Fowler-Reid expects Sunshine Girls improvements

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls turned in a scintillating second-half display to outclass Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago 61-40 in their opening match of their two-Test Lasco Sunshine Series at the National Indoor Sports Centre last evening.

The Sunshine Girls were led to victory courtesy of captain Jhaneile Fowler-Reid's excellent shooting display of 34 goals from 39 attempts.

Fowler-Reid was happy for the team's response but knows all too well that the girls have some improvements to make going forward.

"The second half was really good because I thought we came out with a purpose and we started to execute the game plan that we had before the game," said Fowler-Reid. "I am really happy that everyone get a chance to play, however, we still have some tidying up to do, and we just need to make sure that we connect from the first whistle."

Despite a shaky start to the match, the Jamaicans still managed to carve out a 14-12 lead over their opponents at the end of the first period.

The Sunshine Girls found their rhythm in the second quarter, with defenders Shamera Sterling and vice-captain Vangelee Williams making a number of defensive stops as the Jamaicans outscored Trinidad to 17-11 for 31-23 lead at the end of the stanza.

Fowler-Reid received support from Shanice Beckford, who netted 14 goals from 18.

Shantal Slater nine goals from 11 tries and Thristina Hardwood four goals from eight attempts were the other scorers for the Sunshine Girls. Samantha Wallace was the main scorer for Trinidad and Tobago with 24 goals from 38 attempts.

The Sunshine Girls, who are ranked fourth in the world, six places above Trinidad and Tobago, showed their gulf in class in the third period, while outscoring the 'Trinis' 18-5 to take a 49-28 advantage into the final quarter.

Jamaica's head coach Marvette Anderson made several changes to the Sunshine Girls team in the fourth quarter, as all 12 players were given court time.

The series will come to a close tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the same venue. They will then turn their attention to Thursday's opening game against England, also at the National Indoor Sports Centre.