by RJ Michaels
- Spice Girls recorded 35–8 victory over Antigua and Barbuda at Jean Pierre Youth Netball Tournament
- Reshonna Francis’ shooting efficiency accounted for majority of Grenada’s scoreline
- Victory anchored by Phebe Rubin, Treasure Frederick, Nashauna Noel, and Kamia Lewis
The Grenada National Under-16 Netball team, affectionately known as the Spice Girls, rebounded in spectacular fashion on Monday, 13 April, recording a dominant 35–8 victory over Antigua and Barbuda.
The 27-goal margin stands as the largest victory of the 22nd Jean Pierre Youth Netball Tournament thus far, signalling a dramatic turnaround for the Grenadian side.
After 2 days of offensive frustration, the Spice Girls found their clinical edge at the UWI SPEC Grounds. Leading the charge was goal-attack Reshonna Francis, whose standout shooting efficiency overwhelmed the Antiguan defense. Francis converted 30 of her 37 attempts, accounting for the vast majority of Grenada’s scoreline.
Grenada established dominance early, finishing the first quarter with a commanding 10–1 lead. Unlike previous matches where early leads evaporated, the Spice Girls maintained a relentless pace, heading into the halftime break with a 20–2 advantage.
While Francis sizzled in the shooting circle, the victory was anchored by a robust defensive effort that stifled Antigua and Barbuda’s attacking third. Nashauna Noel (GD) was a standout in the backcourt, recording a game-high 6 interceptions.
Support from Phebe Rubin (WD), who tallied 4 interceptions, and Treasure Frederick (GK) ensured that Antigua struggled to find any offensive rhythm. The mid-court transition was managed effectively by Kamia Lewis, who contributed 2 assists and 2 interceptions to keep the momentum firmly in Grenada’s favour.
Monday’s victory provides much-needed momentum following a gruelling opening weekend for the young squad.
- 11 April: Grenada opened their campaign against former champions Barbados. Despite a spirited defensive effort, ball-handling errors and shooting inconsistencies led to a 20–12 defeat
- 12 April: The team faced the daunting task of playing defending champions Trinidad and Tobago on their home turf. Amidst a hostile environment, Grenada fell 32–12, with the local Calypso Girls extending a winning streak that dates back to 2025
The coaching staff will be particularly pleased with the team’s ability to minimise errors and maximise possessions, 2 areas that proved costly in the first 2 matches. With the largest win of the tournament now under their belts, Grenada moves into the final stages of the competition with renewed confidence and a significantly improved goal average.
The Spice Girls will look to carry this form into their next fixture against St Lucia as they pursue a podium finish in St Augustine.
