PARC - 2012 Pan American Championships - Longoria & Lambert in Women's final

Canadian Frédérique Lambert reached the final of an international event for the first time Friday as she defeated American Rhonda Rajsich, 15-13, 15-10, in the semi-finals of women's singles at the XXV Pan American Championships in Temuco, Chile. Lambert's opponent in the final will be Paola Longoria of Mexico - the 2nd seed, as Longoria defeated Carola Loma (Bolivia), 15-9, 15-11, in the other semi on Friday.

Lambert used a variety of serves against Rajsich, the #1 seed and defending champion, though never drive serves and did serve to both sides. Rajsich also used several different serves including drive z serves to the left side, but as with her match yesterday against Cristina Amaya (Colombia), Rajsich made several unforced errors.

It looked like Rajsich might force a tie-breaker, as she had an early lead in game two at 3-0 and they were tied at 7-7. But Lambert led all the way after that, although Rajsich did close the gap to one at 11-10. Lambert was able to finish off with four straight points.

Longoria's win over Loma was also two straight and more comfortable. After winning the first game 15-9, Longoria had a 8-2 advantage in game two. Credit Loma for not quitting though, and she cut the deficit to two points at 13-11 before Longoria finished it off.

Longoria will be going for her 4th Pan American Championship. She's won in each of the even numbered years since 2006. Lambert will be trying to become the third Canadian woman to win a Pan American Championship (formerly Tournament of the Americas) after Lori Jane Powell in 2004 and Heather Stupp in 1987. Longoria's the only Mexican woman to win a Pan Am title.

The women's singles final will be Saturday at 10 AM and will be streamed live via the Pan American Racquetball Confederation (PARC) website.

XXV Pan American Championships

April 2012 - Temuco, Chile

Women's Singles - Semi-finals

Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 15-13, 15-10

Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. Carola Loma (Bolivia), 15-9, 15-11

Women's Singles - Final

Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. Frédérique Lambert (Canada)

Follow the bouncing ball....