By Robert Balajadia

The Legislature of Guam honored the Women’s U19 Basketball Team early Tuesday morning for their Bronze Medal performance in the 2014 FIBA Oceania U19 Tournament in Fiji. Senator Michael San Nicolas and Tina Muna Barnes were present in handing each of the girls an award for their accomplishment.

“We worked out butts off out there! Whenever we wear that ‘Guam’ jersey, like what coach Eddie Pelkey says, we represent those four letters with so much pride. It feels so good winning for our Island and bringing back something,” said Castro, who had 23 points to lead Guam in the 54-48 Bronze Medal game win over Tahiti.

Youngest of the bunch, 8th grader Mia San Nicolas, played a vital role in the teams performance despite it being a rookie in her highest level of competition to date. Head coach Eddie Pelkey managed her time well and allowed San Nicolas to gain a wealth of experience.

“The pressure was okay, it wasn’t that bad. I was just told to play my best because I was the youngest,” admitted San Nicolas on her role on the team. “It feels really good to get this kind of award early in my career.”

The U19 team came out strong winning their first three games of the tournament while suffering their first loss at the hands of Australia and then New Zealand. Guam bounced back strong in the medal game with a strong win over Tahiti.

Senator San Nicolas was forced to commence the awarding of certificates 30 minutes late as he attended to an issue of having a rock thrown into his office, breaking his window.

Complete U19 Girls Roster

– Kali Benavente (4)
– Carline Poppe (5)
– Tonni Arellano (6)
– Dyonni Quitugua (7)
– Jasie Villanueva (8)
– Mia San Nicolas (9)
– Destiny Castro (10)
– Rosita Duenas (11)
– Brittany Meno (13)
– Angelica Bautista (14)

Senator Tina Muna Barnes giving the opening remarks before handing out awards to the entire Guam’s U19 Women and coaching staff.