Barbados remains unbeaten at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifiers Americas, which continued at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Fresh from a thrilling 42-40 come-from-behind victory over Saint Lucia on Tuesday, Barbados looked much sharper from the outset of their 73-41 win over Grenada, improving their record to three wins and no defeats.
Following the frenetic previous game, after which head coach Julie Philips said Barbados would review the footage and make adjustments, the Bajan Gems were businesslike from the opening centre pass.
They eased into a 15-10 first-quarter lead before opening up a significant advantage in the second quarter, leading by as many as 15 points at one stage and eventually going into half-time ahead 33-21.
With the Gems in full control, coach Julie Philips took the opportunity to rest several starters at the beginning of the third quarter. Barbados maintained the crisp passing and solid defence that had become hallmarks of their play, extending their lead to 56-32 by the end of the period.
Speaking after the game, assistant coach Latonia Blackman credited the team’s focused mindset for the improved performance.
“We put that game behind us yesterday because this was a new game today.”
Captain Shonette Azure-Bruce, who was named player of the match, also credited the team’s discipline and commitment to their game plan for the convincing win following the tough encounter with Saint Lucia.
“I really had to get out of my own head and really focus on what I had to do and go there and give the girls a real good start.
“We went back to the drawing board and we had to be disciplined. We would always have a game plan, but I found that as long as we got on court, we would go back to our old ways, but tonight was different,” she explained.
Azure-Bruce said the team members had decided to hold each other accountable and stick to the game plan to stay on track. After three wins, she said the mood in the camp was very upbeat.
“The girls are happy, and we’re still gonna try to stay together, bond and talk out any little issues that we’re having.”
Azure-Bruce also praised the Barbadian supporters who had turned out in large numbers for each game.
“Oh my God, I can’t help saying it, thank you, thank you so much. The ones that are not here in person, they’re on social media rooting for us, and we really appreciate it because each time it takes us over the line.”
Following Thursday’s rest day, Barbados will face USA on Friday in a key encounter, before playing St Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday, Canada on Sunday and rounding off the competition against Trinidad and Tobago on Monday.
In Wednesday’s other matches, Saint Lucia defeated the British Virgin Islands 75-11, Trinidad and Tobago edged USA 43-38, and St Vincent and the Grenadines beat Canada 51-41.
(KH)
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