After registering an historic win in an overtime thriller against Poland, the US Virgin Islands registered another as they edged Jamaica 19-18 in a pulsating Caribbean derby for consolation placement at the World Lacrosse Box Championship in Utica, New York, on Wednesday.

The US Virgin Islands, appearing in its first World Lacrosse championship of any kind, proved that they possess some quality with the overtime win over their more experienced Jamaican counterparts, thanks to a late hat-trick from Phillip Melecio.

Melecio’s three goals came 49 seconds into overtime of what was an emotionally charged contest that featured a lengthy injury delay, as Jamaica’s Isaac Newland suffered a nasty collision.

However, the player took to social media to let family and friends know he was in good spirits.

“I want to thank my teammates, family, doctors, and medical staff for all the prayers. I will be OK. This is Ocho, and I do my own stunts. I love the Lacrosse community, so see you all in the field soon,” Newland’s post read.

The two teams traded runs all game, and the final five minutes and 15 seconds were no exception. Jamaica netted three unanswered goals to take a 17-16 lead with just over four minutes left in regulation.

USVI later responded with two goals to regain the lead, before Tanner Sims fired in an equaliser for Jamaica with under 30 seconds left to send the contest into overtime.

Dante Poli influenced the game for the USVI with five goals and four assists. Melecio and Matt Williams each added hat-tricks, and Ryan Cochran finished with two goals and four assists. In net, Patrick Crosby saved 28 shots.

For the Jamaicans, Sims tallied seven goals and an assist, and Damon Edwards recorded five assists to go with a hat-trick. Seven other Jamaican players scored goals, including two from Jemar Pottinger. Jacob Thompson made 28 saves.

USVI will face Scotland on Thursday in placement play, while Jamaica will take on Hungary.

Jamaica and the US Virgin Islands (USVI) are set to represent the Caribbean at the sixth edition Men’s World Lacrosse Box Championship in Utica, New York.

The tournament scheduled for September 20-29 is a fast-paced and exciting indoor version of lacrosse, which will see more than 600 athletes across 28 teams showcasing their skills in the battle for supremacy.

With the team’s split across seven pools, Jamaica’s men will contest Pool D alongside seventh-ranked Czech Republic, Scotland, and newcomers Chinese Taipei.

Jamaica’s men’s field program has rapidly improved into the top ten of the world rankings and will be looking to bring its experienced field lacrosse core of players into the box lacrosse arena and adapt quickly in its first ever appearance in the championship.

The Jamaicans will be coached by Darryl Gibson, who is an assistant coach in the NLL for the Albany Firewolves.

Eight players from the team that advanced to the quarterfinals at the men’s championship in San Diego will play in Utica, with four players having competed in 2018 in Israel. Four players also played for Jamaica in Limerick in 2022 in the junior men’s championship.

Overall, the roster is full of collegiate experience at every position. Goran Murray, Antoine Campbell, Tony Diallo, and Shane Lumsden helped anchor Jamaica’s strong defense in San Diego.

Isaac Newland should be a dynamic forward, along with Andrew Knox and Bryan Depass. In goal, Jamaica will count on Jacob Thompson as well as Kiereek McLeod.

Marcus Minichello will be one of the stars to watch in transition with previous NLL experience with the Philadelphia Wings and the Buffalo Bandits.

Meanwhile, the US Virgin Islands, making their debut on the world stage in any lacrosse discipline, will contest Pool against eighth-ranked Netherlands, Austria, and Italy in what will be a baptism of fire for the Caribbean representative.

USVI became a member of World Lacrosse in 2020 and has quickly developed a lacrosse program to compete in international events.

The team competed in field lacrosse qualification against other PALA teams ahead of the 2023 men’s championship in Medellin, Colombia, and at the PALA Sixes Cup in Jamaica in December of 2023, and also had a team compete in box lacrosse at the 2023 LAXNAI event in the fall.

They have retained 10 players from the squad at the PALA Sixes Cup that will suit up in Utica.

Gavin Jones should be a key goalscorer, and Ryan Cochran will be a key playmaker. Kev Reder and Patrick Crosby will be in net.

Nick McEvoy played field lacrosse at Penn State from 2017 to 2020 and will be an important forward. Tyler Peworchik and Blake Runkle will be experienced defenders.