Saint Lucia are the new Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)/ Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Under -23 Netball champions as they have tied with Grenada as the second most successful team, after romping to their sixth Under- 23 Netball title which concluded in Saint Kitts on Thursday evening.
The Saint Lucia team played unbeaten throughout the tournament, steamrolled all the other participating countries in retaining the title they last won in 2014 when the tournament was held in Saint Lucia.
Saint Lucia had wins in (2014- Saint Lucia), (2005 – Saint Kitts), (2004 – Grenada), (1997- Nevis) and (1995 – Grenada) and their title count is surpassed only by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines which won the OECS title sixteen times overall.
In the final game on the night, in a battle of the “Saints”, Saint Lucia over powered Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 37-26.
Led by Ianna Hippolyte (captain) with 27 goals from 33 attempts at the net and Dasha Eugene 10 from 15 attempts, Saint Lucia had 50 shots on goal, while SVG had 48. The Vincentians were led by Zanelle James with 27 goals from 40 attempts.
Saint Lucia led 11-5 in the first quarter, 24-13 at the halftime whistle and 29-18 at the end of the third quarter.
In awards presented, Saint Lucia captured the most accurate shooting team, while Dasha Eugene was awarded the most accurate shooter of the tournament.
On the opening night of the tournament on Saturday, Saint Lucia made their intention clear; it won’t be business as usual as they opened their campaign with a win against Dominica after three quarters 31-14. The Dominicans walked off the court in the final quarter citing poor officiating.
Goal Shoot, Dasha Eugene netted 16 from 35 attempts and Captain Ianna Hippolyte scored 15 from 25 attempts for Saint Lucia.
The eleven member Saint Lucia team were Ianna Hippolyte (Captain), Jermiah Evariste, Aaliyah Estephor, Everlou Linor, Verne Alexander, Shaneika Paul, Tamara Samuel, Dasha Eugene, Joselyn Hubert, Kamala Mangal and Tanny Williams. Team coach – Donnalyn Joseph.
The Saint Lucia team returned home last evening to a welcome reception at the George F.L. Charles Airport an event put together by the Department of Youth Development and Sports.
