Team USA will be sending a full delegation of junior players and coaches from the U.S. Junior National Racquetball Team.
DAY 8
Jr. World Championships 2018! Such an awesome week! I thank God for every day I got to spend with my best friends competing among the best players in the world! Although I didn’t meet my goal, I will never take for granted being able to represent my country.
This morning I played my quarterfinal match against Maria Gutierrez Ceja from Mexico. This game was definitely the most competitive game I’ve played so far with the score ending at 13-15, 11-15. Though I was really disappointing to not make it to the semi finals, I’m so grateful that I have had the opportunity to play such great players and this match will push me to do even better next year.
In the evening me and my doubles partner Erin played a tough team from Costa Rica. The first game was very one sided at 3-15, so we had to completely change our strategy by Erin and I changing sides. This strategy worked much better and we had a way more competitive second game with the result 11-,15. Though we lost I’m again so grateful to have had the experience of paying doubles this year. Also huge thank you to my partner Erin for never giving up and being such an awesome partner to play with.
DAY 7
DAY 6
Today was the start of the single elimination bracket. This is where the tournament gets extremely competitive. Unfortunately to get to the quarterfinals I had to go against my doubles partner (and super close friend) :(. Though I won, it really sucked to have to beat someone as talented and determined as my girl Erin!
DAY 5
Today was the last day of pool play. I played the number one girl for Coasta Rica. This was the toughest game I have had to play so far. Even though I was disappointed to lose this match (especially in tiebreaker), these really competitive matches are the most fun!
DAY 4
Much better day for Team USA! Yesterday, we lost almost of our matches, and today we won 12 of 14 matches. GO USA!!!
In singles I played Argentina. In doubles my partner Erin and I played Chile. Won both matches in 2 games.
DAY 3
Today was the first day of pool play. This is where you play other countries to determine seeding for the tournament. I played two matches today - Canada in singles and Mexico in doubles.
In singles I won the first game, lost the second game and almost had the tiebreaker - 9 - 11. I think Canada had slight advantage with the stuffed moose mascot.
In doubles we lost in 2 games. My doubles partner and I have never competed together and Mexico is one of the best teams in our division.
It wasn’t the best start, hoping to play better tomorrow!!
DAY 2
Opening ceremonies was very exciting. Each team was recognized as they carried their countries flag into the arena. My teammate Ricky and I were very proud to have the opportunity to represent the USA as team captains.
The ceremony consisted of an impressive color guard and marching band to present the Mexican National Anthem, a performance form a local folk band, and greetings from the International Racquetball Federation officials.
DAY 1
USA practiced for a few hours today. It was really nice to have a chance to get use to the courts and the altitude. San Luis Potosi is about 6,000 feet above sea level.
