Follow the bouncing ball....
Canadian Frédérique Lambert reached the final of an
international event for the first time Friday as she defeated American Rhonda
Rajsich, 15-13, 15-10, in the semi-finals of women's singles at the XXV Pan
American Championships in Temuco, Chile. Lambert's opponent in the final will
be Paola Longoria of Mexico - the 2nd seed, as Longoria defeated Carola Loma
(Bolivia), 15-9, 15-11, in the other semi on Friday.
Lambert used a variety of serves against Rajsich, the #1
seed and defending champion, though never drive serves and did serve to both
sides. Rajsich also used several different serves including drive z serves to
the left side, but as with her match yesterday against Cristina Amaya
(Colombia), Rajsich made several unforced errors.
It looked like Rajsich might force a tie-breaker, as she had
an early lead in game two at 3-0 and they were tied at 7-7. But Lambert led all
the way after that, although Rajsich did close the gap to one at 11-10. Lambert
was able to finish off with four straight points.
Longoria's win over Loma was also two straight and more
comfortable. After winning the first game 15-9, Longoria had a 8-2 advantage in
game two. Credit Loma for not quitting though, and she cut the deficit to two
points at 13-11 before Longoria finished it off.
Longoria will be going for her 4th Pan American Championship.
She's won in each of the even numbered years since 2006. Lambert will be trying
to become the third Canadian woman to win a Pan American Championship (formerly
Tournament of the Americas) after Lori Jane Powell in 2004 and Heather Stupp in
1987. Longoria's the only Mexican woman to win a Pan Am title.
The women's singles final will be Saturday at 10 AM and will
be streamed live via the Pan
American Racquetball Confederation (PARC) website.
Women's Singles - Semi-finals
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 15-13,
15-10
Women's Singles - Final
Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. Frédérique Lambert (Canada)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Lambert used a variety of serves against Rajsich, the #1
seed and defending champion, though never drive serves and did serve to both
sides. Rajsich also used several different serves including drive z serves to
the left side, but as with her match yesterday against Cristina Amaya
(Colombia), Rajsich made several unforced errors.
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