Despite suffering a 52-point loss to Australia in the quarter-finals of the World Netball Youth Cup 2025 at the Europa Sport Complex in Gibraltar on Thursday, Jamaica’s Under-21 Head Coach Annett Daley remains optimistic about her team’s growth and development.

Although Jamaica got off to a strong start, leading 2-0, Australia soon found their rhythm and levelled the score at 3-3. The Australians then pulled away, taking the first quarter 21-9. The second quarter saw Australia continue to dominate, outscoring Jamaica 19-6 and extending their lead to 40-15 at half-time.

The third quarter was just as bleak for Jamaica, as Australia’s strong performance continued and they went into the final quarter with a commanding 64-23 lead. In the end, Australia won the match 85-33, with Jamaica struggling to mount a significant challenge.

Daley praised her team’s performance, noting that it was a marked improvement from their previous game against England.

“Today’s start was much better than on Wednesday,” Daley told the Jamaica Observer. “Honestly, I thought the way they played today was much better, although it’s clear that Australia’s experience shone through.

Daley said her team’s inexperience was a significant factor in the loss, particularly in converting opportunities and defending.

“The challenge is that when we created opportunities, we didn’t convert the chances,” she said. “So what you found happening is that Australia’s experience, defensive-wise, was very strong, and our inexperience showed up.

“It is just based on experiences that these girls have. I have said to persons that the only experience that most of these ladies have is playing netball at a high school level. And you talking about playing Australia with 90 per cent of their team are actually playing in the Super League down there. So it is one of the challenges as you don’t have the experience to carrying you through.”

Despite the loss, Daley is proud of her team’s progress and the adjustments they’ve made.

“I’m extremely proud of them,” she said.

With the young Sunshine Girls eliminated from the medal hunt, they have now shifted their focus to the consolation group. In the semi-finals, they’ll face the Cook Islands at the Europa Sports Complex this morning at 6:00 am.

Daley is optimistic about her team’s chances.

“We have a very good chance of winning that game. I think the teams in the consolation group, we could say that they are evenly matched, but I really believe that we have a very good chance of winning that and then moving on to the finals,” Daley said.

Jamaica’s goal defence Roxonne McLean (second right) competes for the ball with Australia’s goalshooter Olivia Wilkinson (right) as Jamaica’s Evelyn Smith (second left) and Australia’s Lily Graham look on.Collin Reid courtesy of KFC and SVL

Azara Wilmot (right) in a titanium tussle for the ball with Charlotte Sexton.Collin Reid courtesy of KFC and SVL