From left: Ruth K. Ikehara, Carolyn Uyeda, Elizabeth Baeza, Jennifer Torcato, Tomoe Kimura, Roejean Scarbrough, Maria Sloan, Leilani Punihaole, Lovette Llantos, Solange A. Roy and Kam Oi Wigen. (Photo courtesy of Team Tumunog)

MEDIA RELEASE

Team Tumunog out of the Royal Kona Tennis Club representing the state of Hawaii traveled to Tucson, Ariz. and competed against the best players across the country.

The ladies of Team Tumunog dominated their competition throughout the season. They swept everyone with convincing wins on the Big Island.

It was no different at Sectionals in Oahu where they defeated the best players from across the state.

And true to their form, their winning tradition continued at the USTA Nationals Championships Oct. 5-7 in Tucson.

But their fortunes were cut short in the semifinals where in a closely contested match, the tennis deities sided with their opponents. That was their only loss of the season.

Still reeling from that loss, they regrouped, competed for, and won third place, which they fought for with intensity and determination just like in every match they played throughout the season.

Team Captain Lovette Llantos assembled the “Dream Team,” which proved it has what it takes to win.

They come from different backgrounds and age groups but they all share not only the love of the game but the skills, desire, and mental fortitude to win.

They are already focusing on the next season and hoping to make a return trip to Nationals.