By Robert Balajadia

POHNPEI – The Pohnpei skies have turned an unfortunate shade of gray forcing all of Guam’s field teams out of action until further notice. One of Guam’s non-gym teams did take the waters as the men’s and women’s Va’a team checked in to Pohnpei Friday evening just in time for their 1500 and 500 meter races.

Turns Hurt Guam In 1500m

Rain or shine Guam’s paddling team is ready to roll, just as long as there is no lightning of course. The skies were dark and the area was small and damp but nothing bothered the Guam team more than not being able to hit the turns in the 1500 meter race which affected both men and women.

The women’s team were the first up after an hour delay of action and they came out to a great start keeping Palau close in the first 500 meters. Guam managed to pass Palau hitting the turn first but steering complications had Guam cut the flagged marker off while over shooting the boundary marker disqualifying them from the race.

Women paddling team complete the first turn of the 1500 meter race. (Photo by Joey Blas)

The men’s team faced similar difficulties beating Palau to the turn though Palau cleaned the first turn after 500 and made an even cleaner cut at 1000 meters to jump way ahead. Guam appeared to have problems clearing the 1000 meter turn after narrowly trailing Palau in the straight 1000 meter run.

In the men’s division, Yap was the last to clear the 500 meter but managed to clear the 1000 meter turn before Guam. Guam was able to cover ground in the straight runs, but the turns undoubtedly hurt Guam in both divisions.

Women’s 1500 meter

Palau – 8:50.13

Kosrae – 9:37.18

Guam – 9:45.95 (DQ)

Men’s 1500 meter

Palau – 7:40.26

Yap – 7:44.87

Guam – 7:46.56

Guam paddling teams getting ready to start the Micronesian Games in Pohnpei. (Photo by Joey Blas)

No Shine On The Diamond

Guam’s other sports have been affected by the rain forcing postponement of a bunch of games. It has not been said whether the games will be moved to alter on today or on a different date.

7 am Va’a (padding) 1500m and 500m

8 am Tennis: Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles (POSTPONED)

9 am Table Tennis Team Events  (POSTPONED)

9 am Fastpitch Women’s Softball Guam vs. Kosrae (POSTPONED)

10 am Women’s Basketball Guam vs. Nauru

10 am Women’s Volleyball Guam vs. Marshall Islands

11 am Fastpitch Men’s Softball Guam vs. Marshall Islands (POSTPONED)

1 pm Baseball Semifinals Guam vs. CNMI (POSTPONED)

2 pm Men’s Basketball Playoffs Guam vs.Chuuk

8 pm Men’s Volleyball Guam vs.Chuuk

Team captains for the men and women put lei’s on the boats before the start of the games. (Photo by Joey Blas)