BOXING ‘MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

’: Federation, All-Out Boxing Club conduct clinics for officials

RINGSIDE: Boxers in action in Grand Bahama as the Bahamas Boxing Federation and All-Out Boxing Club conducted clinics for boxing officials.  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

RINGSIDE: Boxers in action in Grand Bahama as the Bahamas Boxing Federation and All-Out Boxing Club conducted clinics for boxing officials. Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

As of Thursday, September 28, 2023

photo
photo
photo
photo

#AFTER all the uncertainties and challenges, the All-Out Boxing Club and the Bahamas Boxing Federation were able to declare: “Mission Accomplished.”

#Unable to secure a boxing ring in Grand Bahama, federation president Vincent Strachan shipped one there, went and personally set up the ring and conducted clinics for officials to ensure best results.

#Not only did boxing matches take place but a tribute was made to the late Tyrone Oliver. Eunice Oliver and several family members travelled to Grand Bahama for this special occasion.

#She was presented with a plaque from All Out Boxing Club.

#Also, a Sugar Bert championship belt by Bert Wells, president and CEO of Sugar Bert Promotions USA, who was one of the special guests.

#Oliver said her son Tyrone took his belt he won several years ago at Sugar Bert Championship, to have some refurbishment done. Sadly, he never got it back from the individual or company contracted to do the work.

#The unknown person/s never contacted his family in that regard.

#President Strachan spearheaded a call to the audience for financial contributions to assist Tyrone’s eight-year-old daughter, which was supported by the persons in attendance.

#It is anticipated that this would be a regular ongoing process to help the child.

#The St George’s Gymnasium came alive on September 22 with 10 exciting matches, male and female.

#Night two, September 23 was equally action filled with eight dynamic bouts.

#Not bad for a first time for Jermaine Gibson, head coach and president of the Grand Bahama Boxing Association.

#Truly the magic is back with boxing in our second city.

#Gibson also announced the next event is all set for October 28.

#The main purpose is to host regular boxing shows to provide the boxers with actual competitions.

#Presently, there are more than 200 boxers on Grand Bahama, the majority of whom are from several high schools.

#Day 1 Results

#DeVano Dorsette defeated Luciono McPhee Jr, in 3rd round.

#Menyenek Bowe lost to Nicholas Doonuate, majority decision.

#Andrea Rolle defeated Chanea Stuart in 3rd round (female high school).

#Mataya Young won over Tyrah Rolle (female novice).

#Keano Cox lost majority decision to Josiah Smith (Novice 135lbs).

#Jiraya Francios won majority decision over Louvens Norvilus (high school, 156 lbs).

#Peter Grey won over Aladden Ellis (Bimini) 156 lbs novice in 2nd round Special Championship match.

#Keanu Greene defeated Michael Felistine in unanimous decision (high school division 185lbs cruiser weight).

#Clearance Hepburn defeated Elijah Smith. Majority decision, Novice 185lbs.

#Malino Knowles defeated Lincoln Alleyne, referee stopped contest in 2rd round 185 lbs novice.

#Day 2 Results

#Kaymani Kelly, decision Luciono McPhee Jr, age 13, 120lbs division.

#Rosnell Williams decisioned by DaVano Dorsette high school division, 110 lbs category.

#Josiah Smith defeated Nicholas Doonuate novice championship, 135 lbs.

#Keano Cox decisioned Menyenek Bowe, novice 135lbs.

#Jariaya Francios won by decision over Benito Rolle, Championship, age 16, high school division.

#Joni Vega defeated Louvens Norvilus, high school, age 16, 256lbs.

#Tyrah Rolle defeated Andrea Rolle, majority decision, novice female.

#Keanu Greene defeated Michael Philistine, 3rd round, Championship.

‘Obie’ Wilchcombe was a sportsman

The late Minister Obie Wilchcombe shares a moment with Burkett Turnquest and friends at his recent birthday.

The late Minister Obie Wilchcombe shares a moment with Burkett Turnquest and friends at his recent birthday.

As of Wednesday, September 27, 2023

photo

SHOWN, from left to right, are Jim LaRoda, Bernard Dorsett and the late Obie Wilchcombe.

photo

The late Minister Obie Wilchcombe with some members of the Sunburners football team.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Before he got his feet wet in politics, Burkett Turnquest said he was able to persuade former Minister of Social Services Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe to become the president of the Commonwealth American Football League in 1990-1991.

