A ‘AAA’ final at 18 is a ridiculous outcome… only a small number have managed it in Victoria. As a 15 year old… never happens; until it does. And, it did in Round 9 of the Vic Beach Tour.
Lucia (18) and Evie (15) started the day on the wrong end of a thumping against eventual winners, international pairing Naty Molinos and Tarryn Angermeier (5-18, 9-18). Fortunately that drubbing was wiped away with a solid three set win over seasoned AAA team Thornton/Oldehus (14-18, 18-10, 15-11).
The La Terra sisters followed up that win with another, more comfortable result against Americans Bradbury/Stone (18-15, 18-11) in their final pool match.
A second place finish in their pool ensured a AAA semi-final against Pool A table-toppers, and notorious semi-finalists Valerie Zivcic and Brittany Jack. A tight back and forth first set saw the young sisters slip ahead at the right time, sneaking it 19-17. A result that seemed to break the belief of their opponents who dropped off midway through the second set, eventually losing easily 8-18.
Step forward 15 and 18 year old sisters Evie and Lucia, in their first AAA final. They would be facing the same team that ripped them to pieces in the first game of the day; French national player Naty Molinos and Belgian star Tarryn Angermeier.
A great start for the La Terra’s was quickly erased almost immediately following an announcement from the tournament manager, that all spectators need to move on, due to social distancing rules associated with COVID-19.
Strong winds, and an inability to deal with a barrage of first and second ball play from their opponents, saw Lucia and Evie lose a tight contest 18-13,18-14.
For both girls, it was their first AAA final… fantastic at only 18; remarkable for a 15 year old. Well done girls!
CAITY WINS A DIVISION
Following on from a brilliant 4th place finish at the Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Championships (AJBVC), Caity and partner Lulu stepped up and won their first A event. The youngsters came through their pool undefeated, matching up against Forbes/Arena in the the final. Given Sienna Arena was one half of the team who beat Cairty and Lulu to bronze, days earlier… there was always going to be a question mark hanging about.
A tough, back and forth was eventually won by Caity and Lulu (15-6, 12-15) 12-6 in the third. Congratulations to both girls for what was a great result!
