Bermuda may have placed just 10th among a field of 16 countries at the Federation Cup in El Salvador, yet they were winners in the eyes of coach/captain Kelly Holland and Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president David Lambert.

Saturday witnessed Bermuda fall 3-0 in their final outing against Costa Rica, but two earlier triumphs over Jamaica and Panama -- they also lost to Puerto Rico and Guatemala -- gave indication that the Island is on its way to `legitimate contender' status in the Americas region.

The pair of victories were the most ever by Bermuda at any Fed Cup, with previous wins coming against Antigua and Barbuda.

"This was absolutely the best showing by any Bermuda team. Zarah DeSilva really turned some heads and there were people coming to see her and have a look at her...she can really play some tennis,'' said Holland, who made some shrewd tactical moves in shuffling the line-up depending on the singles results, as witnessed in the matches against Jamaica and Panama.

"She played well against the toughest players there and only barely lost against the girl from Puerto Rico, a team that had come down from the group above us.'' DeSilva won just one singles match, but displayed great heart and determination -- and no small degree of talent -- in stretching the opposing teams' best players, twice going to three sets.

Indeed, DeSilva, along with fellow teenagers Danielle Paynter, Danielle Downey and Tara Lambert gave a strong account on Bermuda's behalf, although Holland conceded that they would all have to improve their ability to close out matches.

"We came close in many of the matches and eventually these girls need to be able to win the tight ones,'' said Holland. "There were many tight matches that could have gone either way and more of them didn't go our way, so that's something we need to go forward towards.

"We want to be the ones that can raise the level a bit and play tougher when it gets tight, instead of playing a little tight. That's not to say that these girls didn't put everything into it -- they did -- but I think that's a key area that needs attention.

"They'll get it from growing older and playing in more matches. We have a young team and a lot of the girls down there are really used to playing tight matches like that.'' Meanwhile, Lambert held out special praise for Holland and the role she played in helping the women achieve what was an historic outcome.

He highlighted her commitment of time and energy to the preparation of the team over the past several months and tactical manoeuvres, logistical and emotional support while in El Salvador as top rate.

"Kelly put in a tremendous amount of time and we're very pleased with all of her efforts,'' said Lambert, who was at the airport to greet the team upon their arrival yesterday morning along with honorary vice-president Allan Simmons and vice-president Terry Smith.

"It's a tough job and with Kelly being a former player herself it always helps because it's tough on that circuit being away from home in another country without much support and you have to stay focussed and energetic.

"Her job began months before they packed their bags to go and compete and it doesn't end until they're all home safely. And once touched down home you can say job done...and in Kelly's case job well done.'' Both Lambert and Holland emphasised the need for increased international exposure for local players, yet each added there to be a financial burden to be overcome in order to attain that goal.

Still, they said every effort would be made and the current squad would be kept together to resume training by the end of the summer.