Kingston, Jamaica, April 16, 2005 – As predicted, Jamaica and the Netherlands Antilles will play off on Sunday for the opportunity to advance to the second round of the 2006 Women’s World Championship after they both collected their second win in as many matches on Saturday in the Norceca Pool A first round tournament in Kingston.

Jamaica had little trouble in defeating the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in straight sets 25-19, 25-19, 25-11 while the Netherlands Antilles took only 54 minutes to overcome the Cayman Islands 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-13).
Pic: The British Virgin Islands on defence
Both teams now stand on top of the four-team-table unbeaten and the winner of Sunday’s match between the 46th ranked Jamaicans and the Netherlands Antilles, ranked 56th in the world, will head to the Dominican Republic in August to play off in a second round tournament with the hosts, Cuba, Costa Rica and another first round team for a ticket to the final round.

“It’s going to be an extraordinary final. I think that the teams are very even,” Cayman Islands coach Andrea Williams said. “They have different strengths and weaknesses and I think tomorrow will be very close and very exciting. I’m in Jamaica, I have to pick Jamaica.”

Kwele Williams, the British Virgin Islands coach stated that “the experience, quickness and the home court advantage will be key factors in favour of Jamaica, a team who raises their level for the occasion.”

Following Friday’s convincing victory over the Cayman Islands, Jamaica were equally impressive against BVI with Ptamony Fletcher leading the way with 15 points. Jacqueline Weekes collected 13 for BVI who will now play the Cayman Islands on Sunday for third place.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands Antilles head into Sundays ‘final’ on the back of a superb performance against the Cayman Islands thanks to a outstanding match from Geraldine Gregorius, who was successful with 14 of her 23 killing attempts and in three out of her six blocks, scoring 17 points.

“The team is getting more and more confident and playing more as a unit,” said Juan Carlos Loaiza, the Venezuelan who coaches the Netherlands Antilles. “We are working in our fighting spirit which we will need for tomorrow.”

Captain Helma Stam said: “It was more a warm-up match today, but we must have everything working for the match against Jamaica.”

Day three of the 2006 Women’s World Championship first round tournament (Norceca Pool A) on Sunday sees the Cayman Islands play the British Virgin Islands at 18.00 (local time) and the Netherlands Antilles take on Jamaica at 20.00.