Kerrisan Lawrence’s hat-trick guided Titchfield High to a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Port Antonio High, as the Portland Football Association Ann Marie Vaz Women’s League got under way last Tuesday.

Kameka Robinson scored for Port Antonio in the 15th minute of the encounter comprising 40 minutes per half. Lawrence hit back in the 37th, 68th, as well as the second minute of stoppage time.

In front of a packed house at Carder Park in Portland, Robinson handed Port Antonio the lead when she capitalised on a Titchfield defensive error to fire past goalkeeper Laurian Barrett in the 15th minute.

Port Antonio continued to show their attacking intentions through the industry of Robinson, Kimberly Powell, Abigail Chin, and Ayana Dennis, but Titchfield’s Shantell Layne and Sharethia McCarthy combined to thwart the danger.

At the other end, Titchfield countered through Lawrence, Brittany Murray, Ashanique Richards, and Keronie Clarke.

Just before the first-half break, Titchfield were on level terms when Lawrence picked up a ball just outside the penalty area and dribbled toward goal before kicking beyond custodian Iysha Williams.

At the start of the second half Lawrence should have sent her team into the lead, but her shot hit the cross-bar.

However, it did not take long for her to grab her second and push Titchfield into the lead. It came from a left-footed free kick that flew around the wall and lodged into the roof of the net 12 minutes from time.

She rounded off the scoring moments before the final whistle when her shot from inside the penalty box rocked the roof of the net.

Earlier during the launch at the Portland FA office, stakeholders stressed the importance of the league, noting the positive impact it had on students in Portland when it was first run six years ago.

“We are pleased as a football association in forging this partnership of this Women’s league with Mrs Ann Marie Vaz. It is no coincidence that her husband Daryl was pioneer of this league,” Portland FA President Raymond Grant said.

“I am pleased about the commitment of the participating schools and laud the leadership of the high schools —as they are in the business of education and looking at the females and investing in them, as the future of the game is in them. The ladies of Portland need an avenue to exert their talent,” he continued.

Grant also noted the talent that has come through the women’s leagues in the parish.

“Coming out of the Daryl Vaz League a few years ago we have Konya Plummer, who participated for Titchfield [and] was called to the national programme, and is now the current Senior Reggae Girlz captain. There are many other successes coming out of that league. My charge to you is play good football, be disciplined, and do well,” he pointed out.

Vaz, the governing Jamaica Labour Party’s caretaker candidate for Portland Eastern, was delighted with the partnership.

“I am thrilled to partner with the Portland Football Association for the development of the girls.

“This is an opportunity for you to shine and develop your vision. And you have the capacity to reach to the highest level, and we can do it. Display the courage, grace [and] discipline to reach to the highest level as you empower yourself,” she said.