Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
Jamaica's captain Traceyann Pryce (right), going up for one of her 10 kills as Jamaica faced Netherland Antilles in the North, Central American and the Caribbean 2006 World Championships Volleyball first round qualifier at the National Arena, on Sunday night. Jamaica won 25-19, 25-18, 25-11 to advance to the second round which is set for August in the Dominican Republic. - Carlington Wilmot/Freelance Photographer
JAMAICA'S Riddim Girls earned a place in the final round of the women's World Cup Volleyball qualification on Sunday.
They defeated the Netherlands Antilles 25-19, 25-18, 25-11 to clinch top spot and finish with a 100 percent record in the North, Central America and the Caribbean Confederation (NORCECA) first round qualifiers held in the National Arena at the weekend.
Jamaica, ranked 47 in the world and the top ranked team in the tournament, also recorded 3-0 wins over the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands who are not world ranked. The Netherland Antilles are ranked at 58.
ACHIEVEABLE TASK
The final round of qualification will be hosted by the Dominican Republic in August with the top three teams qualifying for the World Cup championship in Japan, in November, a task head coach Ortnel Findlay thinks is achievable.
"Our chances are as good as anybody. We are playing volleyball and you never can tell what will happen," he told The Gleaner.
"We just need to go there and play some serious volleyball, concentrate on what we have to do. If we make very few mistakes you never can tell what will happen," he added.
COACH SATISFIED
Findlay was satisfied with his team's cohesiveness and fighting spirit in brushing aside their three opponents.
"It's a great feeling. The game was played at a high tempo. I appreciate how the team played in all departments. Everybody was there for each other." With the first step out of the way, Findlay noted that as part of their preparation, the Riddim Girls will take up the offer and participate in a tournament in Santo Domingo which would provide valuable exposure.
"The president of NORCECA has invited us to a tournament because Peru have withdrawn. It's a good stepping stone for us and more exposure to volleyball. If we go there, come August we should do pretty well." said Findlay.
According to Findlay, the tournament will be in Santo Domingo from June 8 to 19 and will include regional giants Brazil, USA and Mexico.
