LIVINGSTON SCOTT, STAR Writer

Eighteen players vying for 12 places in the national squad for the Netball World Cup in Australia in August were yesterday named to face Barbados in a three-game friendly series from June 19 to 21.

Seventeen players are now in camp, including Jhaneile Fowler-Reid, who returned from the ANZ Championships last Saturday.

The team's other ANZ League player, Romelda Aiken, will join the squad later, as she is to participate in the final of that tournament this weekend.

The squad's other members are Nicole Aiken-Pinnock (captain), Shanice Beckford, Nicole Dixon, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Stacian Facey, Simone Gordon, Thrishana Hanson, Thristina Harwood, Sasher Gaye Henry, Malysha Kelly, Shantal Slater, Adean Thomas, Paula Thompson, Khadijah Williams, and Vangalee Williams.

Technical director Jill McIntosh expects the Bajans to put up a strong challenge and said it was a great opportunity for the selectors to see which players are ready for the challenge down under.

"Let it not be said that Barbados is not strong enough. They will be here fighting, because there is much rivalry in the Caribbean. As selectors, it's a great opportunity to see who can deal with the pressures of international netball," she said.

Final commitment

Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) has put $1 million into the tournament, the final commitment from the gaming company in a $4.5-million sponsorship deal.

Jhanelle Davis, SVL's corporate communications officer, said Netball Jamaica has set a standard of excellence and her company continues to give its full support because it believes in that vision.

"Over the years, we have seen them set goals, achieve them, and set new ones in their work for excellence. They continue to shine on the court, and this only shows that they are excellent in what they do," she commented.