PARAMARIBO. Suriname, July 24, 2023.- The Jamaican women team starts the 18^th edition of the Caribbean Championships with a comfortable 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-17) victory over Barbados at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Paramaribo.

Jamaica was dominant the entire match while pressing Barbados offense and defense. The Reggae led with a huge 41 to 10 points from attacks, 6 to two block and 5-0 in aces. Jamaica committed 19 unforced errors and Barbados 24.

Opposite and captain Sashalee Thomas led with 14 points including 4 block and 5 digs. She is joined by outside hitter Mychael Vernon and middle blocker Anesia Edwards with each 9 points respectively. For Barbados outside hitter Shonte Seale led the team with a game high 20 points including 2 aces and 4 kills.

Sashalee Thomas, captain of Jamaica: “I think the secret for us today is that we are mentally prepared. We know how to play from behind. We have a good team bond even though this is a whole new team. Definitely we came to play and reach the final.”

Chong, Head Coach of Jamaica: “I am glad that we played our first match out of the way. We are happy to see how the other teams are playing. So, I think we are getting better. We have to