The Virgin Islands women’s netballers gave it their all in the Plate final of the Battle of the Isles netball tournament in St Maarten on Sunday, October 27, 2025, but were edged by St Eustatius by the narrowest of margins. Photo: Netball BVI

Tammy Joseph was the standout performer for Ursulas in the Plate final. Photo: Netball BVI

The Virgin Islands women’s netball team, Ursulas, will take to the court for the final time at the Battle of the Isles netball tournament today, Sunday, October 26, 2025. Photo: Netball BVI/Facebook

The Virgin Islands' national women's netball team, Ursulas, beat Guadeloupe 53-21 on Friday, October 24, 202s, in St Maarten and then went on to defeat St Eustatius 38-30 in the playoffs, making up for their loss to St Eustatius in their opening game on October 22, 2025. Photo: Netball BVI/Facebook

Ursulas were needled 38-39 at LB Scott Sports Auditorium in St Maarten.

The Virgin Islands had been on a two-game winning streak and were hoping to wrap up their appearance with a Plate victory against opponents they had beaten in the playoffs the day before.

Tight physical contest

The Plate final was a fiercely physical contest, and the Virgin Islands showed grit and determination against their younger and more agile opponents.

The VI led 11 – 10 at the end of the First Quarter and then drew the Second Quarter, 8 – 8.

Ursulas dropped the Third Quarter, 10 – 12, but tied the final quarter, 9 – 9.

Tammy Joseph was the standout performer for Ursulas.

“Huge thank you to everyone who supported us, sponsored us, cheered us on, and helped make this moment a reality, we wouldn’t be here without you!

“We are leaving this tournament with gained experience, and an ever closer netball family! We love you BVI!” Netball BVI stated on its Facebook page.

Canada defeated Bermuda in final

The other teams that participated in the Battle of the Isles were Guadeloupe, Bermuda, St Maarten and Canada.

47th-ranked Canada won the gold medal after defeating Bermuda, 61-32, in the final last night.

It was only Bermuda’s second defeat of the five-team competition, which marked the island’s return from a self-imposed international hiatus.

See previous article published October 26, 2025

‘On a roll’ Ursulas play final netball game in Battle of the Isles today

- take on St Eustatius for the Plate Championship

The Virgin Islands women’s netball team, Ursulas, will take to the court for the final time at the Battle of the Isles netball tournament today, Sunday, October 26, 2025.

After a slow start in the tournament, which started at Earl N. Merkman Sports Auditorium in Oranjestad, St Eustatius and is now concluding at LB Scott Sports Auditorium in St Maarten, the Virgin Islands have been on a two-game winning streak.

They beat Guadeloupe 53-21 on Friday, October 24, 2025, in St Maarten and then went on to defeat St Eustatius 38-30 in the playoffs on Saturday, making up for their loss to St Eustatius in their opening game on October 22, 2025.

Ursulas are ‘fired up’

They will now play St Eustatius for a third time in the Battle of the Isles, but this time for Plate honours, at 6:15 PM.

“The squad is prepared, focused, and fired up, ready to give it everything and leave it all on the court. Nothing’s getting in our way! Let’s bring the energy and fight for that WIN. Let’s go URSULA’S!

“Please keep the support coming, we’re hearing you and we hope we are doing you proud!” Netball BVI stated on its Facebook page.