Credit: volleyball.org.au
After an intense four days of competition, all Aussies have bowed out of competition at the FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships in Phuket, Thailand.
Jack Pearse and Lucas Josefsen were the last Aussies in the competition, with Russian pairing Panchenko/Chuprinov the only thing standing between them and a quarter finals berth.
Although Aussies put up a good fight and taking the match to three sets, Russia proved too strong and the Australian pairing lost 1-2 (22-20, 16-21, 13-15).
Men’s Head Coach Andrew Schacht said he was extremely proud of the efforts from both men’s teams over the past week.
“It was a great battle by Jack and Lucas today against Russia,” Schacht said.
“They created many chances and put themselves in a position to win but couldn’t get it over the line in the third set.
“I couldn’t be prouder of both men’s teams this week – Josh and Solomon battled hard in every game and pushed all their opponents for periods of time in each pool match after qualifying into the main draw.
“To be able to get to Phuket was a task in itself, and then to play the way they did made it all the more worthwhile.
“We have a few days to recover and get back to work to prepare for the next test in the U21s next week.
“Thanks for all the support from back home, we’ve all felt it over here. It’s onwards and upwards from here!” he said.
Pearse/Josefsen finished ninth overall, with fellow men’s team Howat/Bushby 25th.
In the women’s side of the competition, both teams made their way through to the Round of 24, with some impressive performances in pool play earning them their spot.
Unfortunately, their opposition managed to get the upperhand in Thursday’s matches and both Jasmine Fleming/Kayla Mears and Stefie Fejes/Alisha Stevens were unable to progress – finishing tied 17th overall.
All four teams will now refocus on the next task at hand, the U21 Beach Volleyball World Championships, which will also be hosted in Thailand next week from December 14 to 19.
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