Bermuda's men's and women's teams will be aiming to improve on their FIQ American Zone Championship position from four years ago.

As the 12-member team prepares to depart for the tournament in the Dominion Republic tomorrow, there is confidence that both teams have the ability to move up a few notches -- the men to better their seventh-place finish and the women's to improve on their eighth-place showing.

But it will be tough for the Island team, who will have to brush aside challenges from 25 other countries, including United States, Canada and Mexico, who are the favourites.

Lightbourn leads the Bermuda men's team with other members being Antoine Jones, Conrad Lister, Mike Lambe, Richard Zuill and Chris Leverock. Steven Riley is the coach and manager while Calvin Basden is his assistant.

The women's squad is led by Pitt and veteran Pat Ming-Price. Other members are June Dill, Bobby Ingham, Charlette Samuels and Darnell Raynor. Oliver Franks is the coach.

A member of the previous men's team in Mexico, Riley is confident this year's squads will show a marked improvement.

He barely lost out from earning a place this time with a modest performance in the qualifying roll-off for the FIQ, finishing as an alternate in the competition won by Lightbourn.

"I strongly feel that we have a good chance, perhaps doing as well as placing among the top five countries,'' said Riley.

One incentive for the team is being rewarded with a place in the World Teams Cup in Holland next year; the top five countries from each of the zones -- American, Europe and Asian -- will advance.

"Everybody is working extremely hard, training harder then ever and looking for the hard challenge that lies ahead. And I mean members of both teams,'' said Riley. With just one newcomer -- Lambe -- both the men's and women's teams are loaded with experience.

The competition in Santo Domingo runs from September 6-13.