PARAMARIBO. Suriname, July 23, 2023.- Both men and women team of Suriname opened the 18th Senior Caribbean Championship with a defeat. The organizing country and defending champion in the men’s group lost in straight sets to Barbados 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-19) in the Anthony Nesty sports hall on Sunday evening.

The women's selection of Suriname also started the 18th Senior Volleyball Caribbean Championships with a loss. Bahamas lost 3-2 (28-26, 26-24, 21-25, 22-25, 15-13) in a five-setter.

Barbados led the entire game. They earn their win despite playing with a completely new roster and being able to have any friendlies.

With impressive 17 points, opposite Mayers of Barbados led all scorers on 8 kills and two blocks.Outside hitter and team captain Oxley contributed in the win with 11 points and 4 kills.

On Suriname, outside hitter and team captain Keven Sporkslede led with 8 points, joined by opposite Zefanio Breinburg with 7 points.

Carlos Orta Head Coach of the Suriname men team: “We didn't play today. I'm very disappointed. Barbados has a good team and I think the underestimation was there. We now have to win our next two games,"

Sergio Valdes Head Coach of the Suriname women team: “A five-setter match can go either way. And the score was tied at one point. But luck was not on our side today. We will take all the positive things to the second game,"

Sandrina Hunsel captain of Suriname women team: “Fortunately, we found that good understanding in the third and fourth set. I wouldn't say it's not a bad thing, but it's good that we have these learning moments at the beginning of this tournament. We will now take all points for improvement to our second game.”