Big first for Mico

Raymond Graham, Sunday Gleaner Writer

THE MICO University College captured their first intercollegiate netball title when they gave a dazzling performance at G.C. Foster College on Thursday to demolish defending champions, the University of West Indies, 42-25.

Both teams came into the game unbeaten and had in their line-ups several players who represented Jamaica in the recent World FastNet Championships in England.

The Annette Daley-coached Mico, with national players Vangalee Williams, Patricia McCalla and Vanessa Walker in their line-up, were eager to avenge last year's defeat.

Both teams started the game shakily and made several early turnovers. The defending champions took the early initiative and raced to a 4-1 lead and 7-5 at the break.

It was a different affair in the second quarter as, cheered on by their large group of travelling supporters, Mico took control of the game. Wing attack Walker, centre McCalla and the impressive goal attack, Kereisa Kesna, were unstoppable, as the defending champions failed to cope with the slick-moving Mico. Bryan, who started at wing attack and was switched to goal attack, could not produce her semi-final heroics as Mico raced to an impressive 21-8 half-time lead.

Elusive

UWI made several changes at the start of the third quarter but this failed to stop Mico, as Kesna continued to be elusive as she played very well for Mico, as they stretched their lead to 35-15 at the end of the third quarter.

Despite having a good final quarter where they outscored Mico 10-5, it was too late for the defending champions. Kesna, with 25 goals from 30 attempts, and goal shooter Sharna Carradice, with 17 from 19, led the way for Mico, while Shadian Hemmings top-scored for UWI with 13 from 25.

Winning coach Annette Daley, who is also the assistant national coach, was elated with her team's first success at this level.

"This is redemption for the young ladies as they came very close last year. We were determined to win this, one as three members of the team were playing for the final time and they deserved to hold the trophy before they leave," said Daley, who also had high praises for first-time players Kesna and Williams.