Kana may have to skip Micro Games

Veteran and top-ranked CNMI female netter Kana Aikawa will not be able to suit up and represent the CNMI in the upcoming 6th Micronesian Games, according to national tennis coach Jeff Race.

During an interview, Race disclosed that Aikawa, who also plays for the University of Hawaii-Manoa tennis team, was looking forward to competing in the Games, but had to pull out due to requirements set by her school.

“Unfortunately, it looks like Kana is not going to be able to play on our women’s team. In order to maintain her eligibility so she can play at UH-Manoa next year, she’s got to take two summer school courses,” Race said.

Race said both summer sessions conflict with the scheduling of the Micro Games. He, however, stressed that he made it clear during a conversation with Aikawa that she is welcome to take part if things ever clear up.

“Unfortunately they have two sessions that both conflict with the Micro Games, so I don’t think she’ll be able to play, but I told her that if she changes her plans, she’s welcome to play,” he said.

With that, the women’s team now consists of four youth netters—all of whom Race said will be very competitive in the Games. Named to the team are standouts Mayuko Arriola, Vivian Lee, Audrey Motto, and Lila Mailman.

“The girls are still in the medal hunt, even without Kana but I just kind of wanted Kana on the team,” Race said. “They’re young but they’re pretty good. They can beat a lot of people. It’s an opportunity for them to get some experience and depending on who the other countries bring, hopefully the women will be able to get a medal.”

Race explained that with Aikawa’s experience in college tournaments as well as other international competitions, she would’ve served as the leader and veteran of the young group.

“They’ve got more pressure on them now. They don’t have Kana to lead them. They got to really pick it up, and they’re working hard for the competition,” he said.

Like the men’s team, the women’s team works with Race for five sessions a week. Mailman, Lee, Arriola, and Motto train on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and have double sessions on Saturdays.

Aikawa recently won all her challenge matches during a return to Saipan last December. The challenge matches were used to determine who will represent the CNMI, and Aikawa, Arriola, Lee, Motto, and Mailman were the top performers.

She put up a strong charge in last year’s South Pacific Mini Games, spearheading the CNMI women’s team to the bronze medal match against host Palau. Aikawa has also won numerous tournaments as a junior netter on Saipan.