In the historic staging of Netball at the Central American and Caribbean Games, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Jewelstook to the medal podium taking the 3rd Place position.
Vincy Jewels began the quest defeating Cayman Island 78 to 21, then they faced Dominican Republic 94 to 12. The Jewels then lost to Trinidad and Tobago 30 to 60 and Jamaica 40 to 65 despite having a great showing in these games.
Vincy Jewels final chance to be at the medal podium rested on their final game against arch rivals Bajan Gems.
At the 1 st quarter, the Jewels trailed the Gems 16/7, they then tied the 2nd quarter 12/12, at the end of the 3rd quarter the Jewels had clawed away at the Gems lead and came within 1 goal 37/36 at the sound of the final whistle Vincy Jewels Maryann Frederick converted an all-important penalty giving the Vincy Jewels the win over the Bajan Gems who are heading to the netball World Cup in the few weeks 51/50 taking the bronze medal and increasing St. Vincent and the Grenadines Medal count at the CAC Games.
The Vincy Jewels returned to the state late Saturday night. Coach Vasha Adams expressed her gratitude to the SVGNA for placing the confidence in her to take on this important role at Head Coach and is very proud that she was able to achieve that goal of defeating the Gems which has eluded the Jewels for quite some time.
She state that the though there were errors the team was determined to be at the medal podium and they did just that.
President Natasha Baptiste who is out state stated that she is extremely proud of her Vincy Jewels and look forward to the further advancement of the sport not just within the region but locally.
Baptiste further stated that she is also proud of the performance of the debutants, and it shows that every young athlete can represent their country at the highest level.
The SVG Netball Association’s next outing is the Junior Vincy Jewels participation the inaugural aspect of the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
