Saint Lucia ended with a commendable 2-3 record in their maiden outing in the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge. Playing in Americas Group III, the Saint Lucian trio defeated Bermuda and Aruba. They lost, however, to El Salvador, Costa Rica, and hosts, Trinidad & Tobago.
Games in Americas Group III were played at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua. Ranked 130th, this was Saint Lucia’s first foray into the largest international team sporting competition for women.
Jessica Eudovic earned four wins, two each in singles and doubles. Team captain Meggan William won two of her five singles matchups and lost her sole doubles fixture. Iyana Paul partnered Eudovic for both of her doubles wins.
Against 83rd-ranked El Salvador, Saint Lucia lost 0-3. Eudovic lost to Michelle Irigoyen 6-4, 6-2. William was defeated by Sara Bonilla 6-1, 4-0 (retired). And Eudovic and Paul were undone 6-2, 6-4 by Daniela Aguilar and Michelle Irigoyen.
79th-ranked Costa Rica also bested Saint Lucia 3-0. Lucia Gallegos won 6-2, 6-2 over Eudovic. Nicole Alfaro went 6-0, 6-0 over William. And the duo of Allison Blanco and Alexandra Cordero swept Eudovic and William aside 6-3, 6-3.
There was better news for Saint Lucia against 112th-ranked Bermuda. Eudovic triumphed 2-6, 6-1, 7-5 over Shelby Madeiros. William trounced Nadhira Durham 6-4, 6-2. Eudovic and Paul finished things off with a 6-2, 6-1 doubles victory over Alexcie Burrows and Airez Gilbert-Simons.
Eudovic overcame Danna Nunez of 105th ranked Aruba 6-4, 6-2. William held on to get the result 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 over Jelsyvette Croes. And Eudovic and Paul topped Nunez and Mali Baroud 6-2, 6-4.
In the playoff for fifth and sixth against Trinidad & Tobago, the home team won 2-0. Eudovic gave Aalisha Alexis everything she could ask for, but the Trinbagonian prevailed 7-6 (9-7), 6-4. Jordane Dookie got the better of William 6-3, 6-1.
You all did well — continue to pursue your craft with passion and tenacity. As the saying goes “Rome was not built in a day” – press on. Godspeed.