Riley Newman and Jackie Kawamoto’s Epic Comeback: In a thrilling encounter at the PPA Virginia Beach Cup, Riley Newman and Jackie Kawamoto proved their mettle by overcoming No. 4 seeds Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon in a grueling three-game match that ended with a score of 9-11, 14-12, 11-7. This nail-biter lasted nearly two hours, further solidifying Newman’s reputation for rising to the occasion in pressure-filled situations.
A Dramatic Comeback in Game 2
The defining moment of this match came during Game 2 when Kawamoto and Newman found themselves in a risky position, trailing 6-10 and facing an astonishing ten match points. It was a situation that would have caused many teams to falter, but the No. 11 seeds showed remarkable resolve, rallying back to level the score at 12-12.
Amidst the tension, Alshon called a medical timeout due to heat exhaustion, momentarily halting the action. Once play resumed, Kawamoto and Newman seized their chance, scoring two quick points to force a decisive third game.
Seizing Momentum in the Final Game
With the momentum shifted in their favor, Kawamoto and Newman carried their newfound energy into Game 3. They exhibited a powerful combination of skill and strategic defense, ultimately clinching the match and securing their spot in the semifinals.
“It was looking pretty grim there. I’m barely standing right now, but Jackie was just an absolute beast the entire time. She was the real MVP of this match.” – (newman)
Defense Wins the Day
Both players showcased exceptional defensive skills, making crucial resets and blocks to prolong rallies when it mattered most. Kawamoto acknowledged the intensity of the experience, stating,
“We clutched up at the right time. We both can play really good defense when it matters, and that’s what it took.” – (Kawamoto)
As they look ahead, Kawamoto and Newman are set to face top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns on Saturday. The upcoming semifinal promises to be yet another thrilling chapter in the Virginia Beach Cup.
News in Brief: Riley Newman and Jackie Kawamoto’s Epic Comeback
Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman pulled off an extraordinary comeback at the PPA Virginia Beach Cup, defeating No. 4 seeds Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon 9-11, 14-12, 11-7. The duo saved an incredible ten match points in Game 2, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
Newman praised Kawamoto as the match’s MVP, highlighting their defensive skills. With this victory, they advance to face top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns in the semifinals, promising an exciting matchup ahead.
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