The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sport Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AT the last minute as they prepare for the final stages leading up to the start of the Billie Jean King Cup in Panama, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association had to replace Grand Bahamian Simone Pratt with collegian Sierra Donaldson.

Pratt was originally scheduled to join the team of player/captain Kerrie Cartwright and collegians Sydney Clarke and Elana Mackey in the Bahamas on Friday before they departed on Saturday.

But because of unseen circumstances, BLTA president Perry Newton said Pratt won’t be able to travel.

But, they were able to get Donaldson to join the team in Panama.

Cartwright said it was unfortunate that Pratt couldn’t make it, but she was delighted that Donaldson was able to get to Panama and they were able to spend some time together yesterday.

She noted that they have to take a PCR test for COVID-19 and they are just waiting on the results before they can start practicing today.

“I’m feeling great about the change. It’s really tough for Simone. I know it must be hard for her because she was training to come and then, all of a sudden, life changes.

“I am really feeling it for Simone and hope that she’s okay. But I feel great about the group of girls we have here. We have a great vibe among us, so we’re just getting ready to train and wait for what’s to come once the competition starts.” Donaldson, who played on the previous Fed Cup team as it was formerly called before it was changed to the Billie Jean King Cup, is another collegiate now on the team.

Donaldson just completed her junior year for the Lee Flames, who made it to the quarterfinals of the Gulf State Conference. She was also named Athlete of the Week during the recent college season.

This was the second switch that the BLTA had to make to the team. Earlier veteran Larikah Russell opted out of traveling and was replaced by Mackey.

The Bahamas will be the top seeded team due its past performance. The team is hoping to put in a great performance and to advance in tournament play.

The draw is set for Tuesday with play beginning on Wednesday.