Junior tennis teams head to Dominican Republic

Updated: Jun 27, 2024 01:10 PM

Ready to fly the Bermuda flag: Arianna Parra, left, Lee Terceira, Ella Metschnabel, girls coach Jacky Lambert, boys coach Evan Heyliger, Theodore Tolaram, Manuel Maldonado and Ollie Anderson (Photograph supplied)

Two Bermuda junior teams are heading to the Dominican Republic for a Central American & Caribbean Tennis Confederation Sub Region 3 under-12 tournament.

Jacky Lambert has been handed the task of mentoring the girls, with Evan Heyliger the coach of the boys at a competition which starts on Friday and continues until July 5.

The Bermuda youngsters will get to test their developing skills against players from Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the host nation, with Ricky Mallory, national tennis director at the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association, highlightin the importance of the event.

“This competition provides the first experience at international competition for the players,’’ Mallory said.

“It’s a developmental tournament which enables them to navigate through winning and the stress of losing, while also encouraging good sportsmanship.”

Mike Wolfe, president of the BLTA, is delighted to see more international action for the island’s up-and-coming tennis stars.

“I am pleased that a very active summer of tennis continues for the BLTA with the next group of players flying out on Thursday,’’ he said.

“They represent the next generation of players for Bermuda tennis. I must mention that I am especially thrilled that we are sending a girls under-12 team for the first time in a while

“For the teams, this will be their first experience at an international competition and representing Bermuda, so the tennis community is behind them as they take the next steps in their player development.”

Lee Terceira, a member of the girls team, won the 10 and under category at the Highland Spring tournament, which concluded at Pomander Gate on Wednesday. Nicholas Gakundi won all his eight matches in the same age group for boys.

Chloe McBrearty came out on top in the girls aged 12 and under, with Oliver Anderson picking up the honours for the boys. The girls doubles title in the division went to Arianna Parra and Isabella Neururer.

Neururer was crowned girls 14 and under champion, while Chase McCrimmon triumphed in the same age group for boys.

Zachary McGuire took the top prize in the boys 16 and under category and also combined with Tobiah Goodchild to win the 18 and under doubles.

Sebastian Pukk and Amaya Rollins were named 18 and under singles champions, while McCrimmon teamed up with Jaden Jones to overcome Tristan Pettit and Jadon Spriggs in the pickleball under-18 final.