标签： Saint Lucia

The second matchday of the Kenson Casmir Bay Bay Cup commenced on February 1st at Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet, with New Generation FC and Monchy United FC both securing decisive victories to strengthen their positions at the top of their groups.

New Generation FC, following their spectacular 9-0 opening triumph, encountered stiffer opposition from Gros Islet Youth Lions. Despite the challenge, the Babonneau-based squad secured a 2-0 win with early goals from Richelme Lionel in the 5th minute and Yanic Noel in the 15th.

Solomon Alexander, coach of New Generation FC, commented on the team’s performance: ‘The players were highly motivated to implement our training strategies. While Gros Islet Youth demonstrated strong periods of play, our team ultimately prevailed.’ Alexander expressed optimism that the team’s current success would help revitalize football enthusiasm in the Babonneau community, noting their consistent representation as regional standard-bearers after finishing second to Monchy United in the preseason Soccerama.

In simultaneous Group B action, Monchy United FC delivered an overwhelming performance against Police FC, routing them 8-0. Jahlil Evans dominated the first half with a hat-trick (27′, 34′, 42′), complemented by Troy Greenidge’s goal in the 40th minute. Both players added to their tally in the second half, while Raphael Joseph contributed a rapid brace in the 73rd and 76th minutes.

With these results, New Generation FC maintains Group A leadership with maximum six points and an impressive +11 goal difference, while Gros Islet Youth Lions hold second place. The tournament continues with critical matches that will determine semifinal qualification, including GMC’s must-win encounter against New Generation FC following their upcoming Grande Riviere derby against Dominators this Wednesday.

In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, the University of North Texas women’s basketball squad secured a commanding 67-49 victory against Florida Atlantic University this past Saturday at the Super Pit. The game showcased an extraordinary performance by Megan Nestor, the nation’s premier rebounder, who overcame aggressive defensive tactics to further solidify her record-breaking season.

Despite facing intentionally physical opposition that forced her to the bench within the opening three minutes due to foul trouble, the 6-foot-4 forward from Saint Lucia demonstrated exceptional resilience. Head coach Jason Burton’s initial strategy to center the offense around Nestor was immediately tested by FAU’s defensive approach, which specifically targeted the standout player through repeated physical challenges.

“The physicality’s different from what I’m accustomed to,” noted Nestor, a former national netball athlete. “However, my strength allows me to withstand such pressure. My focus remains on maintaining efficiency and converting scoring opportunities.”

The statistical outcome proved impressive as Nestor contributed 10 points alongside a game-high 24 rebounds, marking her 13th double-double of the season—the highest in collegiate women’s basketball. This performance represented her fourth 20-rebound game this year, a national achievement that surpasses all other players, none of whom have recorded more than two such games.

Coach Burton praised his team’s response following their previous performance in San Antonio: “We demonstrated significant improvement through two exceptional practice sessions that directly translated into today’s victory.”

Nestor’s current season averages of 12.6 points and 13.8 rebounds per game position her to potentially establish new program and conference records, with the rebounding average particularly standing as a potential historical benchmark. As of Sunday, she remains the only collegiate basketball player nationwide to have accumulated over 300 rebounds this season.

In a breathtakingly close finish, Gill House successfully defended its title at the 2026 Carmen Rene Memorial School (CRMS) sports meet, edging out Lewis House by a single point with a final tally of 303 to 302. The electrifying competition, held on Friday, January 30th at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, showcased the emergence of a new generation of athletic talent from the San Souci school. Walcott House secured a strong third-place finish with 296 points, while Rene House trailed with 235 points.

The meet was characterized by intensely competitive races across all age groups. In the Under-9 boys division, Aiden Berkeley of Walcott claimed victory in the 60m dash with a time of 10.2 seconds. The Under-11 boys witnessed Jmarney George of Rene achieving a double victory in both the 80m (12.1s) and 600m (2:09.7s), while Gill’s Jaylan Howell took gold in the 150m (23.4s).

A fascinating rivalry unfolded in the Under-13 boys category where Jaden Jacob of Walcott triumphed in the 80m (11.2s) and Gill’s Dante Delice won the 150m (20.9s), with less than two-tenths of a second separating them in their races. Hervany George secured the 300m for Walcott (50.25s), while Gavriel Daniel won the 600m (1:59.44s) for Gill.

The girls’ competitions proved equally compelling with victories distributed across houses. Anikka Alexander (Rene) and Nellisa Daniel (Lewis) shared honors in Under-9 events. Walcott’s Arielle Charles demonstrated remarkable versatility with wins in the Under-11 150m (24.0s) and 300m (54.7s) after placing third in the 80m.

Allina William emerged as a standout performer for Gill in the Under-13 girls category, dominating the 80m (11.9s) and 150m (22.6s) while capturing silver in the 300m (55.9s). Her performance was matched by Alexia Lloyd who claimed gold in both the 300m (52.6s) and 600m (2:13.9s) for her house.

Despite late surges from both Lewis and Walcott, Gill House maintained its composure to secure back-to-back championships, demonstrating exceptional depth across multiple disciplines and age groups.

Against the majestic backdrop of the Pitons, Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School culminated its annual interhouse sports competition with thrilling track finals on Friday, January 30th. The Soufriere Stadium witnessed Clarke House not only successfully defending its championship title but doing so with a dramatically expanded margin of victory.

