Carlene Edwards (left), Supreme Ventures Limited sponsorship and public relations manager, presents a copy of what is schedule to be the moscot of the 2015 Sunshine Girls series to captain Nicole Aiken-Pinnock (third left) Marva Bernard (second right), president of Netball Jamaica, and Molly Rhone (right), president international netball federation, at a press briefing and announcement and presentation of team at the courtleigh hotel yesterday. Sharing in the presentation is Natalie Neita-Headley (second left), minister without portfolio with responsibility for sports. - Jermaine Barnaby

... Sunshine Girls plan all-out assault against England

ROBERT BAILEY, STAR Writer

JAMAICA's Sunshine Girls are planning an all-out attack against England when the two meet in the three-Test Supreme Ventures Sunshine Series at the National Indoor Sports Centre on January 10, 11, and 13

So says head coach, Minneth Reynolds, who told STAR Sports in an interview following the announcement of Jamaica's 14-member squad that they plan on attacking the English girls from the opening whistle of the series.

"We are confident that we can win," said Reynolds. "This is a series that we need to win because, if we don't do that, then persons are going to lose faith in us. We have to be on the attack from the first ball, because it is very important to start out with a good momentum."

She added:"The girls are aware of what is at stake and so they are committed to go out there and win the series for us."

The England series will be Jamaica's only warm-up against a country more highly ranked than they are heading into this summer's Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.

The Sunshine Girls, who won the Commonwealth Games bronze medal last summer, are ranked fourth in the world, one place below their English counterparts.

Reynolds noted that the Jamaicans are taking the series very seriously because they will be using it to assess their readiness for this year's WNC.

"This series is very important to us because we are playing one of the best teams in the world and it is also important that we put on a good showing in front of our home crowd," she said.

The Sunshine Girls will welcome back top shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, who missed last year's Fast5 World Series because personal reasons, along with the vastly-experienced, Paula Thompson, who was rested for the tournament held in Auckland, New Zealand.

The team also includes shooters Romelda Aiken, Shanice Beckford, Anna-Kay Griffiths, Thristina Harwood and Shantal Slater. The midcourt comprises Khadijah Williams, Sasher-Gaye Henry, Adean Thomas, and Nicole Dixon. Captain Nicole Aiken-Pinnock, Vangelee Williams and Stacian Facey are the defenders.

Reynolds stated that she is very pleased with the make-up of the squad because many players can play more than one position.

"I am quite pleased with this squad, because all the ladies are capable of representing us quite well on court. It is a strong squad that will face the England team."

She disclosed that there are a few minor injury worries caused from the training surface at the National Stadium.

"We have few a hacks and pains, but despite this, the squad is ready and they are looking forward to compete at their best and win this series," said Reynolds.