USA reclaims top spot on compound women’s team podium from Russia

When Crystal GAUVIN fumbled with her arrow during the first end, it didn’t look like the States trio would have an easy match. With less time to aim, and tricky wind conditions, GAUVIN and teammate Christie COLIN both shot reds.

“The flags were not obviously moving,” said GAUVIN. “We had to pay close attention to the wind and group.”

Recovering gold from a Russian team that beat a strong States performance in Antalya was satisfying, said Crystal: “we won three out of four this season. And took revenge here!”

She shoots this afternoon for mixed team gold with Braden GELLENTHIEN, who’s also in the compound men’s team bronze medal match this morning in Wroclaw.

“This match gave me some insights and he’ll experience the venue, too,” said GAUVIN. “We’ll have a better idea of what to expect.” Against India, this might well be the advantage the USA need to win their first compound mixed team gold of the season.

Colombia didn’t miss the gold in the bronze medal match, cruising to a 233-215 win over Italy.

Despite jumping to a four-point lead after six arrows, Sara LOPEZ said it wasn’t difficult to stay focused: “last year we jumped ahead and then our last three arrows were terrible, and that decided the match. We wanted to forget that bad memory, keep going and keep strong.”

Sara – who will shoot for individual gold this afternoon – said the score was a Colombian national record.

“We want to say hello to our families,” she said smiling. “We know they’re watching us right now from home!”

LOPEZ is focused again: she had a shot at Shanghai gold earlier this year, but missed her first two arrows when something went wrong with the peepsight on her bow. In Wroclaw today, she’ll get her second chance to win a 2014 Archery World Cup stage.

Follow results from the last 2014 Archery World Cup stage in Wroclaw.