#Wilchcombe, who had served previously as president of the Grand Bahama Amateur Basketball Assocation before he moved to New Providence as a journalist at ZNS, served with Turnquest as his first vice president for one season before he got into politics.

#The duo, at the time, played with the Sunburners Football Club, coached then by Richard Gardiner. Wilchcombe, however, quit playing as the Sunburners’ quarterback the following year, relinquishing his position in the CAFL and turned his attention to running for office in the Progressive Liberal Party.

#“I just had my 70th birthday and I invited him down to celebrate with some of our football friends,” Turnquest said. “That was the last time we talked face to face, but we still communicated over the phone.

#“Obie was a nice, guiet guy. He always wanted to organise things. We did well together as a team because we were able to advance the league.”

#Popular businessman Bernard ‘Porky’ Dorsett said he was so shocked when he heard about the passing of Wilchcombe that he called his former Sunburners Football Club teammate to confirm whether it was true or not.

#When he didn’t receive an answer, Dorsett said it confirmed his worse fear that Wilchcombe, a former quarterback in the Commonwealth American Football League, had indeed died.

#“I thought it was a joke when I woke up and saw the notice on my phone. I had to call him, but he didn’t answer the phone. He would call me back because we talked all the time,” said Dorsett, who was the backup quarterback to Wilchcombe.

#“The man was a consummate sportsman. He played the game, he loved the game. I had some good times playing with him. I still can’t believe that he is dead.”

#Dorsett, the proprietor of Porky’s Gas Station, said he remembers how they both were in attendance at Turnquest’s 70th birthday party on January 20 at his home in Montagu near Queen’s College.

#“We were there talking foolishness all night,” Dorsett said. “It was like old times for us. He cracked me about not attending my party. I told him that the next one he will definitely be there.”

#While he was a double sport superstar, Wilchcombe held court in basketball in Grand Bahama at the YMCAS Gymnasium, but stuck mainly to American football here in New Providence with the Sunburners Football Club mainly at the DW Davis playing field.

#The Sunburners’ archrivals were the Pros Football Club and Ken Kerr, representing the club, extended their heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Wilchcombe’s immediate family, friends and fellow colleagues in government and his beloved constituents of West End, Grand Bahama and Bimini.

#“We also want to extend our thoughts and prayers to his wider sporting family and in particular the Sunburners Football Club of which he played numerous years as captain and quarterback,” Kerr said.

#“He was instrumental in leading them to their first national championship against us. This was for him and his team a cherished and long overdue victory because they were challenged over the years to beat the Pros.”

#Kerr also noted that Wilchcombe’s competitive drive on the field transcended in his daily life and his politics.

#He noted that under his calm demeanour, he was a fierce competitor.

#“Obie loved sports and will be sorely missed,” Kerr stated. “Again, on behalf of the Pros Football Club, we extend our best wishes to all during this extremely difficult time. In sports as in life, Obie competed well. May God grant him peace and blessings to his family. Our country has lost a gem.”

Coach Franklyn Williams ‘was an unsung hero’

Shown, from left to right, are track and field officials, NACAC president Mike Sands, technician Rev Trevor Moss and coaches Rupert Gardiner and Shaun Miller Sr.

Shown, from left to right, are track and field officials, NACAC president Mike Sands, technician Rev Trevor Moss and coaches Rupert Gardiner and Shaun Miller Sr.

As of Wednesday, September 27, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#SCORES of Bahamians showed up at the Christian Life ministries to pay their last respects to the late coach Franklyn Williams, who was lauded as an “unsung hero” for the role he played in the development of so many young track and field athletes.

#The 63-year-old Williams, the coach of the 4-D Stallions, was laid to rest in his coffin with his trademark cap, whistle and toothpick in his mouth before he was funeralised and interred into Woodlawn Gardens.

#Officiating were Rev Trajean Jardorette and associate pastor Carolyn Gordon.

#Also in attendance were Rev Dr William Thompson, Rev Patrick Paul and district elder Portia Ferguson, who all participated in the service.

#In giving his condolences, the senior pastor at Faith United Missionary Baptist Church called Williams an “unsung hero,” who may never get the credit that he deserves for what he has done in transforming the lives of the members of the 4-D Stallions Track Club.

