Toronto, Canada, September 16, 2016 - Joana Heidrich and Nadine Zumkehr of Switzerland advanced to the semi-finals of the SWATCH FIVB World Tour Finals here Friday afternoon after eliminating Louise Bawden and Taliqua Clancy of Australia.
With their 2-0 (21-19, 21-11) quarter-final win in 34 minutes, Heidrich and Zumkehr tied the FIVB World Tour series between the two teams at 2-2.
Louise Bawden - “They have been playing really well and so we knew we had to bring our best. The conditions were a bit challenging, down one end the teams really struggled to get sideouts as the sun dropped. We were just a little bit worn out and not quite as sharp. We fought really hard and I’m proud of our team, so overall I’m really happy. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to play with Taliqua by my side and to play as strong as we did and represent ourselves and our country was a real highlight for me. It was such a beautiful experience. The offseason for Australians means summer so we are really excited for the beginning of summer. I am also getting married.”
Joana Heidrich - “I don’t think it was that easy with the sun and the wind. We started really well but then we got in a little bit of trouble but the first set ended well for us. In the second set we played really well and didn’t give them a chance. It’s a lot of fun and we never give up. For sure it was a tough season, with a lot of ups and downs, but it’s so nice that we can play in the semifinals here.”