Team Saint Lucia got big contributions from their veterans on Saturday evening to register their first win in the 2014 North and Central America and Caribbean (NORCECA) World Championship Qualification Tournament – Round 2 Group J in Curacao.

After losing to the home team in the morning, Saint Lucia beat Belize in four sets, Belize having beaten Antigua in their opening fixture. With both teams on 1-1, results and point differentials from their Sunday morning games will now be crucial, as the medal round will be played Sunday night.

On Saturday evening, Belize jumped out ahead, leading Saint Lucia by as much as eight points. Saint Lucia cut into the deficit, but eventually succumbed 24-26 in the opening set. Using that momentum, though, the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association champions won the next set 25-18, held on for a third-set victory at 26-24, and completed the encounter with a 25-17 showing in the fourth and final set.

Samantha Mann was the anchor for Saint Lucia. Best Blocker at Saint Lucia’s last tournament, she had six of the team’s nine blocks, and added nine kills. Indira Laurencin led in kills with 12, one of three Saint Lucia players in double figures, along with the captain, Natalie Edward, and Dania Hamilton. Saint Lucia recorded a total of 45 kills. Hamilton and Edward chipped in with three service aces apiece.

In the other match on Saturday night, the home team made short work of Antigua, winning 25-8, 25-9, 25-9 to maintain their perfect record. On Sunday morning, group play continues with Saint Lucia against winless Antigua, and Curacao looking to sweep the boards against Belize.

The winner of this round will progress to Round 3, another step closer to the 2014 FIVB World Championships in Italy. Six women’s sides from NORCECA will qualify to Italy.

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