Building upon their 400-point advantage from the previous year, the yellow-clad Clarke athletes assembled a commanding total of 4,508 points. This left Rodney House trailing as a distant runner-up with 3,798 points. Toussaint and Ira Houses concluded the competition with 3,273 and 3,202 points, respectively.

Individual performances shone brightly across various age divisions. In Division 2, Sherquan Joseph secured a sprint double by claiming gold in both the Under-18 boys’ 100m and 200m events, while teammate Rhea Jn Philip mirrored this achievement in the girls’ 100m and 400m races.

The Under-14 category introduced a new track sensation—Devin Mesmain. In his inaugural year at SCSS, the Choiseul speedster demonstrated exceptional prowess by sweeping all three sprint events: the 80m, 150m, and 300m distances.

Toussaint House found its spotlight in the Under-14 girls’ division. Aminta Didier repeated her victory in the 600m and added the 300m crown to her accomplishments. She was joined by Tarnisha Henry, a former double bronze medalist at primary level, who captured gold in both the 80m and 150m events.

Other notable achievements included Clarke’s Akima Mathurin seizing the Under-16 girls’ 100m and 200m titles in the absence of teammate Amaya Emmanuel, who was representing the nation in football. Keanna Butcher successfully defended her titles in the Under-16 400m and 800m events. Meanwhile, Ira’s Chaz Alexander maintained his dominance in the Under-18 boys’ 800m and 1500m, and Ariana Philip secured the girls’ equivalent distances in the same age group.

University of Charleston athlete Joy Edward has delivered an extraordinary performance in collegiate track and field, achieving a career-best indoor shot put mark of exactly 15.00 meters at the Youngstown State University Mid-Major Invitational on January 31st. The Babonneau-native athlete secured a decisive victory at Ohio’s Watson and Tressel Training Site (WATTS), demonstrating remarkable consistency with five of her six throws surpassing the 13.35-meter mark achieved by the second-place finisher.

Edward’s final attempt not only secured her victory but also broke her own school record of 14.69m set just two weeks prior. This performance represents her fourth time exceeding the 15-meter threshold and establishes a new national indoor record, surpassing her previous best of 14.85m from February 2024. The junior transfer now ranks 11th overall in NCAA Division II for the current season.

Adding to her impressive weekend, Edward also claimed first place in the women’s weight throw with a distance of 17.50 meters, narrowly missing her January personal best of 17.59m. Her performances indicate strong potential for further improvement when the outdoor season commences in mid-to-late April.

Other notable performances included Wichita State freshman Jasmine Stiede, a former national youth footballer, winning the women’s 800m with a time of 2:17.45 at the Coach Wilson Invitational. Washburn University’s Kereser Augustin achieved an NCAA provisional time in the women’s 400m, placing third with 55.87 seconds.

Several Caribbean athletes delivered strong performances across various meets: Khailan Vitalis placed fifth in the 60m hurdles with 7.84 seconds at the Bob Pollock Invitational; Cagini Pilgrim finished fourth in the 60m with 7.08 seconds at the Windy City Rumble; and Naya Jules achieved personal bests in both the 60m hurdles (10.45) and high jump (1.43m) at the Charlie Foster Classic.

The second weekend of the Sandals/Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Under-19 tournament concluded on Sunday, delivering compelling cricket action across multiple venues despite weather interruptions. The competition showcased dominant performances, weather-affected matches, and several remarkable individual displays that highlighted the emerging talent in Saint Lucian cricket.

Gros Islet emerged as the standout team with two convincing victories. Their campaign began with a spectacular 210-run demolition of Babonneau at Mindoo Philip Park on Saturday. After posting an imposing 245-8 in their allotted 38 overs, powered by Kanil Nelson’s magnificent 99-run innings featuring nine boundaries and two sixes, Gros Islet’s bowling attack dismantled Babonneau for a mere 35 runs. Neil Poyotte’s exceptional bowling figures of 5-10 spearheaded the rout, with able support from Kaleb Charles (3-18).

The following day, Gros Islet secured their second triumph with a 28-run victory over Castries Central in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s co-champions. Despite early batting struggles, Gros Islet recovered through a crucial 64-run seventh-wicket partnership between Charles and Jean Claude Emmanuel, both finishing on 33 runs. Castries Central’s response, led by captain Theo Edward’s valiant 74 off 79 deliveries, ultimately fell short as they were dismissed for 164.

Weather conditions forced the abandonment of the Soufriere versus Choiseul encounter at La Fargue Playing Field, resulting in shared points between the teams.

Other notable results included Babonneau’s continued struggles, suffering an eight-wicket defeat to South Castries after being bowled out for 36 runs. South Castries’ captain Nathaniel Joseph (5-15) and Evan Gilbert (4-19) formed a devastating bowling combination.

At Philip Marcellin Grounds, Choiseul recorded a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Mabouya Valley, who collapsed for just 17 runs. Christian Peter (4-4) and Jeanneil Williams (4-1) orchestrated the bowling dominance, with Liam Charlemagne contributing two wickets without conceding runs.

Mon Repos concluded the weekend with a six-wicket win against Soufriere, propelled by opener Micah Naitram’s unbeaten innings that guided his team to chase down Soufriere’s total of 139 all out, built around Zinakki Louis’ 42-run contribution.

The tournament continues on February 7th with matches scheduled across various island venues.