The women's national team from American Samoa were one of the best of the best in Papua New Guinea this past July as they were able to attain the Silver medal at these games. The only major competition for these ladies was Team Fiji, whom American Samoa suffered their only loss during the games in pool play. It wasn't until they met up again in the Gold medal game where American Samoa would look for redemption. However, with stellar defense from the Fijians and prpoperly executed offense, the ladies from American Samoa were a bit overwhelmed, but did not go down without a fight. Kristen Ale, American Samoa deep threat from the 3 point line, was hounded during the entire game, but was able to knock down a couple of 3's. Her sister Rheina took control of the game with her own playmaking ability with Destiny King working the perimeter. Hotia Vaaimamao & Tipesa Moorer were huge factors in the paint as they pounded the boards in the first half and kept the game close.

It was until the 2nd half, that the Fijians made a push to shutdown Kristen from being a three point threat for the game and were able to control the top 3 scorers for American Samoa, Rheina Ale, Tipesa Moorer & Destiny King. However, Kristen found her way around well placed screens from the bigs to get her shooting touch back. Hotia, who averaged 9.3 rebounds per game, kept the inside game going when Tipesa started getting in foul trouble. Tipesa was still a force inside the paint and also making her perimeter shots. King also contributed off the boards as well and making 2nd chance points. However, the Fijians defense prevailed and transition game sealed the fate against the Samoans, as Fiji took the game & gold medal with a score of 83-71. Rheina Ale led the way for the Samoans with 24 points, Destiny King with 15 points and Tipesa Moorer & Kristen Ale with 14 apiece.

President of ASBA, Milton Taufa'asau, was extremely pleased with the tremendous turnaround of the women's program in abling to medal at the games was a true testament that American Samoa is able to compete against any south pacific nations. "You ladies have played your hearts every game and executed tremendously. We see you playing beyond 100% every game. Although we came short of the gold...silver is still not bad AND we qualify to compete in 2017 in Asia Pacific championships. The work is not done. You have represented American Samoa with pride. Our people are very proud of you all" said Taufa'asau.

The team has returned back to American Samoa and athletes departed back to train and prepare. ASBA is extremely thankful to the businesses and individuals who stepped forward with us to make this dream come true for the ladies. We can't say thank you enough.