GROS ISLET, St. Lucia, CMC– In a bold move looking toward the future, the Saint Lucia national netball team has named a youthful 11-member squad for the upcoming 5th Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) International Netball Series in Grenada.
The St. Lucia team, currently ranked 35th in the world, will feature a roster with just four returning players from the team that clinched a hard-fought third place on home soil last year.
This strategic shift emphasises development and experience-building for the next generation of talent.
The tournament, hosted at the Tanteen Recreation Grounds in St. George’s from August 23-31, will see nine teams battle through 45 matches for the coveted Gloria Ballantyne Trophy.
All eyes will be on world number 15 St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) as they defend their title against a field of determined regional rivals.
The series carries significant weight as it will count toward the vital International Netball Federation (INF) World Rankings. For teams like 19th-ranked Barbados, 21st-ranked Grenada, and Saint Lucia, it’s a prime opportunity to climb the global ladder.
Leading this fresh Saint Lucian contingent will be co-captains goal shooter Melika Destang and defender Jermia Martial. They will be joined by fellow returnees Lizzy Dorvius and Semaj Marguerite.
While nine players are new to last year’s squad, the team is not without experience. Verne Alexander, Jo-Ann Anderson, Aaliyah Estephor, Lerkisha Felix, Tamara Samuel, and Patrina Wilson have all worn the national colours before.
The most exciting inclusion is that of Naija Ferdinand, who is poised to make her senior national team debut after a standout performance with the Saint Lucia Under-16 squad.
and then 