Aerial flair propelled Jamaica into the world netball championship semifinals against New Zealand tomorrow.
They overshadowed Samoa 73-42 in one of the quarterfinals today in an entertaining match that featured plenty of thrills and spills,
Jamaica's traditional aerial game and athletic agility won the day over a committedand competitive Samoa.
Without the presence of their inspiring captain Elaine Davis, still troubled by an ankle injury, Jamaica stepped up to the mark in style.
Long, accurate passing movements which were, more often than not, completed with a "bomb" into the lofty target of shooter Romelda Aiken paid off handsomely for Jamaica.
Samoa tested the Jamaicans at times but could not consistently stem the overall flow.
Playing a shorter passing game, Samoa were slowed through court as they struggled for openings through the agile and effective defensive screens set by Jamaica.
In-circle defenders Kasey Evering and Althea Byfield supported these strong efforts with their own menace under the hoop.
Samoa's 1.88m goal shoot Catherine Latu showed her versatility, heading down to the goal keeper's end after the first quarter in an effort to reduce the supply of ball to the 1.91m Aiken.
Latu did a sterling job of exerting extra pressure on the shooters, particularly rising star Aiken, but Jamaica's overall class and superior finishing won through.
"I am happy to know that we are in the semifinals but I cannot say I was happy about the performance," Jamaica's coach Connie Francis said.
"I thought we were very flat at times but all in all I am very proud that we have made the semifinals."
