22 September 2020 American Samoa. SCOPA Daredevils successfully defeated previous A-Grade Shield Holders Islanders Oceania Travel, in a close and physical match last Saturday at the Ottoville netball courts in Tafuna.
SCOPA took an early lead in the first and second quarters. The defending shield holders fiercely tried to close the gap, but SCOPA’s strong defensive duo made it an impossible task.
Goal Keeper Upuseutaimalo Setu and Goal Defender Centennial Wulf are also the youngest players in the team.
The pressure of the game was evident in both teams, with a number of unforced errors and umpire warnings having to be issued for on-court outbursts.
Match umpires were veteran netballers, Ruby Ripley, who is also the Tournament Director; and Maria Ah Vui.
The match ended 33-27 to the SCOPA Daredevils!
It was a fairytale ending for the new kids on the block. Although SCOPA is synonymous to netball in Upolu, the SCOPA Amerika Samoa Netball Club is less than a year old. A small group of 6, not even enough for a full netball team, started the club in December 2019.
Today, SCOPA Amerika Samoa Netball Club is a strong active club of 40+ members able to feature teams in two of the competition’s divisions.
The A-Reserve SCOPA Roadrunners, captained by national soccer World Cup representative Jaiyah Saelua, finished second in their division with only one loss in their 6 games.
Most of the SCOPA Amerika Samoa netball team had only picked up a netball within the last 4-5 months.
SCOPA Amerika Samoa President Luatasi Talo praised both his teams for their patience and determination.
“We return all glory and thanks to our Heavenly Father, for it was only through his grace and blessings that SCOPA had achieved so much in less than a year”, he said.
SCOPA Amerika Samoa Head Coach, Cherith Lober-Soliai says the vision of the club goes beyond playing competition sport.
“Our purpose from the beginning as a club, was to focus on building character and good sportsmanship. Play Smart and Clean netball. And to have fun! And we always put God first in all we do as a club. We achieved and exceeded our expectations. I am very proud of my players.”
SCOPA acknowledged their Major Sponsor, Silva Group, for supporting youth development and helping to grow netball in American Samoa”.
“We would like to thank all their family and friends for the support throughout the season. Our sponsors played huge role in SCOPAs achievements”.
Other sponsors include GHC Reid, Bluesky, All Stars and Matson Shipping.
Despite a long and successful season, SCOPA Amerika Samoa are not resting. The club are hosting its Inaugural SCOPA SILVA One-Day Halloween Netball Tournament next month, 24 October 2020.
SCOPA Amerika Samoa Netball Club
President – Luatasi Talo
Head Coach – Cherith Lober Bench Official – Rachael Kelleher-Ufi
SCOPA Daredevils (A-Grade)
Auzzy Asiata (Co-Captain, SCOPA Treasurer)
Natalia Palamo (Co-Captain, SCOPA Vice President)
Upuseutaimalo Setu
Centennial Wulf
Tupo Leasiolagi
Tala Leasiolagi
Semila Samuelu-Lafaele
Valentana Faumuina
Daryleen Moi
Floy Tusi
Precious Tavete
Runi Talaifaga
Nafoa Patu
Cherith Lober
Luatasi Talo Captain Christian Dida Tooala
SCOPA Roadrunners (A-reserve Grade)
Jaiyah Saelua (Captain)
Ata Taavao
Meilani Aiono
Salamasina Amoa
Samuela Lafitaga
Grace Iopu
Catt Mah Kwan
Pentateuch Vaki
Hema Asiata
Liai Alefaio
Kuinimeri Talo
Uni Tanielu
Baker Moalele
Ammy Lauititi
Valesa Gisa
Ioane Talo-Tomanogi
Sharon Senio
Joshua Naseri Faasili Gasio Netah Te’o Sereima Moananu
