Saint Lucia’s national netball team reached medal position at the Central American & Caribbean Games after beating Bermuda 44-29 on Wednesday at the Ciudad Juan Bosch Sports Complex. The Piton Sparks now have two wins and one loss, placing them third overall.
This win mattered because Bermuda are ranked 10 places higher than Saint Lucia, 21 compared to 31. However, Saint Lucia controlled possession, won the rebounds, and their shooters performed well.
After the opening quarter, the game was tied at 10-10. Bermuda made 10 of 12 attempts (83%) in the first period, while Saint Lucia matched them goal for goal. But the balance shifted in the second quarter, when Saint Lucia outscored Bermuda 12-8 to take a 22-18 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Saint Lucia tightened their grip on the match with an 11-5 third quarter, extending their lead to 33-23. Bermuda struggled to find rhythm, converting only 5-9. Saint Lucia added another 11 goals in the final frame, against six for Bermuda, sealing a convincing victory.
Saint Lucia took 59 shots and scored on 75% of them. Bermuda made 29 out of 42 shots, a 69% rate. Goal attack Dasha Eugene scored 22 goals from 31 attempts. Neriah Charlery, a teenager from Desruisseaux, added 15 goals from 18 tries with an impressive 83% accuracy. Captain Melika Destang contributed seven goals from 10 attempts.
On defence, Lizzy Dorvius led Saint Lucia with three interceptions. Goal defence Jermia Martial contributed five deflections and an interception. The team registered eight interceptions and eight deflections in total, disrupting Bermuda’s attacking flow throughout the contest. Saint Lucia also won the rebounding battle 10-3, with Eugene alone accounting for four.
Saint Lucia’s next two games will be their biggest challenges yet. On Thursday, they face Jamaica, a top team and Commonwealth Games silver medallist. On Friday, they play Barbados in a match that could decide the bronze medal.
