In a highly anticipated Pool C encounter at the CTICC, the Proteas faced a formidable Jamaican side, resulting in a hard-fought defeat for the South African team.
The sold-out crowd witnessed an intense battle as Jamaica displayed their dominance from the start, leading in all quarters and ultimately securing a 67-49 victory over the Proteas.
Despite the spirited support from the home crowd, South Africa struggled to match Jamaica’s relentless pace and precision on the court. The Commonwealth Games silver medalists showcased their skill and possession, gaining a 32-26 lead by halftime.
Goal shooter Lenize Potgieter made an impressive comeback to the World Cup, demonstrating her capabilities with flawless shooting and scoring 17 goals in 17 attempts before the break.
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However, the second half proved challenging for the Proteas as they faced a determined Jamaican defence that restricted their scoring opportunities. The Caribbean side dominated the third quarter, outscoring South Africa by 18 goals to 3, further extending their lead.
Despite a valiant effort in the final quarter, the Proteas couldn’t halt Jamaica’s scoring spree, resulting in the 67-49 scoreline in favour of Jamaica. Nichole Taljaard and Ine-Marí Venter contributed with their shooting, but the Jamaican team’s consistency and resilience secured their position at the top of Pool C.
The loss places South Africa in the second position in the group, but it doesn’t dampen the spirits of the Proteas, who will now focus on their next matches in the tournament.
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Picture: @Netball_SA / Twitter
