A four member girls’ team and two officials return to the island from Antigua and Barbuda after participating in the 6th Annual Caribbean 12 and Under Junior Invitational Tennis Tournament held at the National Tennis Centre in Campsite, St. Johns.
The event impressively staged by the Antigua and Barbuda Tennis Association is sanctioned by the regional body “COTECC” where all countries come in to compete. There were a total of nineteen girls and eighteen boy’s teams in the tournament.
The Saint Lucia team comprised Alysa Elliott student of the St. Joseph’s Convent, Iyana Paul student of the Balata Primary School, Mahkya Suffren student of the Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School and Latoya Murray student of the Grande Riviere Primary School.
Under the watchful eyes of teams Coach Scyla Murray and chaperone Dr. Nicole Edgecombe. The team overall performed to their best and had decent results at the end of the tournament.
According to Murray, Alysa Elliott placed 7th overall in the girls’ category, she also went to capture the Female Sportsmanship Award for fairness, ethics, respect and good sense of fellowship with her team mates and opponents.
Iyana Paul another well rounded athlete played in the 9-12 category finish 9th overall. She partnered with Alysa Elliott in the doubles where they made it to the semifinal round of the competition.
“Mahkya Suffren and Latoya Murray both development players played their best at the tournament and we expect improved performance from them next time”. Murray said.
Mahkya and Latoya partnered in the doubles where they were defeated by the BVI team in a tough match. The team was quite content with their performance.
Head Coach, Skyla Murray told The VOICE, “I am indeed happy with their performances; this is a regional tournament at the highest level for this age group before they turn 15 years. Compared to 2017, they have developed a lot.”
Murray said, “Alysa and Iyana for example they will be the next Meggan Williams. Champions are not born champions; they work hard to get to the top. Those are the names we should look out for in the future.”
“This is the best any Saint Lucian girl team has done in this tournament and I am proud of them. The final results do not show their full potential. As coach I was there and I saw them fight for every point, playing under pressure.” She noted.
Meanwhile, the Saint Lucia Tennis Association Inc. took time out to thank the National Lotteries Authority for their contribution towards the cost of the trip and also wish the Antigua and Barbuda Tennis Association for the hospitality during the event and Coach Alice for working with the team.