The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER finishing in the second spot in pool B, the Bahamas women’s tennis team made sure they took care of business in the playoffs of the Billie Jean King Cup in Panama City, Panama, over the weekend.

Matched against El Salvador, the second place finisher in pool B, the Bahamas prevailed 2-0 as Sydney Clarke and player/captain Kerrie Cartwright both won their singles. They didn’t have to play doubles.

In the opening match on Saturday, Clarke, the No.2 seed, pulled off a 6-3, 6-3 decision over Matia Cristiani, while Cartwright, the top seed, got by Sara Valentina Cruz Bonilla 6-3, 6-4.

“I felt today was a huge success for us. I’m proud that we were able to place third overall,” Clarke said. “We came back stronger today after being knocked down yesterday.

“We used that loss as fuel in the matches going forward. Although I started off slow in the beginning of the match, I picked up the energy and continued to play aggressively. My team-mates and I played really well and we fought hard to get the job done.”

Cartwright said after Clarke played so well to get the team started, she rode the momentum in her match.

“My body was tired from playing every day, but I was able to pull through to get the win for the team,” she stated. “Overall, it was a good day. It’s always good to finish off on such a high note after a tough week.

“The week went well. We didn’t get the results we wanted but, at the end of the day, we all performed and tried our best. That’s all that we could do. So it was good. The vibes on the team were very good.”

With the win, the Bahamas will remain in American Zone II for next year.

Ecuador advanced to Group One after they knocked off Uruguay 2-0. Uruguay handed the Bahamas its only loss in the tournament in their pool play.

While they only played in the opening tie in doubles against Costa Rica, collegians Elana Mackey and Sierra Donaldson were both still pleased to be a part of Team Bahamas.

“I really enjoyed my experience,” Mackey said. “We played well, but we were not able to win. But overall, it was a good experience and I feel like me and Sierra played very well as a team.”

Donaldson, a last minute replacement for Grand Bahamian Simone Pratt, said the experience was a wonderful one for her.

“It’s a wonderful experience being here in Panama to compete and represent my country,” Donaldson said. “It’s also wonderful seeing other teams here competing against each other and I hope that I can continue travelling and representing my county in the future.”

Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association president Perry Newton, who accompanied the team to the tournament, said it was amazing to watch the players perform on the court.

“Today, the ladies played very relaxed and were in control of both matches,” he said. “I can say that all of the teams played with a level of hunger, which made the matches more competitive.

“Playing these competitions are very intense as everyone is playing to make a statement. Team Bahamas had a strong performance, clinching the third position.

“The team chemistry was amazing and it was a joy to see Kerrie lead the team and set the tone by winning all three of her singles matches.”

Newton said Clarke also had an amazing run in the tournament.

“I am proud that we had a pool of ladies that remained ready to assist the team whenever needed,” he said.

“The additions of Elana Mackey and Sierra Donaldson show the depth in talent and potential that we have in the Bahamas.

“We are looking forward to next year’s competition as we know promotion to group one is a goal that we can achieve.”

Next up this weekend will be the men’s Davis Cup team also in Panama. Player/captain Marvin Rolle will lead the team that includes Justin Roberts, Kevin Major Jr and Baker Newman.