
This year's squad was quite experienced with multiple international appearances under their belt, in fact, all have been ADO 501 National Champions which may be a first for this event. She was joined by Lisa Ayers, Tom Sawyer and Robbie Phillips and they turnout out to be up to the task of regaining the America's Cup which has now been won 7 times out of 9 tries.
Team USA beat Jamaica in the opening round 13-0 and the Bahamas 12-1 on the opening day. Day 2 started with a hard fought 10-3 win over Guyana. After having their mid-day BYE round they defeated Turks and Caicos 12-1 to win their bracket and advance to the knockout round the next day. Monday started with a 7-1 victory over the host, Trinidad and Tobago to advance to the Finals against Canada who were defending the Cup after knocking off the Americas two years ago in Barbados. The match was very tight throughout and with the USA up 6-5 Sandy and Lisa played Maria Mason and Danna Foster. After winning the first leg both Sandy missed some opportunities in the 2nd leg that could have ended the match and it came down to the last leg where Sandy opened up with a 180 and checked out the double to clinch the win for Team USA 7-5.
The Singles matches are played over the course of the event and conclude in the closing ceremony with the Finals. It was here that Sandy was particularly sharp, defeating Brazil's Idamis lcantara in the first round, Mernel Brown of Jamaica in the second round and Mary Correia of Guyana in the Quarter Finals. In the Semi-Finals she topped Lisa to advance to the Finals against defending America's Cup Champion Maria Mason. Sandy would jump out to a 2-0 lead before Maria won her first leg. It was the first and only leg Sandy would lose, she would go on to win the last leg going 11-1 overall and becoming the third American lady to win this event. Anytime you can join the ranks of legends like Stacy Bromberg and Marilyn Popp you know you've done something special.
Some would say that America's Cup/Caribbean Cup is the most fun dart event in the world, personally, I think it would be hard to argue that point. The wonderful people of the island nations and their culture and passion for the sport create a truly amazing environment. We have made many new friends during these events and Sandy has manage to earn 3 Gold Medals ( 2 Team 1 Singles ), a Silver Medal in Team and 2 Bronze Medals in Singles play. She also won the low dart game by a female for the second straight year.
Playing for your country in always an unbelievable honor as is playing for Sandy's amazing sponsors Winmau, L-Style Global, Flying Bull Darts and Dutchman Darts.