A financial crisis is threatening to dash the hopes of Bermuda national women's volleyball team as they bid to reach the third round of the World Championship qualifiers.

The team were defeated 3-0 by second round hosts Trinidad last night, but even a loss in that match coupled with and a narrow five-set defeat to Netherland Antilles on Thursday didn't signal elimination. The Island team could still advance to the next round thanks to four straight victories earlier in the tournament.

But coach Jon Gazzard said it was unlikely they could carry on in the competition, although they are favoured to win their final game today when three out of the last four remaining teams will qualify for the third round.

Gazzard said the team would need to find some $12,000 for travel and accommodation in order to take part in the third round in Dominican Republic next week, and already they had exhausted all available funds.

"With minimal funding from this year's Government grant designated towards the national team because of other local programmes within the Bermuda Volleyball Association, the women's team are facing the likelihood of not being able to continue as they have no funds," said Gazzard yesterday.

"They have already had to pay a significant amount out of their own pockets and should they finish third tomorrow (today), which is more than likely, they would need to travel to Dominican Republic a few days after their return from Trinidad.

"They would be facing the daunting task of finding approximately $12,000 for travel and accommodations immediately."

Six countries have been competing in the second round of the World Championship qualifiers this week with three moving onto what promises to be a tough third round which will include volleyball powerhouses Cuba, USA and Dominican Republic.

The top teams from that round will then qualify for the World Championship finals in Japan next year.

Bermuda's team have already spent thousands of dollars travelling to the first round of the World Championships in St. Martin last month where they won all three of their matches.

And the same team are set to travel to Aland in the Baltic Sea on June 24 as medal favourites in the Island Games.