Saint Lucia, currently ranked 35th in the world, have selected a relatively young 11-member squad for the 5th annual Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) International Netball Series in St George’s, Grenada.
Only four players return from last year’s team, which secured third place on goal difference when Saint Lucia hosted the tournament.
Nine teams will compete for the Gloria Ballantyne Trophy from August 23 to 31, with 45 matches scheduled at the Tanteen Recreation Grounds. Defending champions St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG), ranked 15th globally, will face stiff competition as regional rivals aim to dethrone them.
The tournament will count toward International Netball Federation (INF) rankings. Among Caribbean nations, SVG trails only Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago in the world standings, while Barbados (19th), Grenada (21st), and Saint Lucia (35th) look to climb the ladder with strong performances.
Team Saint Lucia will be led by co-captains goal shooter Melika Destang and defender Jermia Martial, with returning players Lizzy Dorvius and Semaj Marguerite. Although they were absent from last year’s squad, Verne Alexander, Jo-Ann Anderson, Aaliyah Estephor, Lerkisha Felix, Tamara Samuel, and Patrina Wilson are all somewhat experienced. Naija Ferdinand is set for her senior debut, after starring with the Under-16 national team.
Among those missing out are veterans Safiya Paul, Shem Maxwell, and Sanya Antoine, all of whom are now more heavily involved in the administration of the sport. Maxwell is a coach with the current team, Melissa Alfred and Dasha Eugene are both overseas, and Hailie Alexander and Saphia Williams were also overlooked.
According to a release from Netball Saint Lucia, team preparation was segmented with Maxwell and Donna Lynn Peterson holding training sessions at the Micoud Court and Beausejour Gymnasium four days a week.
Also accompanying the team will be Donald Dave Albert as manager and physical trainer, Eva Stanislaus as physiotherapist. The team is scheduled to depart Saint Lucia on Friday. Saint Lucia will open tournament play against Montserrat on Saturday at 6 p.m.
(TF)
