Nassau, Bahamas, August 17, 2025 – Former 10 times kings Barbados made a winning start to the 19th CAZOVA championships this morning in the Kendal GL Isaac National Gymnasium in the Bahamas.

The Bajans played a poor serving game at times but still took their first match stopping Guadeloupe 25-23, 25-15, 23-25, 25-12. Guadeloupe were also guilty of making numerous serving errors and they could not match the attacking power of their opponents.

Captain Akeel Oxley along with opposite player Ahkeem Mayers and outside attacker Jabarry Goodridge proved a potent spiking force at the net for the winners. Captain Alexandre Watson and Jordy Bihardy battled strongly for Guadeloupe.

Coach of Guadeloupe Ishmael Ollivierre indicated that a lack of consistency affected his team’s performance. “We started really well leading Barbados but then we made too many simple errors in serving and attacking.

“This is the first time we are returning to CVC after a long absence and it was our first game. We will look at what we did wrong and prepare to do better in the next game,” said Ollivierre.

Andrew Culpepper of Barbados did not mince his words in spite of taking the win. “We served horribly. I do not know if it was just anxiety and the fellows trying too hard in that first game.

“After we recognised that our opponents were struggling to pass the ball we went to the float serves which put more pressure on their passers. I wanted to also give court time to everyone after going up two sets.

“That was important at this stage to give everyone a feel of the court. That did not work out in the third set but we will look to tighten up on those small areas and get ready for our next match,” said Culpepper.