#He encouraged the athletes who were highlighted to show their appreciation to coach Williams by continuing to be disciplined and dedicated to the sport. It was a similar message that was given by coach Williams’ only living brother Kevin and Albert Gaitor, who was instrumental in getting the club started.

#The former distance runner, who attended the Big Pond Primary School, CH Reeves Junior High, RM Bailey Senior High and the College of the Bahamas, began his employment as a member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

#After serving for three years, he became a certified electrician. However, Williams; ventured back to his first love, track and field, as he got two of his eight children, Mizpha and Franklyn Williams Jt to follow in his footsteps. They took it a bit further as they went on to represent the Bahamas at the CARIFTA Games.

#He eventually formed the 4-D Stallions, using the logo “Desire, Determination, Dedication and Discipline,” in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations. BAAA’s president Drumeco Archer lauded coach Williams for the remarkable job he has done with the club, producing one of the bright young stars on this year’s CARIFTA team in Darvinique Dean, who is now a member of the Red-Line Track Club and a student of St Augustine; College.

#His brother Kevin told about how coach Williams was actively involved in Church and together they sang with their other deceased brothers in a popular group called the “Gospel Brothers.” He noted that not having a car, coach Williams was dedicated to fulfilling his obligations and on time to his family, Church, work and the 4-D Stallions.

#Williams was married to Audrey Williams and along with their children, he leaves behind four sisters and a brother. His only uncle Ronald Williams said coach Williams will be sorely missed because he was so committed to living his life to the fullest.

‘Nardo’ Dean pleased with bodybuilding medal haul

Federation president Joel Stubbs, wearing tie, poses with Team Bahamas on their return home.

Federation president Joel Stubbs, wearing tie, poses with Team Bahamas on their return home.

As of Wednesday, September 27, 2023

photo

Team manager Nardo Dean, centre, with Ricardo Gibson and Tim Rolle on their return home.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#ALTHOUGH they didn’t have a full team like their counterparts, team manager Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean said he was still pleased with the performances of Team Bahamas at the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships.

#The 10-member team, selected by the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Wellness Federation, returned home from Aruba yesterday where they collected a total of four gold, three silver and two bronze with eight other top six place finishes for seventh in the field of 10 countries who participated in the event over the weekend.

#“Each of the athletes competed beyond their expectations,” Dean said. “They represented us well, from their attitude to their personalities and mixing with the other teams. They were very good representatives of the federation and the Bahamas.

#“Each of those athletes did a fantastic job and we are very proud of them. Terrion (Kemp, who won his professional card in the men’s physique division) was one of them. He came under me when he got started in the sport.

#“I saw the talent in him from the very beginning. I saw his discipline, his drive and his passion for the sport.

#“The others didn’t get their pro cards, but as long as they stay focused and keep God first, they will become champions. All of them are champions.

#“Even though who finished fourth to seventh did their job in helping us to gain points and they were able to encourage each other when they were on stage.”

#With his job done, Dean said he will now take a break away from the sport in an executive role, but will continue to work behind the scenes to assist in the further growth and development of the sport.

#“This year will be the end of my season, but my aspirations for the federation is for it to continue to grow,” Dean said.

#“Whoever takes over my position, I know they will do a good job helping to motivate the people and make sure all of their plans are well kept and executed.

#“As for the athletes, we met with them before and after the competition and they know exactly what their homework should be to improve for next year.

#“We know that we had some athletes who were hyped up to compete in their first international meet.”

#With the CAC Championships going to Guyana next year, Dean said they will ensure that Team Bahamas is ready, especially as they look at the athletes who competed on the team this year and those who didn’t get to compete in their National Championships.

#“Hopefully with the influx of a lot of these new athletes that we have, we will get more cohesiveness and more support from the general public as well as corporate and the government to assist us getting a bigger and better team.”

#Compared to their counterparts, Dean said one of the reasons why the Bahamas can’t regain its spot as one of the top countries in the championships is because they don’t have the funding to take the big teams like they did in the past when Bahamas dominated. “We may not be getting the gold, silver and bronze, but we’re still scoring points across the board in almost every division,” he said. “Hopefully we can send a bigger team next year and become a leader in this region once again.”

#As he prepares to step down, Dean said the federation will be looking for some more vibrant persons to get involved to stay in and make their contribution to the sport in getting some fresh, new faces at the top.

