Team USA’s Marina Stefanoni earned the inaugural Junior Pan American Games girls individual gold medal Sunday, November 28, in Cali, Colombia.
The four-time U.S. junior champion entered the draw as the tournament’s two seed, and earned the gold medal without dropping a game all tournament. Stefanoni defeated Mexico’s 3/4 seed Dina Anguiano 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 in Sunday’s final.
“I thought I played well and I’m was happy to have made it through in 3 games,” Stefanoni said. “Tina was a tough opponent and I was very excited to win gold here. I sincerely hope that squash remains in the Pan American Youth Games for many years to come. I’d also like to thank my parents and all the coaches that have worked with me throughout my junior career.”
“Marina played her best squash of the tournament in the final tonight and that was quite pleasing,” said Scott Devoy, U.S. National Coach. “She has worked very hard at her game and deserves all the success she is accomplishing both on the tour and in international competition.”
Team USA–comprised of Marina Stefanoni, Lucie Stefanoni and Serena Daniel–now move onto the team competition and will face hosts Colombia Monday, November 29.