Bermuda’s under-12 girls tennis team have returned home with silver medals after finishing runner-up at the Central American and Caribbean Championships last week.

The three-girl team of Chloe McBrearty, Lee Terceira and Ariana Parra lost 2-1 to home nation Dominican Republic’s first team after beating the Dominican Republic’s second team, Bahamas and Puerto Rico in the five-team group.

Head coach Steve Bean was delighted that the girls could experience success at the tournament.

“It was a wonderful experience,” Bean said.

“All three girls got a chance to play singles and doubles and I made sure I rotated them so they played every day. They did well and felt confident on the court, their parents enjoyed themselves and we were like one big family down there.”

Bean was pleased that the squad were exposed to varying abilities of opponents, with their conquerors in the final giving them a glimpse of the level they need to attain to compete with the best in the region.

“They had an opportunity to play against Dominican 1 in the final and those girls were a level above,” Bean said.

“But they now have a good idea of where they need to get their game and how much improvement they need to make. They realise their strokes need to be improved and their techniques need to be improved from the serve to the backhand and volleys.

“These girls are motivated to work as they each have the aim of playing in college or making it as a professional.

“They had the chance to talk to the two top girls from Dominican Republic who shared what they are doing and how much they are training on a weekly basis, which is a lot more than the Bermudian girls are doing. But the girls have promised themselves they will step it up.”

Bermuda’s inexperienced squad also got the chance to make acquaintance with young players from across the region.

“They made great friends and there was a strong social element to the competition,” Bean said.

“It was Chloe’s first time and she can’t wait to have another go. It was Lee and Ariana’s second time playing at this competition and they are looking forward to being around at the under-14 level and sharpening their skills.

“Now when I am talking to them at home and telling them what to do they can call upon this experience and be motivated to change.”

Bermuda’s boys were also in action at the tournament with the team of Oliver Anderson, Trystan Thompson and Manuel Maldonado finishing fourth in their group.