Antrim's Aisling Reilly is the 2015 Simple Green US Open Champion after an enthralling 11-9 tiebreak win over Catriona Casey tonight in California.
Casey raced to a 21-9 first game, before being pegged back 21-10 in the second by Reilly. Casey took a 7-0 lead in the tiebreak before Reilly fought back to 8-7, and eventually taking the title 11-9. Both ladies again did themselves and Ireland proud in an epic battle, as they continue to bring Ladies Handball to new heights.
In the earlier rounds, Casey conceded a measly 9pts over her two matches against Jean Kastner & Martina McMahon, with Reilly equally impressive in keeping her opponents Yvonne August & Jessica Gawley to a combined 15pts.
Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Belfast’s Aisling Reilly on winning the 2015 US Open of Handball. Aisling adds the US Open title to the World and All-Ireland Championships already secured this year. Hailing Aisling’s achievement, Minister Ní Chuilín said:
“The US Open title caps what has already been a phenomenal year for Aisling Reilly. Aisling is once again showing how Belfast and the north can produce the world’s best sportspeople.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Aisling at the recent opening of the new Béal na Carraige Handball Courts in west Belfast. She is an inspiration to girls who want to get into sport, and handball is easy to pick up and accessible to all.
“I commend Aisling’s club, St Paul’s GAC, and the work of the GAA in promoting handball to men and women across Ireland.”
Image courtesy of WPH