Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-16 netball team etched their names into regional sporting history on Saturday, capping off an undefeated campaign with a commanding 34-20 victory over St. Lucia to claim the coveted Jean Pierre Caribbean Youth Netball Championship at the Wildey Gymnasium in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Their final triumph crowned a week of utter dominance, as the red, white, and black-clad youngsters swept aside all opposition to bring the title back home—after missing out in the previous edition.
Starting fast, finishing strong
The final showdown against St. Lucia began with an electric burst of energy. Barely 10 seconds into the contest, goal-shooter Tenicia Goodridge opened the scoring, setting the tone for what would be an assertive T&T performance. A minute and forty seconds later, goal-attack Shian Lewis added another, and Goodridge swiftly made it 3–0, capitalizing on St. Lucia’s squandered early possession.
Though the St. Lucians fought back defensively—managing blocks and turnovers to trail just 8–6 after the first quarter—T&T began to stretch their advantage in the second. At halftime, the scoreboard read 18–13 in favor of the Trinidadians, who emerged from the break with renewed determination.
By the end of the third quarter, the margin had widened to 28–14, and there was no turning back. With seamless teamwork and relentless pressure, T&T coasted to a 14-goal win to seal the championship.
An unbeaten journey of precision and passion
The Makayla Grant-led squad completed the six-day tournament with an unblemished record. Their march to the title included emphatic wins over Grenada (30–19), Antigua and Barbuda (24–6), Dominica (44–13), and a critical 38–22 triumph over defending champions and hosts Barbados on Friday.
Their unbeaten streak not only brought silverware but also individual accolades. Goodridge and Lewis led the charge in securing the Team Shooting Title, registering 128 goals—more than any other nation in the competition. Barbados followed with 120, with St. Lucia narrowly behind on 119.
Strength in unity
T&T defender Aneisha Hyles captured the spirit of the team’s success in a heartfelt post-match reflection.
“That was the plan. We went out there and executed that plan. The team was nervous at the beginning but we came together and refocused,” she said. “Our coaches relaxed us and told us not to worry. They were motivated from the bench and also our supporters. We have no words right now.”
Indeed, the composure from the sidelines and the roar of encouragement from the stands helped steel the young team for the title push.
Honoring a legacy
The tournament carries a special significance, named in honor of Jean Pierre, the legendary T&T netball captain who, in 1979, led her country to a shared World Championship title with Australia and New Zealand on home soil in Port of Spain. This latest triumph adds another proud chapter to that rich legacy.
The victory was especially sweet after T&T finished a disappointing fourth in the 2023 edition in Dominica. Now, just a year later, they stand proudly at the summit once more.
Barbados edged Grenada 30–26 in the final match of the tournament to secure second place.
