Neal Towlson, the Bermuda women’s team coach, has expressed his eagerness to make an impact in his new role ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup Americas group three, which gets under way today in Tacarigua, Trinidad & Tobago.

Towlson, who succeeds Jacklyn Lambert, is taking charge of a side consisting of Zoë Fisher, Airez Gilbert-Simons, Alexcie Burrows, Nadhira Durham and Shelby Madeiros. From the squad that was in Panama a year ago, there have been two changes, with Burrows and Fisher called up for the first time.

In the round-robin format, Bermuda have been drawn to face Costa Rica, Aruba, St Lucia and El Salvador at the National Racquet Sport Centre. When the action concludes on Saturday, the two top teams in each group will head into a battle for promotion, with those at the bottom fighting for survival.

“I am thrilled and honoured to be coaching the women's team at the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup tournament,’’ Towlson said.

“This is my first time coaching the women's team and I am eager to see the high-level of competition we will face.

“Our team has been working hard in training sessions and I have been putting in the effort to prepare them for this challenge.

“Our goal this year is to be competitive and assess the level of competition out there. We aim to perform at the best of our abilities and gain valuable experience.

“Looking ahead, our hope is to build on this year’s experience and come back next year even more competitive, with the aim to win multiple fixtures and show that Bermuda has a solid and formidable tennis team. We appreciate the support and are very excited to represent Bermuda on this stage.”

Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president Mike Wolfe noted that while the team are not the same from last year, he expects those selected to give it their best.

“The BLTA is pleased to cap a summer of international travel and competition with our senior women’s team participating in the Billie Jean King Cup competition,’’ Wolfe said.

”Although the team has some new faces this year, we are looking for the ladies to build on last year's experience.

“They know the competition will be tough, but the BLTA knows the team, a blend of experience and youth, will give their best efforts and will represent Bermuda and themselves with pride.”