Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, July 1, 2015 - Paraguay's Gabriela Filippo and Michelle Sharon Valiente Amarilla were thrilled to play USA's April Ross/Kerri Walsh Jennings in the first knock-out round at the 2015 Beach Volleyball World Championships.
The experienced American team won the match 2-0 (21-6, 21-10), but Michelle/Filippo will take away an unforgettable experience from the Netherlands.
"We're really happy with the match because it's Kerri Walsh. I think she is the best and I am very proud to play with her.
When Gabriela told me that we were playing Kerri Walsh, I said 'Oh my god, really?' It's an incredible experience," said Michelle
"We couldn't sleep yesterday. For us, it's so good because we only saw her on the TV," said Filippo.
At just 17 years old, Michelle is competing in her second FIVB World Championships after 2013 in Stare Jablonki.
"I'm really excited to play again in a world championships. I enjoying it because I am young," Michelle.
Michelle/Filippo have fully appreciated the opportunity and have high hopes for the future.
"We've found it very exciting here. For us it's very important. We don't have a beach in Paraguay or the level there so playing with taller girls is good for us and we're getting better always.
It's great to come here to earn more points so we can play in more Opens and now we are training hard for the Olympics in Rio, that is our goal," said Filippo.