Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/6910/-1/127/
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Anguilla Plays Well In Regional Volleyball
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Several years ago Volleyball was just a word that people tossed around as they reminisced on the epic battles of Society Crush and Free Birds, or Guerrillas and Ganinipers. Now the sport seems to be catching attention and fever as long time rivals Uprising and Hylanders renew old grudges.
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The Anguilla team with coach
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It was just a year ago that Anguilla reentered regional competition but was rudely awakened to the demands of the sport. Vowing never to allow that event to repeat itself, volleyball players became focused with the Anguilla Development Board Business League and the LIME sponsored National Volleyball Championships.
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Hi-five, female match in progress
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In Antigua, the male team proved their worth by taking pre tournament favorites St. Kitts and Antigua to two five set matches. It was obvious Anguilla was one of the better teams in the tournament. This was further evidenced by placing third, and several players earning several awards: best scorer and blocker - Sherwin ‘Skywalker” Richardson, and best setter - Lester “Fishy” Connor.
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Kalidah Banks (centre) receiving trophy
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The Anguillian ladies showed equal tenacity in their qualifiers in St. Martin. They dispatched most of their opponents with relative ease, but encountered road blocks against Dominica and Bermuda. Despite the team’s relative inexperience, one can see the level of effort the produced. As a result several players were ranked in the top ten for numerous categories. Khalidah Banks was ranked as the second highest scorer, 4th ranked receiver; Ludianne Leverette Richardson 5th ranked spiker and 7th ranked digger; Farrah Banks was ranked as the 4th best blocker in the tournament and 13th ranked server; and Connie Smith was the 3rd ranked setter. The ladies placed fourth following a three-way tie for second place.
The coaches for the teams were Mr. Justus Connor and Merrick Richardson. Ms. Khalidah Banks served as Team Physiotherapist, while Kenisha Leverette served as Team Manager.
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Anguilla team slamming the ball
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The Anguilla Amateur Volleyball Association would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Sports Directorate, the Caribbean Commercial Bank, National Bank of Anguilla, Morlens Architecture and all persons who made contributions to ensure Anguilla’s participation in the FIVB World Cup Qualifiers.
- Contributed