The Tribune

TEAM Bahamas finished 6th in the U12 TITF/ COTECC Team Finals Competition in the Dominican Republic.

Team Bahamas had two major wins at the prestigious event over Dominican Republic Team 1 and El Salvador. This event featured the top teams in the Caribbean and Central American region. Mexico emerged as the winners after their teams one and two faced each other in the final.

The Bahamas was the only Caribbean representation in the girls’ event. Team Bahamas included Tatyana Madu, Kaylah Fox, Briana Houlgrave and was coached by Marion Bain.

On the last day of the competition, Fox was victorious over Valeria Santana of Dominican Republic 6-0, 6-2. It was her fourth straight singles win.

Fox went undefeated in all of her singles matches, and did not surrender a single set. She gave up 12 games in total over the four matches which was very impressive.

Madu played in the No.1 position and won two singles matches and remained competitive in her other matches. In the three set singles matches against El Salvador, Madu played for over three hours and experienced leg cramps in the second but continued to play. She went on to lose the third set but showed a tremendous amount of grit and determination to represent her country.

Houlgrave also played tremendously well and won quite a few singles to help The Bahamas advance to the Team Finals.

She teamed up with Fox against El Salvador to give The Bahamas a win in that tie.

Said Perry Newton, president of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association: “All of the young girls made their presence felt and let their lights shine brightly as they proudly represented the country. We could not ask for anything more. This is a positive reflection on the hard work that the girls and their parents and coaches have put in over the past years. The BLTA will continue to ensure these opportunities are available for them.”

“This is the first representation on behalf of Team Bahamas for each of them and they were undaunted by the fierce competition, they stood firmly and played exceptional tennis. We know this is only the beginning of great things to come.”