A doubles tandem is honored for the first time in this space after the Waiakea 11th-graders captured the championship at a U.S. Tennis Association’s girls 18 and under national junior tournament in Honolulu.
What’s better, once Oda, above left, and Brilhante were done trading volleys with a California duo, the took turns praising each other for their aplomb under pressure.
5 questions (times two)
Favorite movie
Oda: Good Will Hunting; Brilhante: Me Before You
Favorite food
Oda: Acai bowls; Brilhante: Sushi
Favorite athlete
Oda: Novak Djokovic; Brilhante: Rafael Nadal
Favorite thing about tennis
Oda: Tennis allows me to express my personality and who I am as a person; Brilhante: Tennis allows me to travel and meet new people. It also relaxes me.
Favorite spot on the Big Island
Oda: Coach Randy’s tennis court; Brilhante: Home with my family