bridgetown, barbados (cmc)
Martinique created history when they ended the long Barbados reign as men's title-holders at the Caribbean Volleyball Championships ) with a five-set victory in the final on Sunday.
The men from the French-speaking island did the unthinkable, coming from two sets down against the 10-time champions and hosts to win their first regional crown, 24-26, 17-25, 27-25, 25-21, 15-11.
Frustrating night
It was a frustrating night for the home crowd, as they were also denied the women's crown by defending champions Trinidad and Tobago after taking the first set.
In a rematch of the previous two regional finals, the girls from the twin-island republic turned back the home side 22-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-17.
Stunned team
Meanwhile, the stunned Barbadian men were left wondering how they snatched an embarrassing loss from the jaws of what appeared to be an inevitable victory.
Barbados had never been really tested throughout the entire tournament and faltered against a Martinique side that showed no negative effects from two gruelling encounters against Trinidad and Tobago.
The home side had made one line-up change, starting with crowd favourite and outside hitter Shawn Simpson in place of Renier Grace.
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