dominicavolleyball.com spoke with Head coach, Robert Guiste, and other members of the team about their expectations and preparations for Sunday’s Big Match against St. Lucia.

“I have full confidence in my team. I believe the guys have what it takes to pull it off and advance. We have been working on the flaws in game and the guys are extremely motivated right now. We all know what we have to do and it’s just a matter of going out their and putting the pieces together to let it work.”

“We know that we are playing against a tough team and St. Lucia is not going to let it go easily, especially in front of their home crowd. We have played against and beaten them in the past so the task at hand is difficult, but not impossible. We simply have to play a flawless game and make Dominica proud.”

Captain, David Toussaint, also feels very confident about his teams chances. “I know that we can beat them (St. Lucia). We have to stick togather as a team. We have been working hard and now it’s payoff time. We must play a strategic and smooth game. I have no fear facing St. Lucia. We did it before and we will do it again.”

Ithoma James, leading libero in the tournament, says that while he feels a bit more pressured than in previous meetings against St. Lucia, he is prepared to carry whatever load he has to to help his team. “My team needs my defense now more than ever. I think I have to play a critical role in my team’s defense. I must continue to improve my game and aim for flawless reception. Our passes are very critical to our offense at the net.”

Ray ‘rayzer’ Robinson believes that a team effort is a key to victory. “I am confident that we can do it. We need high energy and team work going into that game.”

Dominica’s leading blocker, Reginald Thomas, believes that his blocking will help Dominica. “It’s just St. Lucia. No pressure. we have beaten them in the past, we will beat them again.”

The veterans’ confidence is rubbing off on the younger players. Rookie, Lincoln Riviere, is one of those young players. “At first I felt really nervous. Now, by just listening and feeling the confidence of the senior players, I, too, am confident that we can bring it together and win it all. Thhis is my first tour and it would be really nice it we could return home victorious”.

Well guys, we here at dominicavolleyball.com wish you all the best and are waiting to hear good things from you. We applaud your efforts and will be routing for you all the way.

Congratulations to the Dominica volleyball community for capping most of the major awards at the 2008 National Sports Award Ceremony on wednesday.

Referee of the year - Marcus Blondel - volleyball

Coach of the Year - Albert Loblack - volleyball

Club of the year - Sunrise (nuff respect, again)

And get this…….

ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR - DOMINICA AMATEUR VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION.

They need to put a category for “sports association website of the year” :).

(webbie)