LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Women's Tennis' Shaira Rivera and Alexa Milliam represented their nation, the Philippines, in the 33rd annual SEA Games over the past week.
The SEA Games are the Southeast Asian Games, a major multi-sport event held every two years among countries in Southeast Asia. There are a multitude of sports included, mirroring the Olympics and how it operates.
The 33rd SEA Games is currently still taking place in Thailand at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi.
Rivera and Milliam were both selected to the National Team and led the Philippines to a Bronze Medal.
"Shaira and Alexa have had excellent results representing their country at the 33rd Southeast Asian games, winning the team bronze medal and doing great in the individual events currently going on," said head coach Jeff Beaman.
Milliam's journey featured a 2-0 win over Malaysia' Elsa Wan in the Round of 16, moving her on to the Quarterfinals. In the Quarterfinals, the sophomore faced off against the 53rd ranked player in the World in Indonesia's Janice Tjen and fell in a hard fought competitive match.
"With Alexa's close 6-3, 6-4 loss to currently pro player Janice Tjen who is ranked No. 53 in the WTA pro tour, she has shown her potential to be a top player on the pro tour and one of the best players at any level of college tennis," Beaman continued.
As for Rivera, she was pivotal in the Philippines' Bronze medal winning performance. Over the last week, Rivera has competed in four doubles contest, winning three of those matches.
On top of this, Rivera is set to return to the Tigers this Spring for her final year of eligibility. On the collegiate circuit, Rivera is the No. 1 doubles player in the country and has been UWA's No. 1 Singles player for the past two seasons.
"Having Shaira (Rivera) back for the spring is a huge boost to our women's team with the talent and leadership she brings, Beaman commented. "After graduating with her bachelor's last spring, she used her OPT visa to get work experience this fall, but has decided to come back and get a Master's degree and compete this spring."
With Milliam and Rivera both set to return to West Alabama this Spring, the Tigers have firmly set themselves up to be National Title contenders.
