Grenada’s coach points to team chemistry
Published:Tuesday | October 18, 2022 | 12:12 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
So far, Grenada’s charge to end a 19-year wait for a Netball World Cup berth is going according to plan with an offence that has yet to be tamed at these Americas Netball Qualifiers.
The Spice Girls won their third straight game, defeating Antigua and Barbuda 62-29, on yesterday’s second day of the tournament at the National Indoor Sports Centre. Cecile Howell powered Grenada to victory scoring 27 of Grenada’s goals with contributions from Lottysha Cato (26) and Carlene Alexander (8).
With another strong attacking display, head coach Althea McCollin said that the team chemistry has been key to their strong start to the qualifiers
“This team has bonded nicely. The preparations were awesome. And you see that. They are like a family. They know one another so they can execute and they talk and support each other and also they believe. Just as any other team they have a chance and they are going forward,” McCollin told The Gleaner.
It is the third time Grenada have scored more than 50 points in a game and Grenada captain Shakira Collymore described the utility aspect of their squad with the ability of players like Alexander to provide another scoring option for the team and maintain their intensity.
“I am so happy for them. Our players are able to adjust so it doesn’t look like we made a change. And I applaud our players for stepping in there even as substitutes and fitting in perfectly,” Collymore said.
With tougher opposition awaiting them, including Trinidad and Tobago this evening at 6:15, McCollin said that consistency will be key to giving themselves the best chance of claiming the final two spots to next summer’s tournament.
“We have a dynamic brand of attack but our main focus will be defence, fitness and patience. Once they can pull that off, I think we can come away with a win (this evening),” McCollin said.
Grenada will face a Trinidad and Tobago team that defeated St Vincent and the Grenadines 49-42, in a tightly contested game. Despite the slim margin, Trinidad also registered their third straight win as they are now tied on six points with Grenada, setting up a top-of-the-table clash.