Jamaica-Cuba showdown

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The Mona Hockey Field will be buzzing with excitement today when Jamaica's female team oppose Caribbean neighbours Cuba in the opening match of three-game series, as both teams vie for the final spot in the 2011 Pan American Games to be held in Mexico. Game time is 4 p.m.

The second and third matches will be played on October 30 and 31, starting at 4 p.m. each day.

Jamaica's head coach, Dr Michelle Holt, said her team has completed its preparation and is very optimistic going into today's encounter.

"We are going into this game very confident that whatever it is that the Cubans brings we are up for it," said Dr Holt. "This first game is a very important game because we don't intend to lose this game.

"We want to ensure that we come away with a victory because a loss is not on the cards for us," she said. "To be playing from behind in a three-match series will put a lot of pressure on you."

Strengths and weaknesses

Dr Holt added that they are going to be placing a lot of their energies on making sure that they understand the Cubans and how they are playing, where their strengths and weaknesses are, and to make sure that they flush them out while there are on the field.

"I think that we are going to have to play good defence to beat them because without seeing the Cuban players, I am pretty sure that they are going to be individually very skilful and able to dribble very well," Dr Holt stated.

"However, I think that if we are to be successful against them, I think that our defenders must be able up to stand up in front of the Cubans attackers," she said. "I think that we also have to put away the opportunities that we get, so that we can put the pressure on them," added Dr Holt.

The Jamaican team will be captained by Dadre Ann Clarke and includes newcomers Ebony McLean (goalkeeper) and Chantel Graham.

The rest of the squad members are Shareeka Elliott (vice-captain), Shakeela Elliott, Chantal Russell, Sauwana Gordon, Sharee Russell, Shackera Williams, Lori Ann McIntosh (goalkeeper), Kamiesha Erskine, Shana-Kay Tullonge, Demi Nicholson, Chakira Airey, Tashana Edwards, Racene Johnson, Trudy Ann Knight and Kamille Griffiths.

Meanwhile, the Cubans, who arrived in the island on Tuesday, are also oozing with confidence ahead of today's start.

The Hilario Yera Diaz-coached Cubans beat Jamaica on the last three occasions the countries met, including a 1-0 margin at the 2006 CAC Games.

"The team has (been) preparing for three months at very high intensity with the aim of attaining our goals," said Diaz. "We have prepared ourselves technically, physically and strategically, so we can play in very great shape.

Close contest

"The objective is to win two out of three matches. We are confident that we had good preparation and we will show that we are well prepared," he added.

Diaz, however, respects the Jamaica team and anticipates a close contest.

"We duly respect our opponents on the field, so taking into account the shape and preparation of both teams, we are very confident that the matches will show great intensity and be a very good exhibition for fans," Diaz pointed out.

"The purpose of the team is obviously to win. We would like to attain a victory but we are also aware that the Jamaican team is also prepared for this competition."

In preparation for the play-offs, Cuba hosted Mexico in a three-match series and came away impressive winners as they won all three games (12-1, 7-1 and 3-0).