Gogenola and Watkins Crowned Champions at Zumaia Master Series Jai Alai

The duo of Elaia Gogenola and Frida Watkins secured victory in the women's cesta punta Master Series in Zumaia, part of the Jai Alai League circuit.

Generic image of a cesta punta ball and a cesta on a fronton court.
IA

Generic image of a cesta punta ball and a cesta on a fronton court.

The cesta punta pair Elaia Gogenola and Frida Watkins were crowned champions of the women's Master Series in Zumaia, a scoring event for the Jai Alai League circuit, after a hard-fought match against Ihart Arakistain and Maialen Aldazabal that went to a decisive third game.

Elaia Gogenola and Frida Watkins were declared champions of the women's cesta punta Master Series of Zumaia this Monday. This event, which awards points for the Jai Alai League circuit, saw them battle intensely against Ihart Arakistain and Maialen Aldazabal, who managed to force a tie-breaking third game after falling behind initially.
In a thrilling conclusion, it was Gogenola, the forward from Berriatua, who took control and tipped the balance. After a strong start by Frida Watkins (15-9), Ihart Arakistain responded with power and finishing ability, staging a comeback in the second set (from 10-6 to 10-14 and a final 11-15). The titular puntista of the Euskal Selekzioa demonstrated her courage with a well-placed cut shot to break the deadlock and also showcased her long-range shots, both backhand and forehand.
Watkins also contributed significantly with a two-wall shot from the eight-meter line. They ultimately secured the txapela with a 5-2 score, bringing the curtain down on the competition at the Aitzuri fronton. The seasoned defender from Zumaia proved to be a prophet in her hometown on the same day as Imanol López's farewell.