Downes' double advance Bajan women; Barbados to play Cuba in CAC Hockey semis

By Rawle Toney In pursuit of the elusive gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, Barbados’ Women’s Hockey team played to a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Dominican Republic on Saturday, thanks to Nakira Downes’ double. As a result, Barbados secured the second spot in Pool B with five points, following their 3-2  win against Bermuda and a 1-1 draw with Puerto Rico. Downes broke the deadlock five minutes into the match with an impressive strike, allowing Barbados to maintain their lead until the end of the first period. During the second quarter, Barbados struggled to create opportunities, while the Dominican Republic, courtesy of Cecilia Oflaherti, equalised the game at 1-1. [caption id="attachment_392938" align="aligncenter" width="954"] Nakira Downes was superb for Barbados against the Dominican Republic, scoring both games in a 2-2 draw.[/caption] This encounter was only the second meeting between the Dominican Republic and Barbados, with the Bajans losing the initial encounter 0-2. Seeking to preserve their unbeaten record against Barbados, Agustina Birocho wasted no time in the penultimate quarter, giving the Dominican Republic a 2-1 advantage. Anaya Alleyne-Germain made several crucial saves to deny the relentless attacks from the Dominican Republic, who were determined to remain undefeated. D’Jamila Edwards had an opportunity to score in the fourth period, but her shot was saved by Cindy La Rose. In the final moments, Ana Williams attempted the Dominican Republic, but the Barbadian goalkeeper displayed excellent skill to make the save. The Dominican Republic will now face Mexico in the second semi-finals on Monday at 2:45 p.m., while Barbados will take on defending champions Cuba at 12:30 p.m. Among the English-speaking Caribbean nations, Jamaica (1990) and Trinidad and Tobago (1986, 2002, 2010) are the only teams to have won the CAC Women’s Hockey tournament. Cuba has emerged victorious in all the other editions of the tournament (1993, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018). Barbados has never reached the Women’s final, finishing in third place on four occasions (1986, 2002, 2006, 2010).    ]]>