CAC Games Update: Tennis Team
Below is an update on Bermuda`s tennis team in the CAC Games in Puerto Rico, provided by a person traveling with the team:
The Bermuda Tennis team returned to action on July 27th following a successfull opening round of competition. First on court was Caitlin Gordon who palyed Giuliana Olmos from Mexico, the #6 seed in the tournament. Olmos opened the match and both players exchanged powerful ground strokes as they they tested each other out. Gordon manged to position herself with a break point opportunity but Olmos saved the game with two outstanding serves. The first game set the pattern of the match and despite a spirited effort and playing at a very high level, her opponent prevailed in the first set 6-0. Gordon continued to serve well and deliver a variety of shots in her game ranging from powerful ground strokes to delicate drops and lobs. However Olmos matched her efforts and despite facing break point in three service games took the second set and the match as a result of making very few errors. Gordon played well but could not break down a very tough opponent. Olmos took the match 6-0, 6-0.
Jacky Lambert was next up on court 2 against another Mexican, Alejandra Granillo, the #2 seed in the tournament. Lambert played an excellent game of tennis and like Gordon earlier, hit powerful ground strokes and exchanged some entertaining rally’s. However her opponent made very few errors and was able to take the match 6-0,6-1. Lambert served solidly throughout the match and fought hard for each point won. Both Bermuda girls gave a very good account of themselves and the scoreline does not do justice to the quality of the play or the degree to which they extended their opponents. The second round of CAC Games was proving to be a major step up in the quality of competition.
Gavin Manders took the court in the heat of the day against the #2 seed in the mens draw, another Mexican, Daniel Garza. Garza opened the match and quickly went out to a two love lead with a vicious kick serve and clinical ground strokes from the basement. Manders gathered himself and broke Garza in the next game through of combination of great defensive play and tremendous athletic ability. Garza seemed a little rattled as Manders held serve to level the match at 2-2. The umpire created controversy at the beginning of nthe next game by over ruling a line judge and calling the ball good. Garza’s shot was clearly in and after protests from both Manders and Garza correcetd the score. The chair umpires in the tournament were extremely un predictable and this was one of too many umpiring issues in the tournament thus far. Manders and Garza continued to trade shots with Garza forcing the point and Manders using defence and movement to to frustrate his opponent. Garza eventually prevailed and took the first set 6-4 despite a very spirited performance from Manders. The second set followed a similar pattern for the first few games but then Garza seemed to find an extra gear showed why he was seeded #2 and ranked 425 in the world winning the second set 6-3. Manders played some great tennis and fought hard against a daunting opponent.
The final match of the day saw Caitlin Gordon and Tara Lambert take on the #2 seeds in the ladies doubles, Andrea Gamiz and marianne Mucci from Venezuala. The bermuda girls served well and played some excellent doubles but could not find too many weaknesses in the Venezualans game! Not for the first time today Bermuda fought hard, played some great tennis in a spirited performance but lost 6-0,6-0!
The level of competition at CAC Games is equal to the very impressive tennis centre at Mayguez University. The Bermuda team was well prepared and performed at a very high level. The top seeded male is Victor Estrella ranked 285 in the world. The op seed female is Marina Giral from Venezuala ranked 320. Also in the womens draw is Monica Puig from Puerto Rico ranked #3 in the world as a junior. The quality and depth of talent is impressive.
The highlight of the day was a ladies doubles match betwen the #3 seeded pair of Monica Puig and Jessica Rowland of Puerto Rico and Nikkita fountain and Larissa Russell of the Bahamas. The match was played in front of a highly partisan crowd and provided some great doubles tennis. The more experienced Bahamian Pair eventually upset the Puerto Ricans 10-8 in a third set tie break. The Bahamian pair were cheered to victory by the Caribbean nations.
