AUSSIE WOMEN’S DUOS ADVANCE TO NEXT ROUND AFTER MASSIVE WINS ON DAY 3 AT THE FIVB BEACH VOLLEYBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Two of Australia’s rising teams delivered winning performances on the third day of the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide to secure their place in the next round of the competition, and advance out of the pool stages.

Aussie Wildcards Tara Phillips and Kayla Mears defeated Poland’s Okla/Lunio, 2-0 (21-18, 23-21).

Despite the heavy rain that set in during the game, an enthusiastic home crowd stayed on to cheer the rising stars as they pushed an experienced Polish outfit, a moment made even more special for South Australian native Tara Phillips, who’s living out the Adelaide homecoming she once dreamed of.

“Words can’t even describe, I’m so proud and to have played like that, I’m just so proud of everything we left out there,” Phillips said.

“We gave it our absolute all and we had the whole crowd behind us, it was just electric.

“It’s a party out here on Court 2, everyone is just a metre back from the court so they’re right there with us at every point.”

With her family watching courtside for her momentous win, Mears couldn’t hold back the tears as she embraced her nearest and dearest following the win.

“We battled some conditions out there, and the crowd definitely got us over the line there.”

“It really means a lot, there’s been a lot of challenges and things we’ve had to work through this year, so a win at the World Championships is insane to even think about.”

After two losses, today’s win keeps their World Championships hopes alive, progressing through to Tuesday’s ‘lucky loser’ phase, from which it will then become a knock-out – winner takes all. 

Jasmine Fleming and Stefie Fejes’ competition also stays alive following their impressive 3-set win against Lithuanian duo Paulikiene/Raupelyte (26-24, 15-21, 15-10).

“We feel amazing – the crowd was awesome, our opponent was awesome, our team was awesome and we just vibed off that…we’re so happy,” Fleming said.

“Harnessing the crowd and harnessing the energy and the atmosphere, we knew that we didn’t play our best volleyball in the second (set), but we did in the third and we just had to channel that again.

“It’s honestly amazing, walking out and being able to wave at them (crowd, friends and family), and soak it all in. Nothing will replicate this feeling ever, it’s amazing.”

Every Australian match will be broadcast live and free on SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand, with tickets and hospitality available via Ticketek.