2017-08-25 11:07:00 CEST
Swiss dreams are made of these
Double joy for Switzerland as they make the last eight
Anouk and Jo celebrate after their straight sets win over the USA
The matchballs dropped almost simultaneously on side courts two and three as two Swiss teams bounced back from defeats on Thursday to book a place in the quarterfinals.
For Tanja Hüberli and Nina Betschart their straight sets win over Czech Republic’s Kristyna Kolocova and Michala Kvapila there was extra reason for celebration after they suffered two pool play defeats.
“It feels great after the last two games,” a delighted Tanja told us. “I think the fire was missing on the court but today the energy and the fire was there and now we’re looking forward to one more match.”
In the other first elimination round match, Anouk Vergé-Dépré and Joana Heidrich got over their disappointing defeat on Thursday to see off the challenge of World Championship silver medalists April Ross and Lauren Fendrick.
“We stayed calm and worked hard on our serve and block,” Joana said. “It feels much better.”
The two Swiss teams could meet in the semifinals… IF they win their quarterfinal matches later.
Hüberli/Betschart face in-form Canadians Sarah Pavan and Melissa Humana-Paredes while Vergé-Dépré and Heidrich now face the World Champions and home favorites Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst.
“We’re taking it step by step!” laughed Anouk. “We will try and show our best beach volleyball and see what happens. We will not make their life easy. We’ll hopefully surprise them – if not, the Germans will at least be happy.”
On the possibility of meeting their fellow Swiss, Tanja added: “This would be a little dream but both of us have to win against strong teams.
“I don’t think we’re the favorites but who knows. If it’s a all-Swiss semifinal it would be a surprise but we’ll just try and place our best.”
Both quarterfinals will take place on the Red Bull Beach Arena, with Joana and Anouk versus Ludwig/Walkenhorst at 2pm CET and Tanja and Nina’s meeting with Pavan/Humana-Paredes at 3pm CET. Both matches will be live on BeachStream.
Tanja Hüberli was in good form at the net in the win over Kolocova/Kvapilova
