The closing day of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games will forever be etched in Saint Lucian sporting history, as the small island nation secured two medals in a single elite international multi-sport event for the first time ever, highlighted by a landmark bronze medal in netball — the nation’s first ever podium finish for a team sport at this level of competition. This historic bronze was sealed by a groundbreaking 41-34 victory over regional rival Barbados, a result that ends a 16-year losing streak against their opponents.
The historic day got off to a strong start early Friday, when sailor Luc Chevrier claimed a silver medal in sailing competition, setting the stage for the netball team’s momentous achievement later that day. Competing at the Ciudad Juan Bosch Sports Complex, Saint Lucia’s national netball side, the Piton Sparks, faced off against Barbados’ Bajan Gems, and delivered a performance that defied ranking odds and reversed decades of unfavorable results.
Entering the competition ranked 31st in the latest World Netball rankings, the Piton Sparks had already pulled off an upset earlier in the week with a win over 21st-ranked Bermuda. But their triumph over 19th-ranked Barbados carried far greater historical weight: this marked the first time Saint Lucia had beaten the Bajan Gems since 2010, breaking an eight-game losing streak that stretched across the Commonwealth Games, 2022 AFNA Qualifiers, ECCB International Netball Series and CNA Caribbean Championships over 16 years.
The match got off to a worrying start for Saint Lucia, as Barbados jumped out to a 12-10 lead in the opening quarter, powered by sharp, high-percentage shooting from their frontline. But the Piton Sparks adjusted rapidly to Barbados’ attacking rhythm, ramping up their defensive pressure and outscoring their opponents 8-6 in the second quarter to lock the scores at 18-18 by halftime.
Carrying that momentum into the third quarter, Saint Lucia seized full control of the match, adding another 12 goals to Barbados’ nine to carry a three-point 30-27 lead into the final 15 minutes of play. The Piton Sparks closed out the match with a commanding fourth-quarter performance to hold off any late Barbados push, securing the seven-point win that would guarantee them third place on the podium.
Team captain and goal attack Melika Destang led the Saint Lucia frontcourt with an impressive 15 goals from just 18 shooting attempts, while starting goal shooter Dasha Eugene chipped in an additional 14 goals, pushing her total tournament goal tally to 95 from 131 attempts. Even the team’s 15-year-old reserve substitute Neriah Charlery delivered a standout performance, sinking 12 goals from 14 attempts to finish the tournament with an 86% conversion rate, one of the highest across all competing sides. On the defensive end, wing defender Jermia Martial notched five key interceptions, while goalkeeper Kiana Nelson anchored the backline, finishing the entire competition with five interceptions and eight deflections to disrupt opposing attacks.
For the defeated Bajan Gems, starting goal attacker Faye Agard led all scoring with 18 goals from 24 attempts, while Brianna Holder added 13 goals of her own. 44-year-old veteran defensive player Shonette Azore also put in a gritty performance, matching Martial’s five interceptions for the match.
Saint Lucia finished the netball tournament with an overall record of three wins and two losses, scoring 184 total goals while conceding 177 across five matches. Jamaica claimed the silver medal with a 4-1 record, while Trinidad & Tobago dominated the competition to take gold, finishing the tournament undefeated with five straight wins.