- Michael SloleyKate Barber (left) of the United States works her way ahead of Jamaica's Tasha Cooke during their VMBS Americas Cup yesterday at Mona Hockey field. US won 5-0.
JAMAICA received a major setback in their attempt to qualify for the 10th International Hockey Federation (FIH) women's World Cup in 2002 when they were flogged 5-0 by the United States in their second qualifying game of the VMBS Americas Cup.
The defeat came just 24 hours after Jamaica got a dream start courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in the seven-
team round-robin competition from which the winners advance to the World Cup in Perth, Australia.
Jamaica's hopes were dented from as early as the fourth minute when Jill Reeve converted a penalty corner. Then a hat-trick of goals from Jara Jelley in the 15th, 39th and 44th minutes and Kate Barber who scored in the 55th, handed the United States a comfortable victory.
The Americans who beat Mexico by a similar margin on Thursday's opening day moved to six points and to take pole position in the standings. Jamaica and Uruguay, which rebounded from an opening 2-1 defeat from Canada to clip Mexico 2-1 yesterday are on three points.
In another game, the tournament top rated team Argentina defeated Venezuela 14-0.
The Jamaicans were quickly put to the test by the US and fell down in all areas. In the space of 11 minutes Jamaica were out of the game as the Americans took a firm grip and quickly opened a 2-0 lead, both strikes coming from penalty corners.
It was quite obvious that the Jamaicans were no match for the fast running and skilful US team, who utilised the width of the field to their advantage. However, after Reeve and Jelley had given US a 2-0 lead, Jamaica were able to come into their own, but only for a brief period during which they earned three penalty corners. The Jamaicans did little with the set plays, Tasha Cooke shot tamely to the experienced Margaret Storrar in goal on all occasions.
However, Jamaica were able to break up most of the offensive play by US to keep the score at a respectable margin going into the break.
The second half proved disastrous for the home team as a high percentage of the play took place in their half. As a result, Jamaica spent most of the period chasing the visitors over the turf and failed to get their offensive play going.
With the Jamaicans using most of their energy chasing they wilted in the last 15 minutes and easily gave up two field goals. Firstly, Kelli Cannon took the Jamaican defenders apart to provide Jelly with a neat pass inside the D and she flicked into the roof giving goalkeeper Dana Mae Crawford no chance in the 44th minute. Then 11 minutes after, Barber completed the victory beating Crawford with a torrid shot after she was presented with a gift by Tracey Larson.
Today's game: 7.30 p.m. - Canada vs Argentina
