T&T stun Jamaica to grab first-ever netball gold
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso Girls shocked Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls to capture their maiden netball title at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games here on Friday.
Led by goal shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph, who netted 41 of her 44 attempts, T&T edged Jamaica 56-49 at the Juan Bosch Sports Complex to win their first-ever netball title at the CAC Games.
Kalifa McCollin was flawless, scoring all 15 of her attempts, as T&T exacted revenge for their 50-34 defeat at the 2023 Games, while securing their first win over Jamaica since 1998.
Through the efforts of Wallace-Joseph and McCollin, T&T jumped out to an early 18-10 lead in the opening quarter.
However, Jamaica outscored their opponents 14-11 in the second period to draw within five points (29-24) at the half.
In the third quarter, Wallace-Joseph sank nine of 10 attempts, and McCollin added four more goals as T&T extended their advantage to 35-42 heading into the final period.
It was a deficit that Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls would not erase, with the final whistle sparking wild celebrations among the T&T squad.
For Jamaica, Simone Gordon scored 41 of her 53 attempts, while Jada Ricketts netted eight of 17.
The gold medal capped off an unbeaten tournament and followed dominant victories over St Lucia (52-25), Barbados (61-39), Dominican Republic (86-6), and Bermuda (76-28).
In the earlier matches, St Lucia secured the bronze medal with a narrow 45-41 triumph over Barbados, while Bermuda avoided the cellar spot with a 36-35 win over the Dominican Republic.