Two in a row for Rachel, Lia

  Athletics’ Rachel Abrams and Lia Rangamar claimed their second straight NMASA monthly awards, while tennis’ Michael Ren had his first after the three athletes were named top performers for June.

Abrams, who won the TSL Foundation/NMASA Female Student Athlete of the Month in May for her showings in the 2012 McDonald’s All Schools Championships and 2012 U17 Micronesian Basketball Tournament, got the same award for June and this time was recognized for her efforts in the Oceania Regional Championships 2012 at the Barlow Park in Cairns, Australia.

The 17-year-old Abrams advanced to the finals of the U20 200m race in the Land Down Under and shattered her personal best time twice. In the qualifying heat, Abrams clocked in at 27.20 seconds, passing her previous PBT of 27.46 seconds recorded during the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia. Then in the finals, Abrams reset her PBT after posting 26.45 seconds.

Duplicating Abrams’ feat was Rangamar, who notched her second NMASA Female Athlete of the Month plum. The 19-year-old athlete, who took the May award after suiting up for the CNMI Women’s Nationals in the MBT and also competing in the All Schools, received the June recognition for winning a bronze medal in the javelin throw.

Rangamar’s 35.31m in the javelin throw did not only land her a spot at the medal podium, but also allow her to reset the CNMI national record in the event. Incidentally, Rangamar held the previous javelin throw mark (35.17m) she established during the 2011 edition of the Oceania championships in Apia, Samoa.

Both Rangamar and Abrams were also part of the CNMI relay team, joining forces with Yvonne Bennett and Reylynn Sapong in giving the Commonwealth another bronze medal after placing third in the 4x100m race.

Meanwhile, Ren, the TSL Foundation/NMASA Male Student Athlete of the Month for June, also earned a monthly award after an impressive performance in an off-island competition.

The 11-year-old netter claimed both the boys U12 singles and doubles championships in the 2012 North Pacific Qualifying Tournament held in Guam last month. He won the doubles crown with teammate Luther Lizama and defeated the latter in the singles finals. Ren was the only player in the boys division to have a perfect record, not dropping a single set in his games.

With his domination in the NPQ, Ren was given a slot on the North Pacific Team that will compete in next month’s 2012 Pacific Oceania Junior Championships in Fiji, joining 10 other CNMI players.

By Roselyn Monroyo
Reporter