ACT Open Wrap-Up: Final Round of the Mikasa Cup
Over the weekend of 8th and 9th March 2025, 83 teams came together for the grand finale of the Mikasa Cup—the ACT Open. As the final major local event of the summer, the competition was a fitting end to an incredible season. The event welcomed a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent, with some players making the trek to Lyneham for the very first time.
In an impressive show of dominance, the Australian Volleyball Academy (AVA) secured victories in both divisions of the men’s competition, while Volleyball NSW claimed the top spots in the women’s divisions.
Results
Division 1 Men:
- 1st: AVA: Bohdi Ikin & Luka Sazdov
- 2nd: NSW: Henry Moffitt & Thomas Smith
- 3rd: NSW: Ash Giddins & Sohta Hamaguchi (JAP)
Division 1 Women:
- 1st: NSW: Clara Lassen & Cecilie Steffens (DEN)
- 2nd: NSW: Marielle Bouwman & Tina Carpenter
- 3rd: AVA: Rosie Alchin & Georgie Vanloo
Division 2 Men:
- 1st: AVA: Hayden Baker & Levi Beard
- 2nd: NSW: Kayden Dunne & Matthew Mitchell
- Equal 3rd: NSW: Lucas Paulino & Carlos Pieroni
- Equal 3rd: ACT: Paul Atteridge & Noah Collins-Oldfield
Division 2 Women:
- 1st: NSW: Laurie Gagnon & Tonya Pou Amengual
- 2nd: NSW: Madhu Mahen & Claire Miyaoka
- Equal 3rd: NSW: Thais Nunes Guerrero & Lily Wade
- Equal 3rd: ACT: Morgan Fowler & Grace Wilson
ACT Beach Series Highlights
The completion of the ACT Open also marked the conclusion of the ACT Beach Series. The top-performing men’s and women’s players of the season have been announced:
Top 5 Men's Players:
1. Lewis Jupp (1360 points)
2. Charlie Beard (1296 points)
3. Jay Tregeagle (1096 points)
4. Beau Donoghue (984 points)
5. Max Harris (928 points)
Top 5 Women's Players:
1. Lucia Zarak (1312 points)
2. Mei Doan Herlihy (832 points)
3. Giulia Crosato (824 points)
4. Noor Bajwa (804 points)
5. Lavinia Tyyrel (784 points)
Congratulations to both Lewis Jupp and Lucia Zarak, who consistently showcased their skills, placing in the top three for every round of the ACT Beach Series and finishing in the top five for the ACT Open.
This successful conclusion to the season reflects the strength and passion of the beach volleyball community in the ACT and beyond. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to an unforgettable summer of beach volleyball.
