Netball Super League | Facey and Ward called up to Jamaica squad

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 25: during the Vitality Netball Superleague match between Celtic Dragons and London Pulse at the Sport Wales National Centre on March 25, 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images for England Netball)

Congratulations to Celtic Dragons’ Stacian Facey and Severn Stars’ Jodi-Ann Ward who have been called up to the Jamaica squad for the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019.

Dragons goal keeper Facey, who can also play at goal defence, has had an exceptional season helping her side finish in their highest position in the Vitality Netball Superleague in recent years.

Discussing Facey’s selection, Celtic Dragons Head Coach Tania Hoffman said: “We are delighted that Stacian has been selected in the Jamaican team for the upcoming Vitality Netball World Cup in July.

“Stacian has been an integral member of Celtic Dragons, and we will be looking forward to supporting her and the Jamaican team in their quest for a medal.”

Both Facey and Ward finished within the top 10 players in the league for intercepts, finishing with 27 and 29 respectively, and their excellent form has been rewarded with Vitality Netball World Cup selection.

Ward, who can play as wing defence and goal defence, has been an instrumental figure for Severn Stars as they qualified the British Fast5 Netball All-Stars Championship.

Severn Stars Franchise Director, Dr Anita Vavin told us, “we are thrilled to see Jodi-Ann selected into the Jamaica World Cup squad. New to international netball Jodi-Ann has proven her athleticism and ability to compete against some of the best athletes. She has been a dominant force in the star’s defence and teamed up magnificently with Sam Cook. She will no doubt enhance her game by this World Cup experience”

Former Loughborough Lightning star Shamera Sterling, who scooped the Vitality Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards as well as being named as GK in the All-Star VII in 2018, has also been included in the squad. Sterling currently plays her club netball in Australia.

Having finished fourth at the last World Cup in 2015, Jamaica will be looking to go one better and replicate their 2018 Commonwealth Game success and secure a medal in Liverpool this summer.

Jamaica have been drawn in the same group as South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and Fiji, and will play their first game of the tournament on Friday 12th July when they face Fiji at 7:00pm.