Merissa Aguilleira, assistant coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) women's team, knows it will be challenging to repeat as Massy Women's Caribbean Premier League champions, as all the teams have quality players - but she likes TKR's chances of claiming back-to-back titles.
TKR will open their 2023 campaign against Barbados Royals at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados at 3.30 pm on
Saturday.
TKR, captained by Deandra Dottin, won the 2022 title with a victory over Royals in the final. Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed, playing for her home franchise, grabbed the final wicket of the match.
On defending the title, Aguilleira said, "We have a really good chance. It is all about execution. We could have a good team on paper, but once we are not executing, issues can arise. But for now we have a really good chance of defending our title."
Winning two titles in a row is not easy, said Aguilleira.
"When you are on the top it is always challenging to maintain that, so you always (try to) stay a cut above the rest...you can see how challenging it is right now, because the teams are doing really well."
It was not a high-scoring tournament in 2022, but early signs have shown this year may be different. Over 330 runs were scored in the opening match of the 2023 WCPL on Thursday between Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Amazon Warriors, batting first, posted 166/2, with Sophie Devine lashing 103 not out. It was not enough, as Royals got to 169/4 in 19.4 overs.
The title last year is behind TKR.
Aguilleira said what's important is "just taking our minds away from the previous competition...and focus(ing) on what is in front of us as this point in time."
TKR are ready for their opening match.
"Everything is great so far. I think the team is good spirits. We had two excellent sessions since we arrived here in (Barbados). Even the international players are in, they gel really well with the team. We are well prepared, even though there are always little things that need to be rectified before the first day."
TKR are equipped with potential, as the international trio of South African Mignon du Preez, Irishwoman Orla Prendergast and Fran Jonas of New Zealand will add their pedigree.
The West Indies players will be eager to fire during the tournament, with the likes of Britney Cooper, Lee-Ann Kirby, Shamilia Connell and Knight sisters Kycia and Kyshona in the TKR squad.
"It is also a good opportunity for our local players...see how best they can learn as much as possible from them. I think with the bunch of players we have here, we have a lot of experience."
Aguilleira said she was not surprised by the high scores in the match between Royals and Amazon Warriors, as the standard of women's cricket is rising.
The first leg of the WCPL will be played in Barbados, before the teams travel to Trinidad for the second leg, including the final on September 10 at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.
On playing in Trinidad, Aguilleira said, "Knowing that we will be at home representing TKR and the T
