Pan American International Insurance Warrens are the Goddard Enterprises Limited Women’s Division One volleyball queens for the third year in a row.
Warrens took the crown with a facile 25-9, 25-21, 25-19 win over Frozen Minis Club United when the Goddard Enterprises Limited-sponsored action continued at Oldbury, St Philip, on Sunday night.
That victory carried Warrens to an unassailable 40 points with two games in hand. Former queens Chargers ended on 37 points, while Burger King Clapham Toners lost an illusionary chance to overhaul Warrens when they were beaten by UWI Blackbirds.
Blackbirds took that contest 25-12, 25-20, 18-25, 25-16, leaving Toners on 30 points with one game in hand. The Blackbirds, on 26 points, have two unplayed matches.
Warrens, who lost their knockout title a few weeks ago to the Blackbirds, have enjoyed a remarkable run since reaching the highest level five years ago. They have appeared in the senior knockout finals every year, taking the title in 2016 to clinch their first double crown.
On Sunday, Warrens kept former Barbados setter Sophia Walcott on the bench and were still good enough to hammer Club at nine in the first set. Club rebounded to lead 7-1 in the second set before young Xhane Greenidge reeled off some tough serves as Warrens moved to 11 before Club won another point.
With only Tiandre Stuart and Mya Evelyn offering any counter for Club, Warrens overran their opponents, especially after Walcott joined the fray. Her presence allowed veteran Anthazia Mason to attack along with the consistent Rhe-Ann Niles and the rapidly improving Greenidge.
In the later game, Blackbirds started without the late arriving setter Afyia Taylor, with veteran Sharon Bovell filling in. Cherise Austin enjoyed her best game of the season as Dania Hamilton once again led the offence.
Ashley Jordan was the standout for Toners again, with Aaliyah Durant and Akillah Phillips being more hot than their customary cold. However, Toners’ ground play created by poor passing and uncertainty in defence denied them another victory over UWI.
Meanwhile, in spite of not playing on Sunday, Cawmere moved within one point of a record first senior men’s crown. Deacons overcame Chargers 25-18, 25-23, 20-25, 26-28, 16-14 in a bruising five-setter – a result which nullified both teams’ faint hopes of catching Cawmere.
Deacons moved to 26 points with one game in hand. Chargers have 18 with two matches to play. Only Progressive, on 27 points with one game to play, can mathematically equal Cawmere’s 32 points.
But, Cawmere would have to lose to Deacons and Chargers in straight sets to remain on 32 points and lose the crown. Cawmere should take the title tomorrow when they meet Chargers. They could then enjoy a coronation celebration in their final game on Sunday. (KB)
