nine kills while Shavar James chimed in with six.
For Barbados, Brandon Callender led with 18 points.
Entering the final on the back of a four-game winning streak, Barbados were the heavy favourites and looked to be making good on these bets when they grabbed an early lead.
However, Jamaica roared back to overcome a six-point deficit and shock the Barbadians by clinching the first set at 22.
Despite ending the first set with momentum, Jamaica were pegged back early in the second, to trail 2-8. However, a time out broke Barbados’ rhythm and the hosts sparked an 8-1 run to lead 10-9.
Barbados fought back gallantly and looked to be closing out the set at 22-18 when Jamaica once again turned the tables, going on a 7-1 run to stun their opponents yet again.
With a comfortable 2-0 lead, Jamaica made no mistake in the third set to easily win at 16 and crown themselves champions. With the victory, Jamaica also booked their spot at the North, Central American and Caribbean (NORCECA) Under-19 Championship slated to be held soon.
In the third place playoff, Haiti dropped a set en route to beating Trinidad and Tobago 25-13, 24-26, 25-21, 25-15.
The French Caribbean side were powered by Denilson Francois who scored 16 points, with Adonis Daniel supporting with 12 points.
Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, got 21 kills from Tyrique Nicolas.