The United States Virgin Islands Women’s Basketball Team closed its run at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Centrobasket Qualifier, while the U19 Women’s Volleyball Team opens play at the 2026 NORCECA U19 Women’s Continental Championship in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The women of the USVI Women’s Basketball Team fought hard but fell short of their goal of advancing to the next round of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027, dropping the bronze medal match to the Dominican Republic, 102 – 69. The USVI were short-staffed as starting point guard Lanese Bough was unavailable for the game. Natalie Kleeman-Day was also missing from the USVI starting lineup. The changes seem to have had a negative effect on the team’s defense, as the USVI allowed nearly 30 points per quarter in the first three periods of this game. Imani Tate filled the stats sheet for the Virgin Islands women, scoring 25 points, snatching five rebounds, distributing five assists, and recording four steals. Taylor Jones added 16 points and a team-high six rebounds.
The Dominican Republic joins Puerto Rico and Mexico as the three teams to qualify for the 2027 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. USVI Anisha George was named to the all-tournament team.
The USVI Volleyball Girls Program has entered a team in the second event in three weeks. The Virgin Islands is one of nine teams competing at the U19 Girls Continental Championship in San Jose, Costa Rica. The USVI played well but fell to Mexico 25-22; 25-16; 25-15 in their first match. Kinsley Taylor and A’vielle Lewis provided the offense punch for the Virgin Islands, scoring 10 and 9 points, respectively. USVI Libero, Danielle Allen anchored down the defense with 12 digs for the VI.
The tournament is broken into three pools. The USVI are paired with Mexico and Puerto Rico in Group B. CUBA, the Dominican Republic, and the USA are in Group A. Host Costa Rica welcomes Canada and Jamaica in Group C. The VI will take on Puerto Rico Monday at 5:30 p.m.
