The 2024 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) International Netball Series kicks off tomorrow (Sunday) at the Beausejour Indoor Facility in Gros Islet. Seven overseas teams will compete alongside host Saint Lucia for the coveted prize.
Running from September 20 to 30, the tournament will see Netball Saint Lucia’s 12-member squad representing the island in what promises to be a keenly contested affair. The competitors include OECS members Antigua & Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, defending champions Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, all vying for the Gloria Ballantyne Trophy. The Cayman Islands will participate as an invited team.
Saint Lucia opens its campaign tomorrow as well against unranked Montserrat at the Beausejour Indoor Facility from 3:30 pm.
The Saint Lucia team is led by captain Safiyah Paul and vice-captain Melika Destang, with team members Siana Emmanuel, Lizzy Dorvius, Melissa Alfred, debutant Hailie Alexander, Saphia Williams, Semaj Marguerite, Dasha Eugene, Shem Maxwell, Sanya Antoine, and Jermia Martial. The technical staff includes head coach Connie Francis and assistant coach Donnalyn Joseph.
Currently ranked 38th globally by World Netball, Saint Lucia’s senior team aims to improve on last year’s sixth-place finish. Head coach Connie Francis mentioned that the team has been training intensively over the last three months and the players are fully prepared mentally and physically for the tournament.