difficult match against Costa Rica in Antigua today.

The foursome of Zarah DeSilva, Tara Lambert, Shonette Wilson and Sasha Fisher will take part in the 15-nation Americas Qualifying Group II at the Carlisle Bay Club.

Today sees the first of five matches in five days for Bermuda -- the first three in their round-robin group and the last two to play off for position.

Last night's draw pitted Bermuda in a group containing hosts Antigua, Panama and Costa Rica.

Bermuda have previously beaten Panama in the Fed Cup but will be severely tested today against what is expected to be a strong Costa Rican team.

Under the guidance of non-playing captain Kelly Holland, Bermuda will be looking to improve on their best-ever showing in the Fed Cup last year in El Salvador, when they won two matches.

Seventeen-year-old DeSilva will play number one, on the strength of her past Fed Cup performances and her spectacular success last year when she won three domestic major tournaments and rocketed to the top of the senior, as well as junior, rankings.

Lambert, who has been playing at South Carolina State University, is likely to play number two.

The two remaining team members will be making their Fed Cup debuts. For Wilson, who is in her 30s, it is a late entry into the international arena, while 14-year-old Fisher will become the youngest Fed Cup player to represent Bermuda.

Wilson's consistent performances in local tournaments earned her a call-up and her presence will give the otherwise teenage team a mature influence.

Fisher forced her way into the team with a string of outstanding results last year at home and overseas.

It was her victory in the BLTA Grand Prix at the Southampton Princess at the age of 13 -- when she became the youngest player ever to win an A women's singles title -- which confirmed she could compete with the adults.

The tournament concludes on Saturday.

Zarah DeSilva: The 17-year-old will lead Bermuda's Federation Cup charge in Antigua throughout this week.