The Bahamas women’s national volleyball team is currently preparing to travel to Suriname this week to compete in the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Senior Championship Qualifiers, and according to head coach Covance Mortimer, practice sessions are beginning to intensify as the competition draws near.
The tournament is set to begin June 28 and will run through July 5. The first round of the qualification tournament will feature teams in Group C, and the top two finishers will advance to the second round in July. The Bahamas, along with Suriname and the Cayman Islands make up Group C.
“We feel like we have a nice mix of veterans and youth,” Mortimer said.
“We have been working hard, but I still need to see some more intensity from the ladies before we leave the island. So, by Thursday or Friday, I need us to be in the mindset to go up against some tough teams over the course of the competition.”
A total of 14 teams from around the region will be competing in the event.
“Because this team is not really experienced in international play, we want to use this tournament as a teacher,” she added.
“We know we can rely on a few players for veteran leadership, and so we’re hoping the others will pick up quickly and lock in on what we need them to do.
“Although we’re not sure what event we may be competing in next, because that’s totally up to the federation. We want our athletes to be prepared for this level.”
