Barbados can seal W Cup spot today
Published:Saturday | October 22, 2022 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Grenada kept their hopes for a spot in next year’s Netball World Cup alive after scoring a 58-36 win over the United States at the Americas Netball World Cup qualifiers at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night
The win moved Grenada to eight points, two behind Barbados. Barbados play winless Antigua and Barbuda today in their final match and are the hot favourites to become the second team from the qualifiers to advance to the Netball World Cup joining the already qualified Trinidad and Tobago.
The Grenadians, led by formidable goal shooter Lattysha Cato who bagged 39 from 42 attempts, must win their final game against fellow hopefuls, St Vincent and Grenadines(eight points), and hope that Barbados slip up against Antigua.
Grenada’s coach Althea McCollin said they are very optimistic.
“This win has really lifted the players’ spirits. We have a chance, so we are going home to review the game and come back stronger.
“It’s for them (players) to take this and build the momentum. We are going to work on our defensive lines and hope they execute and we pick up a win, which is very important,” she commented afterwards.
She noted also that for their final game against St Vincent and Grenadines, the main game plan will be defence. However, they are also looking to be more efficient in offence.
“We need at least 75 per cent team defence. Our shooters are very accurate and the centre courts feeds (them) well. So they must focus on what they have to do to change the tide and get Grenada in the finals.
“We will do everything in our power to secure that win and hope that Barbados do not win.
“We just need our centre court to move faster and feed the shooters. I have to remain positive and optimistic they will do it,” she added.
The United States ended the tournament with three wins from eight matches and coach Keithan Grayson-Superville was pleased with the performance of her team over the tournament.
In the other game, which was only of academic interest, the Minneth Reynolds-coached St Lucia defeated Antigua and Barbuda 54-32.