Vincy Jewels emerged victorious in the ECCB International Netball Series, defeating defending champions Grenada in the finals.
The Vincentians outscored Grenada 59-50 and finished the series unbeaten. Goal-shoot Maryann Frederick was outstanding, scoring 54 of 60 attempts and was awarded as the tournament’s Most Accurate Shooter.
Hosts Saint Lucia finished third, with Jermia Martial named as the team’s MVP and Best Defensive Player. The versatile Martial was also named as the tournament MVP.
The Vincy Jewels maintained their dominance by capturing the championships after defeating defending champions Grenada in the finals, at the Beausejour Indoor Facility last Sunday.
The Vincentians outscored Grenada 59-50 in a closely-knit contest, to finish the series unbeaten. The quarter scores in the match were 12 – 11, 27 – 24, 43 – 38, and 59 – 50 in favour of SVG.
Goal-attack Kristiana Christopher netted five from seven attempts. Grenada’s Carlene Alexander scored 36 from 39 attempts, and Celina Brown scored 14 from 22.
Christopher was adjudged SVG’s Most Valuable Player.
Team Saint Lucia fared well with wins against Montserrat, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, and the Commonwealth of Dominica, and guest team the Cayman Islands. However, they were outplayed by Grenada 56-46 and fell to the Vincy Jewels 56-45.
The current standings in the World Netball Rankings, at the end of July, places SVG at 17th and Grenada at 19th.
Saint Lucia is positioned at 38, with Antigua & Barbuda at 33, and the Cayman Islands at 39.
Martial was also recognized for her versatility, playing roles as a goalkeeper, goal defense, wind defense, and center for the home team.
[R.A.]