#Making the transition from track and field and gymnastics, Dean first got involved in the federation in 1996 when Danny Sumner served as the president. He has worked behind the scenes until he was promoted to the executive board.

#The former public relations officer also served as the national coach for Team Bahamas before he was elevated to team manager under president Joel Stubbs.

THE New Providence Cycling Association held its Back-To-School Cycling Classic on Sunday

with Felix Neely and Ilaria Gervasini emerging as the overall champions in the men’s and ladies’ divisions.

#• Here’s a look at the official results:

#Open Male – 24 miles

#1st – Felix Neely – 1 hr.11mins.30 sec. 2nd – Barron Musgrove Jr – 1hr.11mins.32secs. 3rd – TJ Paul – 1 hr.11mins.53secs.

#Open Female – 24 miles

#1st – Ilaria Gervasini – 1 hr.25mins.34ses.

#Boys 15-17 years – 24 miles

#1st Enea Gervasini – 1hr.11mins.39 secs. 2nd – Brian Burrows – 1 hr.27mins.18secs.

#Boys 12- 14 years – 12 miles

#1st – Jayden Smith – 33mins.03secs. 2nd – Tristian Johnson – 36 mins.15secs. 3rd – Nathaniel Adderley – 46 mins.41secs. 4th – KJ Cargrill – 50 mins.10secs.

#Girls 12- 14 years – 6 miles

#1st – Taylor Knowles – 23mins.04 secs.

#Boys 9- 11yrs – 6 miles

#1st – Anthony Knowles Jr – 23 mins.05secs.


Competitors show off their hardware won in the the New Providence Cycling Association held its Back-To-School Cycling Classic on Sunday.

photo

LADIES’ champion Ilaria Gervasini.

photo

Winners, from left, are third place TJ Paul, runner-up Barron Musgrove Jr and winner Felix Neely.

photo

Junior champion Enea Gervasini.

#

BJ Murray, Smokies take 1-0 lead in series

As of Tuesday, September 26, 2023

photo

Third baseman BJ Murray in action in this file photo.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#After sweeping the Chattanooga Lookouts in their best-of-three playoffs last week, Bahamian third baseman BJ Murray and the Tennessee Smokies moved one away from duplicating the feat in the Minor League Baseball’s Double A Southern League Championships.

#Murray and the Smokies, playing on their home field at the Smokies Stadum in Kodak, Tennessee on Sunday, doubled up the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 8-4 to snatch a 1-0 lead in the championship series. In that game, Murray went 2-for-4 with a run batted in (RBI) and scored a pair of runs for a .400 average.

#“It feels good to be in this position with my teammates and friends,” said Murray after the game. “We want to win and I think we showed that in game one.”

#With the team on the road travelling yesterday, they will prepare for game two of the series today at the Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola, Florida. If necessary, the third and deciding game will take place on Wednesday again in Pensacola, Florida.

#“We’re going out there and going to play the same game we’ve played all year,” Murray said. “We are going to go out there, play hard, have fun and let the rest take care of itself.”

#In advancing to the championship, Murray and the Smokies swept the Chattanooga Lookouts 2-0 in their best-of-three playoff series last week. They won 5-1 in the clincher on Thursday, September 21 after taking game one 3-1 as they played both games on the road at the AT^T Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

#“It felt good,” said Murray about the sweep of their playoffs series. “We wanted to win in two games and we played like we did.”

#Batting second in the line-up, Murray went 0-for-3 with a walk, a strike out and a run batted in for a .333 average in game two on Thursday, September 21.

#He enjoyed a 2-for-3 outing with a walk, a RBI and a run scored for a .667 average in the opener on Tuesday, September 19.

#The 23-year-old 5-foot, 10-inch Murray Jr, who was drafted in round 15 with the 454th pick overall by the Cubs in the 2021 Major League Draft, has produced 452 at-bats with 119 hits, 16 home runs, 14 stolen bases, 74 RBI and 71 runs for an .263 average.

#“I’m feeling good about it. I still got a game, maybe two left to play, so I’ve got to keep it rolling,” said Murray about his individual stats. “I want to get better at everything so I’m going to work on every aspect of the game.”

#Murray, who played and won his first championship series last year in High-A, said he’s eager to see if he can duplicate the feat in his promotion to Double-A this year.

#“We got a good shot at winning and we all believe that, now we just have to go do that,” Murray summed up.

