BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Vincentian goal shooter Mary-Ann Frederick netted 44 goals from 45 attempts, ensuring no hiccups in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 51 –41 victory over Canada on Wednesday, the third day of action in the Americas Netball World Cup Qualifiers.
Hurting from the previous night’s loss to Trinidad and Tobago, the Vincy Jewels took a 16–9 first–quarter lead.
Although the Canadians outscored them 13 – 10 in the second quarter, 26 – 22, the Vincy Jewels remained focused and aggressive to win the third 38 – 32, and the fourth and final quarter 51 – 41.
Goal-attack Joseann Antoine scored 3 from 3 attempts, while substitute goal-attack Shellisa Davis scored 4 from 10 attempts.
For the Canadians, goal-shoot Ladonna Lamonth scored 23 from her 34 attempts, and goal-attack Jacqueline Kelly 18 from 24 attempts.
Assistant coach Akeil Mathew said the players were broken over the previous night’s loss to Trinidad and Tobago, “but we knew that we have what it takes to win today and we just went back to the drawing board and executed today”
Canada is recognised as a very physically fit team, always running at their opponents. Mathew said it was the perfect test — mentally and physically for the players after a loss.
“This group of ladies, I believe that they are very fit as well. As much as Canada is fit and they’re quick, we were able to keep up with them and when we needed to slow down the tempo, we did that as well.”
Frederick, also her team’s co-captain, was named player of the match.
She said the Vincey Jewels return to the drawing board, saying that the team went out on Wednesday, “we did what we had to do and listened and came out”.
She further said the players were driven after the previous day’s defeat.
“We were hungry and my team was hungry for the win and we played and did what we were supposed to do.”
In summing up the Vincy Jewels win, Mathews said: “At the end of the day, it really comes down to execution and being able to implement what the coaches teach you on defence, and I think the ladies did that really excellently today.”
Calypso Gems trounce Vincy Jewels
On Tuesday, Vincy Jewels lost 41 – 73 to Trinidad and Tobago, with the Calypso Gems leading in all quarters — 17 – 09, 36 – 17, 56 – 28, and 73 – 41.
“… we had a game plan; we didn’t stick to it,” Frederick said.
“We knew it was going to be a hard fight and we just had to stick and fight to the finish. I think we have learnt a lot. Just have to go back to the drawing board now and execute for the rest of the tournament.”
Vincy Jewels keep nerve in narrow win over US
The loss to the Calypso Gems came a day after the Vincy Jewels kept their nerves to emerge victorious 50 – 48 against the United States, in a topsy-turvy slam dunk affair on Monday.
It was the opening day of action in the Americas Netball World Cup Qualifiers, and the Vincentians first had to come from behind to level the scores in the third quarter, and then to hold their nerve in the gripping final quarter.
The Americans took a first-quarter lead, 11 –8, and maintained it in the second quarter, 28 –24.
However, the Vincentians levelled the score at the end of the third quarter — 36 – 36; leaving all to play for in the fourth quarter.
Frederick netted 40 of 43 attempts; goal-attack Kristiana Christopher scored 4 of 5 attempts, and Joseann Antoine, who replaced Christopher at goal-attack, scored 6 of 7 attempts.
For the Americans, goal-shoot Oshina Graham scored 44 of 46 attempts, goal-attack Gabrielle Woods scored 2 from 3 attempts, and Annya Graham 2 from 3 attempts.
Monday’s game was Vincy Jewels’ first competitive outing since winning the ECCB International Series Netball Championships almost a year ago in Grenada.
Reporting by Robertson S. Henry