The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Top seeds Kerrie Cartwright and Sydney Clarke prevailed in straight sets in their singles matches to offset the loss by Elana Mackey and Sierra Donaldson in doubles as the Bahamas pulled off a 2-1 decision over Costa Rica.

The performances highlighted day one of competition for the Bahamas as the 2021 Billie Jean King Cup American Zone II competition got underway yesterday in Panama.

Cartwright, the player/captain of the team, played the second match of the day as the No.1 ranked player. She knocked off Costa Rica’s Arina Rahmanparast in a match that needed one hour and 52 minutes.

“I came out and played, but it was a close match,” Cartwright reflected. “Honestly, even though the score was 6-3, 6-3, every game, every point was close. There was no easy way to put it today.

“But I’m really glad we got the win today. It was an unbelievable effort from both of us (Clarke) and the girls in doubles. I know we didn’t get the win in doubles, but it was an unbelievable effort and I’m very proud of those girls.”

In the opening singles match yesterday in a quicker fashion in one hour and 12 mins, Clarke, playing as the No.2 seed, powered past Sofia Perez from Costa Rica 6-0, 6-2.she

“I am so excited. I won 6-0, 6-2,” Clarke said.

“It was a very good match. We played Costa Rica. It was a very good match.

“My opponent played very well and I’m really excited about being back on the court and being able to compete.”

Cartwright said she watched as Clarke played an exceptional match.

“Sydney came out playing unbelievable. She was hitting our spot, she was dictating with her forehand and she was very aggressive,” Cartwright said. “The girl couldn’t handle what Sydney was coming out with. Sydney was being very consistent. She was making great decisions. So I’m very happy and proud of Sydney.”

With the tie already settled, Mackey and Donaldson, both late replacements on the team, joined forces in doubles, but despite a gallant effort, they lost 6-0, 6-1 to Costa Rica’s duo of Perez and Rahmanparast in a match that lasted 49 seconds.

Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association president Perry Newton, who is accompanying the team in Panama, liked what he saw, especially in the singles.

“Sydney came out in the first match and set the tone early,” he said. “Kerrie’s experience came through when she was able to hold serve at 4-3 to extend her lead.

“From what I saw, I could tell the mindset was not to give up any points and close out the first set. Both excellent performances.”

The Bahamas have one match in Group A against Uruguay on Friday. They will actually have the day of today to unwind and fine tone their game going into the remainder of the tournament this weekend.

The top team out of the two groups will advance to the playoffs to determine who will go on to the finals for a chance to advance to Group One for 2022.

Four countries make up group B. They are Ecuador, Cuba, Panama and El Salvador.

“I believe that we have to take it one match at a time,” Newton said. “We have the energy, experience and talent to advance,. we just have to stay focused and humble and I think we will get the desired results.”