Dragon Boat Festival all set for this weekend

As of Tuesday, September 26, 2023

photo

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER hosting a successful inaugural event last year, the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association is looking forward to making the second annual Bahamas Dragon Boat Festival bigger and better.

#Association vice president Susie Chan said the two-day festival on Saturday and Sunday in Goodman’s Bay will be one for the crowd to attend as they watch the dragon boat races in the water as well as participate in the food, drinks and music on shore.

#“We expect a good turnout. We have close to 30 teams participating, four coming from the US and the rest of them are local teams,” Chan said.

#“We have some youth teams, we have the Immigration, Police and the Defence Force all coming on board.”

#Competition will begin on Saturday at 9am with the preliminary rounds in all divisions with the finals taking place on Sunday at the same time. The festival on Sunday will start at noon and will conclude with the awards presentation.

#Performances of lion dancing, kung fu masters in action, the breast cancer society presentation and special music by Stalette before a junkanoo rush out takes place with a kids corner filled with activities.

#The Dragon Boat Festival is known worldwide and now it’s fast becoming a popular event in the Bahamas.

#“There’s usually 14 people on the boat, including ten paddlers, a drummer and a steers person,” Chan said. “They go out and race and it’s all about unity and being in sync. You might be strong, but then you might be together. So it takes a lot of practice together and cooperation. Everybody is in one unison.

#“It’s been for breast cancer survivors, who use the sport as a way to bond with each other and to get some exercise. It’s a therapeutic sport in that aspect.”

#In an effort to foster a good relationship and encourage as many people to get involved, Chan noted that the Chinese Embassay provided all of the boats for the inaugural competition last year.

#“That turned out quite well, considering that it was the first time we sponsored that event,” Chan said. “Our executive committee is all made up of volunteers, who dedicate their time and even sometimes their monies to brace the gap between the Chinese and the Bahamian people.”

#Spectators from North America, Canada and other parts of the world have been here last year and Chan said they anticipate that the numbers will increase because of the tremendous success from last year.

#Last year, Chan said there were 23 teams entered and there’s expected to be at least 33 teams participating, including the juniors, armed forces and the corporate citizens.

#For more information, persons interested in participating in the event can WhatsApp 242-426-1001 or log onto www.bcoragonboat.com.

Fidelity Bahamas Optimist sails on Saturday

As of Tuesday, September 26, 2023

#YOUNG Bahamian sailors from Nassau, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, Exuma, Long Island and Grand Bahama will compete in the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist Championships for the title of national optimist champion this coming weekend.

#The event will be held at the Nassau Yacht Club. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday from 6-8pm. Competition starts on Saturday at 9am and continues on Sunday at 10am. The dinner awards presentation will take place on Sunday from 5-7pm at the Nassau Yacht Club.

#Sailors from the United States as well as the Cayman Islands will also be competing in this international event being held in Montagu Bay. This will be the first Optimist class National Championships held since sailing became the official national sport of The Bahamas.

#Sponsors include title sponsor Fidelity Bank. Other important sponsors include J.S. Johnson and Campbell Shipping.

#Panama Jack, Shoreline Distributors, Aquapure, Thompson Trading and Home Fabrics are also on board to help ensure a successful event by donation of their products.

Stubbs pleased with Team Bahamas’ efforts

BAHAMIAN officials at CAC Bodybuilding Championships in Aruba.

BAHAMIAN officials at CAC Bodybuilding Championships in Aruba.

As of Tuesday, September 26, 2023

photo

DORCAS Cox with her medals.

photo

BRICESTON Anderson with his silver medal.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#DESPITE having some uncertainty about whether or not they will get to travel this year to the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in Aruba, Bahamas Bodybuilding and Wellness Federation president Joel Stubbs said he was pleased with the 10-member team’s performance.

#The team, managed by Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean, produced a professional card with four gold, three silver and two bronze medals along with eight additional top six finishers for a total of 17 medals for a total of 125 points for seventh place.

#Costa Rica topped the field of 10 countries with 238 points, followed by Aruba with 194 and Mexico finished the top three with 155. But Stubbs said going up against such powerhouses, Team Bahamas stood its ground.

#“I am grateful once again to the almighty God for giving us the strength, courage and fortitude to perform to the best of our ability,” Stubbs said. “This performance speaks volumes to the success of our federation and the disciplined athletes within.”

