The Tribune

THE University of The Bahamas' women's judo team picked up two gold medals and a silver at the Cherry Blossom Open judo competition this weekend.

Breanna Grant won a gold medal (70 kilogram division) and a silver medal (78 kilogram division) and Raven Pennerman won a gold medal (78 kilogram division).

Grant won the gold medal in the 70 kilogram division after defeating Farida Sadek from The Daytona Beach Judo Club in two matches in the best-of-three series.

Grant dominated both matches from the beginning and was able to win the series.

"My grip sequence was really working for me today," she said. "I was able to get the upper grip and I knew I could win the match."

She added that she felt a little rusty but that was short lived.

"This is my first competition in a while and I was kind of flustered with myself," she said. "But after I talked with coach I got more comfortable and took my time and went with the flow."

Pennerman took on Grant in the gold medal match of the 78 kilogram division. They are familiar with each other's style and so it was a very tactical match.

Pennerman was able to put Grant down with several strong throws to pick up the win.

"Breanna is a good competitor and I am familiar with her but today she put up a strong fight," she said. "We both put up a good fight and represented the University of the Bahamas positively this weekend."

Grant picked up the silver medal in the loss.