The Baby Pearls Netball team wrapped up their participation in the Netball World Youth Cup with an impressive 11th place finish after defeating Malaysia 56-48. The tournament, held in Gibraltar, presented various challenges for the team, which initially secured a third-place position in their pool behind South Africa and Malawi.
The Baby Pearls demonstrated resilience by initiating their playoff journey with a decisive victory over Gibraltar, scoring 61-31. They advanced to the 9th-12th place semifinals, where they faced Samoa but were unable to secure a win, leading them to face Malaysia for the 11th-12th position match.
In their final game against Malaysia, the Baby Pearls started strong with strategic interceptions and dynamic passing, holding a narrow 27-25 lead by halftime. Despite Malaysia’s robust shooting and rebounding, Fiji’s defensive intensity and rapid transitions in the third quarter were crucial to their victory, enabling their shooters to capitalize on opportunities effectively.
Meanwhile, in other matches, Samoa clinched 9th place by overcoming Wales 67-53, and the Cook Islands ended in 8th place following a close encounter with Malawi, finishing 54-61. Tonga secured 13th place with a tight victory against Singapore, winning 50-47. The grand final saw Australia triumph over New Zealand with a commanding 63-48 win, marking their first Netball World Youth Cup win in 16 years.
The tournament not only highlighted the Baby Pearls’ competitive spirit but also their potential for future success in international netball. Their commitment and performance are a testament to the progress of netball in Fiji, serving as an inspiration to young players and contributing to the sport’s growing prominence in the region. The experience gained from this competition underscores a bright future for these athletes, fostering enthusiasm and hope for further achievements on the global stage.