Amid the charged atmosphere of the UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre, Trinidad and Tobago’s junior “Calypso Girls” transformed expectation into execution, successfully defending their crown at the Jean Pierre Caribbean Youth Netball Tournament.
Their 42-21 triumph over Barbados on Friday not only sealed consecutive titles, but did so with authority, a performance that reflected preparation, composure, and depth.
A competitive opening gives way to control
The final began at a frenetic pace, with Barbados immediately asserting themselves by scoring from the opening pass. Their early sharpness translated into a narrow 9-8 edge at the end of the first quarter, signaling a contest worthy of the occasion.
But the balance shifted steadily. Trinidad and Tobago tightened their structure, sharpened their passing, and began to dictate tempo. By halftime, the hosts had established a 19-14 lead, gradually squeezing the life out of Barbados’ momentum.
The decisive surge came in the third quarter. Defensive pressure intensified, transitions became cleaner, and the Calypso Girls pulled clear at 33-16, a margin that effectively settled the contest before the final whistle.
Precision in attack, pressure in defense
At the heart of the victory was a clinical attacking display led by Curleen Lara, whose 33 goals from 40 attempts anchored the offense with both volume and accuracy.
Supporting her was Zewditu Alexander, who delivered an efficient nine goals from 11 attempts, ensuring the attacking unit remained balanced and relentless.
Barbados found resistance through Cherish Gibson, who produced 15 goals from 21 attempts, but consistent scoring proved elusive under sustained defensive pressure.
That defensive effort proved decisive. Trinidad and Tobago disrupted passing lanes, forced turnovers, and dictated the rhythm of play, a suffocating approach that left Barbados chasing the game for long stretches.
Momentum built long before the final
The championship performance was not an isolated peak, but the culmination of a tournament defined by dominance.
A day earlier, Trinidad and Tobago delivered a resounding statement, dismantling Antigua and Barbuda 51-9 in a display of overwhelming superiority. Lara again led the charge with 37 goals, while Alexander’s near-flawless 14-of-15 shooting highlighted the team’s attacking efficiency.
Defensively, that contest underscored their intensity, with Antigua & Barbuda held scoreless for extended periods, a reflection of a unit operating in complete cohesion.
Barbados, for their part, had earned their place in the final with a 36-27 victory over Saint Lucia, but ultimately encountered a side operating at a different level.
A coach’s pride, a program’s foundation
For head coach Sojourner “Suzie” Hyles-Lewis, the triumph carried deeper meaning beyond the scoreboard.
“It was a privilege and an honour to actually repeat this victory, especially at home, in front of friends, supporters, and well-wishers,” she said. “I think dedication and commitment from the staff was key, because all of us had the same mission: to complete the task at the end. I dedicate this victory to our well-rounded technical staff and the solid foundation we have with these girls.”
Her words reflected a program built on collective effort, one supported by assistant coach Simone Morgan, manager Jody Sprott, physiotherapist Runako Gittens, and massage therapist David Mack.
While Barbados secured second place and Grenada finished third, the tournament ultimately belonged to Trinidad and Tobago, a team that combined discipline, firepower, and unity to stand above the rest.
On home soil, with a crowd roaring in rhythm, the Calypso Girls did more than defend a title. They defined a standard.