#While Terrion Kemp led the way for Team Bahamas becoming the latest Bahamian to earn his pro card as the overall winner in the men’s physique, Stubbs said that all of our athletes made the finals in their respective categories.

#Former 100 metre hurdler Ivanique Kemp, who competed in the CAC Championships in athletics, made her debut on stage with a gold in the women’s wellness. Derica Thompson came out with the bronze and Andrecka Dames was fourth.

#Also, Briceston Anderson picked up a pair of silver in the men’s fitness and physique, both Judah Forbes and Ricardo Gibson were fifth in the men’s physique and assistant coach Jason Johnson, as a pro competitor, displayed his strength in the men’s fitness challenge where he placed fifth.

#Veteran Stephen Robinson got fourth in the men’s middleweight category after he got fifth in the men’s masters over 50 category and Grand Bahamian Orick Nesbitt also finished fourth in the men’s heavyweight to add to his sixth place earlier in the day in the men’s masters under 50 category heavyweight.

#Stubbs, however, thanked the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for serving as their major corporate sponsor, coming through just in the nick of time, at the eleventh hour, to make their trip possible.

#“I’m grateful that sponsorship arrived at the 11th hour, as we were uncertain about the entire team going on this mission,” said Stubbs, who wanted to make sure that history didn’t repeat itself after they failed to travel last year because of the lack of funding. “Nonetheless, we are determined to continue in the pursuit of excellence and greatness.”

#Stubbs, however, praised the commitment of the entire team for pulling it all together for the success of the Bahamas. “Thanks to our team manager, coaches and judges who contributed in their capacity and lastly, but most importantly, the athletes who represented the turquoise blue, black and gold during the two days of fierce battle,” Stubbs said. “The team returns in high spirits knowing that they have accomplished a mission set forth. We look forward to bigger, brighter and better things to come in 2024.”

#Team Bahamas is due home today and will start the preparation for next year’s championships that will be held in Guyana.

Bahamas women wrap up 2023 CONCACAF Nations League window

 Home|Sports|Bahamas women wrap up 2023 CONCACAF Nations League windowSports

Lose both games to Grenada, 6-1 and 4-1

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 27, 2023 36 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 w Bahamas women’s senior football player Janeka Edey takes a free kick. The Bahamas women’s senior football team went winless in a home-and-away match against Grenada, in the first window of the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League. TORRELL GLINTON

The Bahamas senior women’s football national team wrapped up the first two-game window of the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League, on the road to the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Women’s Gold Cup, with a 4-1 loss to Grenada on the road on Sunday. Head coach for The Bahamas, Ricquea Bain, saw some bright spots for The Bahamas in its first two games.

This is the first time in a very long time that The Bahamas fielded a senior women’s team in competitive matches. Bain said she likes how the foundation looks.

“We’ve gained our first two experience points. The team was able to have some great moments against a great team, so we know that we are building a strong foundation for our journey. We’re happy that we were able to score in both games, as Janeka Edey and Demitra McClure were able to score beautiful long-range goals, so we’re excited about our future as a team as we continue on this journey,” Bain said.

Sunday saw The Bahamas tieing the game 1-1 on an Edey goal at the Kirani James Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada. Nia Thompson from Grenada scored the lone goal for them in the first half. However, Grenada’s Melania Fullerton broke that tie with a goal in the 47th minute. Thompson added two more in that second half to complete her hat-trick.

“We started the first half without the first game jitters and more confident that we can stand up and play against a seasoned team like Grenada,” Bain said. “We were able to hold more possession and played better defensively in our second game. We pressed better defensively in Grenada and it led to us improving the scoreline. Unfortunately, we made four key mistakes that led to points on the board for Grenada.”

The Bahamas lost the first game 6-1 at home at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium last week Wednesday. The Bahamas has zero points in League C Group C with a 0-2 win/loss record. Grenada is at the top of the group with a 2-0 record. The US Virgin Islands is the only team in the group that has not played as yet.

Heading into the third game, which will be against the US Virgin Islands on Sunday, October 29 on the road, Bain and her staff are looking to fine-tune some tactical and technical details so they can play strong for 90 minutes. The team has some collegiate players who will be playing in their respective conference playoffs.

“Player availability will be tougher in October because of college conference playoffs, but we will be looking for other players to step up. We’ve received a few calls from players saying they will be available,” Bain said.

The team is enjoying some rest, but will resume training on Monday, October 2.