It was an all Hawaiian affair as Cody Young and Brisa Hennessy claimed the US Open Pro Juniors trophies.
An incredible finals day at the Vans US Open of Surfing - Women's Jr wrapped as Brisa Hennessy earned her first-ever US Open win. Hennessy showcased her talent to find her way into the Final where she blasted an excellent 8.67 on her first opportunity.
The 17-year-old South Shore, Oahu, native battled with current two-time US Open winner Caroline Marks, last year's Women's Championship Tour (CT) US Open wildcard Meah Collins, and current European Pro Junior Tour No. 1 Teresa Bonvalot. But, Hennessy backed up her excellent ride right away and secured her victory.
Brisa Hennessy's explosive surfing potential is only beginning to surface. - WSL / Sean Rowland
"All the girls in that heat are amazing and I've been pushed by them for so many years to better my surfing, I'm just so happy right now," Hennessy said. "I think the level of women's junior surfing is getting pushed higher and higher, and I'm excited to see what happens. There are just no words that describe how I really feel right now, this is so incredible and will never forget this. I can't thank my family and everyone back home for all their support, I couldn't do this without them."
Caroline Marks unleashing an excellent 8.50 in her Semifinal. - WSL / Sean Rowland
Two-time winner Caroline Marks was a standout once again, earning numerous excellent scores on her way to her third straight Final here. The 15-year-old talent found herself in a rare combination position, requiring two new scores for a chance at a win, but unleashed her aggressive forehand to earn an excellent 9.00. But, time ran out before she could find the 6.00 required for her three-peat.
Portugal's Teresa Bonvalot was a major threat at last year's World Junior Championships and looks to be well on her way back there. - WSL / Sean Rowland
Current European Women's Pro Junior No. 1 Teresa Bonvalot pulled a massive upset over reigning World Junior Champion Macy Callaghan and earned her spot into the Final. Bonvalot's early lead was one she couldn't hold on to, but she still leaves Huntington Beach with a third-place finish. Next up, she'll set her sights back toward home turf for the string of European QS events.
Meah Collins' 2017 is just getting started after a slow start and now it's headed in the right direction. - WSL / Sean Rowland
2016 North America Qualifying Series (QS) Champion Meah Collins has finally found her rhythm in 2017 after a Round Five result in Oceanside helped propel her to a big Final matchup in Huntington. Collins couldn't keep that rhythm in the Final, but still comes away with a fourth-place finish and vital points toward the Pro Junior rankings.
The next North America Women's Junior Tour event will be the Soup Bowl Pro Junior November 9 - 12
Brisa Hennessy Claims Inaugural Win at US Open
Andrew Nichols
An incredible finals day at the Vans US Open of Surfing - Women's Jr wrapped as Brisa Hennessy earned her first-ever US Open win. Hennessy showcased her talent to find her way into the Final where she blasted an excellent 8.67 on her first opportunity.
The 17-year-old South Shore, Oahu, native battled with current two-time US Open winner Caroline Marks, last year's Women's Championship Tour (CT) US Open wildcard Meah Collins, and current European Pro Junior Tour No. 1 Teresa Bonvalot. But, Hennessy backed up her excellent ride right away and secured her victory.
"All the girls in that heat are amazing and I've been pushed by them for so many years to better my surfing, I'm just so happy right now," Hennessy said. "I think the level of women's junior surfing is getting pushed higher and higher, and I'm excited to see what happens. There are just no words that describe how I really feel right now, this is so incredible and will never forget this. I can't thank my family and everyone back home for all their support, I couldn't do this without them."
Two-time winner Caroline Marks was a standout once again, earning numerous excellent scores on her way to her third straight Final here. The 15-year-old talent found herself in a rare combination position, requiring two new scores for a chance at a win, but unleashed her aggressive forehand to earn an excellent 9.00. But, time ran out before she could find the 6.00 required for her three-peat.
Current European Women's Pro Junior No. 1 Teresa Bonvalot pulled a massive upset over reigning World Junior Champion Macy Callaghan and earned her spot into the Final. Bonvalot's early lead was one she couldn't hold on to, but she still leaves Huntington Beach with a third-place finish. Next up, she'll set her sights back toward home turf for the string of European QS events.
2016 North America Qualifying Series (QS) Champion Meah Collins has finally found her rhythm in 2017 after a Round Five result in Oceanside helped propel her to a big Final matchup in Huntington. Collins couldn't keep that rhythm in the Final, but still comes away with a fourth-place finish and vital points toward the Pro Junior rankings.
The next North America Women's Junior Tour event will be the Soup Bowl Pro Junior November 9 - 12
Brisa Hennessy
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A battle of event standouts Brisa Hennessy and Gabriela Bryan provided searing rail work from Hennessy to earn a 7.00 and ultimately claim
Vans US Open of Surfing - Women's Jr
Finals day is set for the Women's CT and Men's QS 10,000 after another day of epic battles.
Hawaiians Cody Young and Brisa Hennessy took the top spots at the Vans US Open of surfing. Finals day ahead for QS and CT.
Semifinal draws are set in the Women's Pro Junior after a big day with a few major early exits on hand.
Along with the women's Championship Tour stop and the men's QS10,000, the Vans US Open also showcases the next generation of talent.