Two wins from two games for the Beach Ferns and Beach Blacks means both have qualified for the quarter finals - but both expect a tougher test in their final pool matches.
Shaunna Polley and Alice Zeimann pulled out some big serves and moved well around the court to beat Ghana 2-0, despite their opponents coming roaring out of the blocks in the second set. The Ferns took a tactical time out early in the second set to regroup, and were able to close the match out 21-10 and 21-13.
"There was lots we were working on against Ghana and wanting to bring into that match and really work on our game. We wanted to run our plays confidently, and I think we were able to execute that in the match. We also wanted to serve really tough, we knew that would be a big part of our game, so we're proud of that, we took lots of risks there," said Alice Zeimann.
"Ghana did come out strong and the second we just kind of reset and the timeout we backed ourselves to sight out the next fall and just knew we had to lift our intensity a little bit and kind of just weather that storm. So I'm proud of us for you know, being able to stay composed it feels awesome to qualify for the quarterfinal."
Brad Fuller and Sam O'Dea beat underdogs Tuvalu 21-14 and 21-17, seeing off a spirited challenge in some breezy conditions. Both teams showed great commitment to scramble on defence, with the Beach Blacks able to use their height advantage at the net with some big blocks and spikes.
"It was a little bit fresh out there, but I think the Tuvalu guys just came out with a lot of aggression. We cruised through the first set a bit and I think maybe just relaxed a little bit going into the second. That let them back in and the next minute it's a game, they certainly brought it to us."
"It was good to get pressed and face a challenge. But yeah, definitely wasn't our best game, we'll look at some video tomorrow, and then we'll have a practice," said Sam O'Dea.
The Beach Blacks play England at 7am Thursday NZ time, followed by the Ferns' match against Canada at 8am NZ time, both matches are on SKY Sport.
"The crowds gonna be a big thing against England, both games the crowd has been against us, going for the underdog, and it's going to be another level for sure when we play again but we expect it - we're just taking it one day at a time," said Sam O'Dea.
"We're just focusing on our last pool game against Canada. We're super excited to play those girls, they're a world class team. So yeah, we'll be resting and getting our minds and bodies right for that match," said Alice Zeimann.
NZL Zeimann/Polley 2 - 0 Katadat/Aryee GHA
Set 1
21 - 10
Set 2
21 - 13
Total
42 - 23
NZL O'Dea S./Fuller 2 - 0 Saaga/Ampex TUV
Set 1
21 - 14
Set 2
21 - 17
Total
42 - 31
