WATER SPORTS KICKS THINGS OFF IN DAY 1

By Charlotte Oh

KOROR, Palau – Guam’s swimming and va’a teams kicked off the 2025 Pacific Mini Games to an exciting start in Palau. Wearing Guam’s flag with honor, these athletes competed with focus and strength while also making memories that will last a lifetime.

Swimming

In the preliminary rounds, five of Guam’s swimmers competed across seven events. The top six of each event advance to the final rounds where they will compete for a medal tonight.

Swimming star Mia Lee delivered a strong performance in the 100m Individual Medley. She finished in fifth with a quick time of 1:08.72, pushing her to a spot in the finals. 

“It feels great. It is always an honor representing my island. It’s nice seeing my friends from the other nations. I love competition and the competitive atmosphere so It’s a great time,” shared Lee.

It’s not over for Lee yet, as she’ll be racing tonight for a spot on the podium, “To prepare, I’m going through my race mentally. I’m focusing on whatever I think I can improve on. It’s a fast race so keeping my body loose and ready to race is a big part of it.”

Ocean Campus
50m backstroke: 15th 28.80
100m IM: 12th 1.02.86

Israel Poppe
100m IM: 7th 1:00.54

Jaden Francis
100m IM: 16th 1:05.37

Mia Lee
50m backstroke: 9th 31.49
100m IM: 4th 1:08.72

Amaya Bollinger
100m IM: 12th 1:12.12

NIGHT UPDATE: Lee was Guam’s sole swimmer to advance into the finals on the opening day of competition. Racing in the 100m Individual Medley, Lee showcased her experience and skill against many talented athletes. Finishing in fourth with a time of 1:08.12, she represented Guam with pride. 

Va’a

Right across the swimming pool, the paddling team competed with persistence and pride. Kiara Quichocho paddled with diligence in the V1 500m, earning her a well-deserved spot in the finals. After a brief rest, she returned to the water to paddle against powerhouse nations – Tahiti, Fiji, Norfolk Island, Samoa, and Cook Islands.

Head coach Natalie Calvo remarked on this incredible breakthrough, “Kia’s race performance was a huge step forward for Micronesia V1 development. Kia will continue to train and close the gap in her quest for Gold.”

Coming in 6th with a time of 2:54.93, she poured her heart and energy into the race, making her team and Guam proud. 

Quichocho wasn’t the only paddler with a remarkable morning. Coach Calvo added, “John Benavente also hit a V1 500m personal best today. As one of Guam’s promising junior athletes, I look forward to witnessing what he will take from this experience at PMG.”

Softball

Guam’s women’s fastpitch softball team fought through a thrilling opening game against the Marshall Islands on Monday afternoon. Tied 4-4 until the final inning, the talented team secured a dramatic 5-4 win. 

Key player Samantha Quinata reflected on the high-pressure game, “It’s a very nerve-wracking first game, but we got out all the jitters. It felt really nice to represent Guam.”

Pitcher Meagan Maratita added similar thoughts on being able to play for Guam, “I think it’s also rewarding because of the fact that we were chosen, so it gives another aspect to how we want to represent the best that we can.”

It wasn’t a strong start for Guam when the Marshall Islands took a decisive 3-1 lead after the first inning. However, this setback didn’t discourage our players as they kept a strong mindset and united in teamwork to climb back up the board.

“I think it’s just pushing through adversity. At the end of the day, we know we have each other’s back and regardless if we win or if we lose, we know that we have to play the best for our ability,” Maratita said. 

Guam managed to hold off Marshall Islands’ offense while creating plays of their own, coming back to 4-4 before the last inning. Despite the high stakes, the team remained focused and determined. The Marshall Islands were unable to score in the top of the seventh, giving Guam a chance to take it all. At the bottom of the inning, Samantha Quinata charged ahead to score as the stands and athletes erupted into cheers, taking their first win 5-4.

Maratita described the final moments, “It was nerve-wracking. I didn’t even know it was over until everyone started cheering. It was fun, but at the same time it’s one of many, so we always were grateful that we have won, but we’re always looking to the next game.”

DAY 2 PREVIEW

Looks like a busy day for Team Guam.

swimming 8:30 am
va’a 8:30-11:15 am
swimming finals 5:30 pm
3v3 bball Guam vs Vanuatu 4:30 pm
Softball: Guam vs PNG 4:30 pm
Baseball Guam vs Fiji 5 pm
3v3 bball Guam vs PNG 6:45 pm