Eight players chasing Asian U21 Beach Volleyball title
Four Australian teams will be vying for glory when the 5th Asian U21 Beach Volleyball Championships begin in Thailand tomorrow.
The two men’s pairings for the event see Ben Hood and Lucas Josefsen (pictured) continue their successful partnership while D’Artagnan Potts will team up with Mitch Croft.
The women’s teams in Thailand will see Lizzie Alchin playing with Kayla Mears and Stefie Fejes teaming up with Jasmine Fleming.
Fejes took out the gold medal at this event in 2021 with Alisha Stevens while Fleming also took bronze that year, alongside Jesse Mann.
Both players have been having successful seasons at home and abroad, Fejes playing with Jana Milutinovic and Fleming with Georgia Johnson.
Fleming says she is excited by the opportunity to reunite with Fejes and continue what has been a globe-trotting season so far.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with Stefie,” said Fleming. “We competed together a couple years ago and I am excited to share the court with her again, this time with some more volleyball experience in our pocket.
“It’s definitely been a busy year so far, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Having a lot of fun competing on the Pro Tour, and hope to keep the results coming in the back half of the year.”
Fleming said playing at the recent Senior Asian Championships has assisted their preparation for a tournament where they are looking to conquer all before them.
“Our goal this week is to finish on top of the podium,” said Fleming. “We’re hoping for growth and consistency from our side throughout the tournament.
“The high level Asian style volleyball from Asian champs, as well as competing in the Asian heat, has prepared us well for Under 21s.”
Like Fleming and Fejes, the men’s pairing of Hood and Josefsen had great success on the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour this year and have continued their partnership in recent months.
The combination of Croft and Potts is a lot newer, however Croft is confident that a recent training block will have the team ready to fire in Thailand.
“I recently have taken a trip down to Adelaide, more specifically at SASI and the Volleyroos program, and have been undergoing preparation with D’Artagnan and the rest of the boys,” said Croft. “I have known D’Artagnan for about a year now, playing against him on the Australian tour, so it will be a nice change to join with him and compete for something bigger.”
Proud of his selection for this tournament, as well as for the Commonwealth Youth Games with Jett Rocker-Graham later in the year, Croft said he is keen to put preparation into action once the tournament gets underway.
“Obviously the pride and honour to represent the country once again is a great reward for the recognition of hard work and patience I’ve endured,” said Croft. “But more so for me it’s the chance to present my dedication to the sport and showcase this in action.”
The Asian U21 Beach Volleyball Championships start on Thursday 12 July in Roi-Et, Thailand. Pool matches will be played over the opening two days before the tournament progresses to quarters, semis and medal playoffs over the weekend.
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