Saturday, June 15, 2024 – MAJURO, Marshall Islands

‘Twas a blackjack 21 day for Team Guam.  Although small in delegation numbers, Team Guam has managed to go undefeated after day 1 of competition in the 10^thMicronesian Games being staged in Majuro, the Republic of the Marhsall Islands.

3x3 Basketball and Beach Volleyball took to their respective venues before the celebration of the opening of the games.  All teams competing in day 1 prevailed in superior fashion by comfortable margins. The opening match pitted Guam vs. Palau in the men’s division.  Palau who defeated Guam in the Pacific Games last December, kept the ball game close for the first half of the match in a low scoring affair as the slippery surface hindered the players ability to find traction, let along score.  However, Team Guam found its range and begun inching their way to 21 points with seconds left in the game to beat Palau by 11 points.  

In the second Team Guam Men’s game of the day, the team of Mark Johnson, Mike Sakazaki, Blaise Ada, and Leon Shimizu poured it on the home team, RMI to close out the match 21-10.

The women’s team had the same issues as the baskets weren’t falling early in their first match against Nauru, however, they when they found their groove there was no stopping the team as they easily disposed their first opponent 21-8.  Thereafter, they trounced on the home team 21-4 before dispatching Pohnpei 21-9.  The women are represented by Mia San Nicolas, Elysia Perez, Jia Perez, and Alura Hernandez.

In beach volleyball action, the team consisting of Kendra Byrd and Lori Okada had a short session against Nauru with a 21-4, 21-8 match.  Action continues with both disciplines on Sunday, June 16, 2024.  Spearfishing, Tennis, and Athletics will debut midweek.

The opening ceremony of the 10^th Micronesian Games will be held at 6:30 p.m. Majuro time at the newly constructed National Stadium.

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