Lochhead & Pitman Unlucky in Croatia – And Finish 13th
Posted by Rapids Volleyball on Monday, May 26, 2008
For further information on the event: FIVB Beach Volleyball
The New Zealand Beach Volleyball Team of Kirk Pitman and Jason Lochhead continued their quest for qualification to the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Zagreb, Croatia.
Lochhead and Pitman’s first match of the day was their elimination match against the Norwegian team of Maaseide and Horrem.
In a very close match, Pitman and Lochhead survived the cool conditions to play some consistent Beach Volleyball and hold on to win a thrilling first set 24-22. The second set was more decisive as the Kiwis grew in confidence against their more experienced counterparts. They completed the second set 21-18, and the match 2-0. This result moved them through to 13th position and an opportunity to play for 9th spot.
The next match was against the second of three Norwegian teams in he main draw. Norway has a great history of beach volleyballers, with qualification and quarter final results in the Olympics and 2 World Championship victories.
The first set was a close affair with both teams sharing the lead at different stages of the set. Lochhead and Pitman could not quite break the deadlock, and ended in succumbing 19-21 in he first set. The second set was a torrid affair with both teams making spectacular plays in difficult conditions under intense pressure. The teams went point for point from 21 all, with both teams having opportunities to win with serves for match point. The break came at 31-30, with the Norwegians securing match point, to make the set 32-20, and the match 2-0.
Lochhead and Pitman finished a satisfying 13th, which will count towards their Olympic qualification points.
Results
Maaseide-Horrem NOR vs Lochhead-Pitman NZL 0-2 (22-24, 18-21) 0:45
Hoidalen-Goranson K. NOR vs Lochhead-Pitman NZL 2-0 (21-19, 32-30) 1:06
