Grenada defeated St Vincent and the Grenadines in a low scoring affair, 30-26, on Wednesday at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, to retain the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) female U-23 netball title.
In a heated and competitive battle for the championship, the ladies from the Spice Isle led the match in all quarters, 7-6, 16-14, 24-19 and ended the match 30-26 to overcome the host. For Grenada, Renisha Stafford netted 22 of 30 attempts on goal while Tiffany Fredericks assisted with 8 from 12 attempts.
In a losing effort for St Vincent and the Grenadines, Khadija Williams scored 25 from 38 attempts and Kenisha Francis struggled only scoring one goal from nine tries. On route to the final, Grenada dispatched St Kitts 42-31, Dominica 44-26 and St Lucia 38-21 to join St Vincent and the Grenadines as the only undefeated teams leading up to the final.
St Vincent and the Grenadines dismantled St Kitts 57-26, edged out St Lucia 29-26, and overcame Dominica 31-25, in their preliminary matches before they ran into a buzz saw in the Grenada team.
In the consolation match to avoid the cellar position, St Lucia enjoyed success over St Kitts, 46-42, to secure third place. Shooter Megan Nestor scored 31 from 40 attempts for St Lucia with Ayana Hipolyte contributing 15 from 24.
In a spirited effort, Tamara Tweed had 29 from 39 tries and Aaliya Gibson seven from 13 attempts for St Kitts. Grenadian Jomelar John walked away with the player of the tournament award.
Most Valuable Player awards were also distributed. Kerissa Thomas received such an accolade for Grenada. And Vincentian Shantal Rouse, Dominican Shernell St Rose, St Lucian Megan Nestor and Kittian Aaliya Gibson were all selected as their respective countries MVPs.
St Vincent and the Grenadines was adjudged the best shooting team with 74 from 120 attempts throughout the tournament. To add to their championship, Grenada also chalked up the Most Disciplined Team, Best Defending Team and Best Attacking Team awards.