The final day of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games made history for Saint Lucia, with a rare two-medal haul at an international multisport meet, and the first time a team sport has enjoyed success at this level, as the national team took bronze in netball. The win was punctuated by victory over Barbados.
Coming on the heels of Luc Chevrier’s silver medal in sailing earlier on Friday, Saint Lucia’s Piton Sparks faced the Bajan Gems in the Ciudad Juan Bosch Sports Complex, coming away 41-34 winners.
Sitting at 31st in the latest World Netball rankings, Saint Lucia followed up their midweek win over number 21 Bermuda with a landmark triumph over number 19 Barbados, their first win over the Gems since 2010.
Between the Commonwealth Games, 2022 AFNA Qualifiers, ECCB International Netball Series, and CNA Caribbean Championships, the Bajans had racked up eight wins over Saint Lucia in the past 16 years.
It looked like more of the same initially, with Barbados leading 12-10 behind high-efficiency shooting after the opening period. Saint Lucia adjusted quickly, outscoring Barbados 8-6 and turning up the defensive pressure to tie the game 18-18 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Saint Lucia seized control, outscoring Barbados 12-9 to enter the final period with a 30-27 cushion, before delivering a commanding performance in the fourth quarter to complete the seven-point victory.
Goal attack and captain Melika Destang led Saint Lucia’s frontcourt with 15 goals on 18 attempts. Goal shooter Dasha Eugene added 14 goals, bringing her overall tournament total to 95 goals on 131 attempts. Substitute Neriah Charlery, a 15-year-old reserve, was 12-14, finishing the series 50-58 at an impressive 86 per cent conversion rate.
Wing defender Jermia Martial recorded five interceptions, while goalkeeper Kiana Nelson anchored the backline, finishing the competition with five interceptions and eight deflections.
For Barbados, Faye Agard led the scoring effort with 18 goals from 24 attempts, supported by Brianna Holder’s 13 goals and 44-year-old defensive veteran Shonette Azore’s five interceptions.
Saint Lucia ended the tournament with three wins and two losses, scoring 184 goals and allowing 177. Gold medallists Trinidad & Tobago dominated the competition, sweeping all five matches. Silver medallists Jamaica had four wins and one loss.
