CNMI raises record to 2-0 in Billie Jean King Cup

The CNMI won its second tie in the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup after sweeping Brunei, 3-0, last Wednesday in Pool A of Asia/Oceania III at the Bahrain Tennis Club in Manama, Bahrain.

CNMI No. 2 Isabel Herras was again the first on the court, and unlike the tie against Vietnam, the Metropolitan State University varsity tennis player prevailed over Brunei’s Danielle Lim, 6-1, 6-2

Carol Lee, the CNMI’s No 1 netter, then barely lifted a finger in her match against Jia Hui Tan that the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket won handily, 6-0,6-1, to clinch the tie and up the CNMI’s record to 2-0 in Pool A of the competition.

With the win in the bag, team captain Lydia Tan fielded Hye Jin Eliott of Adrian College and Asia Raulerson of Albany State University and the duo went on to beat Eunice Ying Ci Lo and Areeesha Zain, 6-1, 6-2, to give the CNMI a 3-0 sweep heading to today’s tie against Macau.

Tan couldn’t ask for more from Heras, Lee, Eliott, and Raulerson.

“The girls played great and adjusted to the condition of the courts. They’re improving each day. All four of them served really well. Our girls have more pace and speed on the tennis balls against Brunei today. We have to win against Macau to be on the top of the pool. Then we will play against the top team in Pool D. If we win against the top team from Pool D, we will advance to Group II next year.”

Individually, she said so far so good for the CNMI’s top netters.

“The four girls played really well today (Wednesday). Carol is a Top 3 player in the tournament in my opinion. She served good and not many rallies against the Brunei player. In doubles the girls also played great. Hye Jin and Asia today showed good communication and served really well too. Isabel played much better today as she adjusted to the court conditions. She also overpowered her opponent with the pace of her shots.”

Lee said the back-to-back wins show the CNMI’s true mettle in international plauy.

“We showed up on the court with grit and confidence which helped is secure a 3-0 win against Brunei. We are playing against Macau tomorrow (today) and we need another win on Saturday to secure a promotion.”

Asked to compare the Pacific Oceania team she played for last year in the Billie Jean King Cup that was promoted to Group 1 and the CNMI team now, Lee said there’s no comparison and said she will always favor the home team.

“This team holds a special place in my heart because this marks our historic debut in the Billie Jean King Cup. Representing my island alongside teammates who, like me, were born and raised on Saipan is an honor. Together, we are making history, and this inspires me to give my all to help our team achieve promotion and bring global recognition to our country. Even though we have been far apart, the formation of the NMI team provides an opportunity for us to reunite and compete as one. This journey fills me with a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of the strength and pride we share as a community.”

The team’s Benjamin, Eliott, for her part, said she’s really excited to be taking part in the Billie Jean King Cup.

“It’s also really exciting since this is the first time the NMI is in this tournament. Hopefully we will do well to make it to the next round. The training has been really great and it’s nice to hit against high-level players. I was really happy about my first win in the Billie Jean Kin Cup. It was nice playing with Asia. Bahrain has been welcoming and fun so far. The players from other countries as well as Bahrain have been very friendly.”