Young undaunted by defeat

Despite finishing last in the six team OECS Female Volleyball championships in St. Lucia three weeks ago, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball Association, Shaun Young, sees light at the end of the tunnel.{{more}}

Young, who journeyed to St. Lucia as team manager, told SEARCHLIGHT recently that the experience was a barometer for this country’s position among their counterparts in the sub region.

“I must say from the last time I saw the competition, the standard has risen”, Young observed.

The disparity was such that this country has slipped from its second position earned in 1999, the last occasion this country’s females were featured in the championships.

And the Vincentians only consolation was that they were able to take a set off the defending champions Dominica.

Young said that this country’s participation in this year’s competition paved the way for its involvement in the FIBA world cup qualifiers to be held in St. Martin and the British Virgin Islands in 2009.

Young believed, though, that with proper intervention, this country should see some improvements.

Young is banking on a four month stint of a Cuban qualified coach earmarked for later this year, as one way of improving the standard of play here.

“What we need is a more structured coaching programme to raise the level”, Young advised.

In addition, Young believed that the upcoming club championships set for next month will assist in more competitive volleyball being played among all local players of both sexes.

The start up of male and female junior units is also part of Young’s development plan.

He pointed to a renewed fervour of the female players who went to St. Lucia, and of the need for them to put in a greater effort.

“They (females) have taken it upon themselves to set aside one day per week strictly for their training,” Young revealed.

The four day championships staged over the Easter weekend saw host St. Lucia beating St. Kitts and Nevis 3-1 in the final.

In third place was Antigua & Barbuda who defeated defending champions Dominica in five sets 3-2.

The other team in the championships was fifth placed St. Martin.

Awards were presented to Most Outstanding Player, Dania Hamilton of St Lucia; Best Server, Elizabeth Smith of Antigua & Barbuda; Best Blocker, Tessa Payne of Antigua & Barbuda; Best Spiker, Anna Maria Xavier of Dominica; Best Defender Angela Smith, of St Kitts/Nevis; Best Libero, Nadege Augustin of Antigua & Barbuda; Best Receiver, Elizabeth Joseph of Dominica and Best Setter, Vanessa Burke, Antigua & Barbuda.

A team of players along with Young and Coach Marlon Williams made up the Vincentian contingent. (RT)