All smiles for VFCSS as they lifted the U19 schools netball trophy. (Photo Credit: Terry Finisterre)
A strong defensive display from Hayla Samuel proved decisive as Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School edged Micoud Secondary 31–30 in a tense Under-19 Schools’ Netball Tournament final at the Beausejour Gymnasium.
GD Hayla Samuel defends against fellow U16 national player Claries Nervais. ( Photo Credit: Terry Finisterre)
Samuel, who was named both MVP and best defender of Friday’s final, formed a formidable backline with captain Mya King. The duo’s pressure stifled Micoud’s shooters just enough to preserve a one-goal margin, despite a late surge from the East Coast challengers.
L-R Best defender & MVP Hayla Samuel (VFCSS), best centre Kiehanna St Juste (MSS), most accurate shooter Kelly Monlouis (SALCC), best attacking player Neriah Charlery (VFCSS). (Photo Credit: Terry Finisterre)
VFCSS led 7–5 after the first quarter and 13–11 at halftime, but it was in the third that they achieved real breathing room. With Deriscia Mitchell and Neriah Charlery combining for 11 goals on 13 attempts, the Black and Gold stretched their lead to 24–19 heading into the final period.
Micoud responded with urgency, outscoring their opponents 11–7 in the fourth quarter. But Samuel and King helped VFCSS weather the storm, as the final whistle sounded with Micoud just one goal shy of tying the game.
VFCSS captain, goal defense Mya King accepts the championship trophy from Director of Sports, Clivus Jules. (Photo Credit: Terry Finisterre)
Mitchell finished with 22 goals from 26 attempts, while Charlery added 9 from 14. For Micoud, Mekeige Joseph netted 18/29 and Clarise Nervais 12/20, both under heavy defensive scrutiny.
Deriscia Mitchell corrals the ball for VFCSS. (Photo Credit: Terry Finisterre)
Charlery, just 13, was named best attacking player of the tournament, giving VFCSS three of the five individual awards. Micoud’s Kiehanna St Juste earned best centre court honours, while Soufriere’s Kelly Monlouis, now at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, claimed most accurate shooter after helping SALCC edge her former school 28–25 for third place.
Samuel, who also represents Saint Lucia in football, was one of four players in the final who had featured at the Jean Pierre Caribbean Youth Netball Tournament earlier this year.
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