Big things on the horizon for Coffs' sisters

Squash's triple act out of Coffs Harbour continues to excite with this week's outing at the Australian Junior Open the first step in a huge week for the family.

Eden-Alma, Jada and Cleo are a tight-knit group of sisters whose smiles are infectious not only to each other but to those around them.

For Eden, the smiles could hardly come bigger than on Friday when she was informed that via a withdrawal, she had gained selection in a national team for the first time, called upon to represent Australia at next week's Junior Trans Tasman Test Series in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Sharing the moment with her mother and one of her sisters, she could not have been happier.

"It came as a pretty big surprise, but I've been trying to get results which would get me considered for the team and luckily I've made it even if it was last minute," said Eden." 

Eden's talent came to the fore in September when she claimed her biggest-ever victory, taking out the Girls Under 17 title at the Australian Junior Championships in Sydney, before helping the NSW team to the Teams title.

That week gave her the confidence of being one of the leading players in the country at her age and while national selection was a goal, it has now been realised.

"I'm really excited but feel a bit nervous because everything is going to be new, " she said. "But this is what I've been working towards and I got it in the end and I'm very grateful."

Over the next couple of days, Eden has the opportunity to add to her AJC title, starting with a tough Girls U17 AJO semi-final against Emilia Scott (NSW) on Wednesday. Having had to fight from behind in today's quarter-final victory, Eden has belief in her ability to stay in the contest which will hold her in good stead both this week and next.

"I've got some confidence coming from AJC and getting that win," said Eden. "But anything can happen on the court and anything could have happened in that second game today.

"I could have dropped it but I got it in the end.

"I'm into the semis now, so tomorrow is hopefully a day I can make it into the finals."

Eden is not the only one of the Poulava sisters still in the hunt for glory at the AJO. Cleo has made it through to the U13 Girls semi-finals and faces Queensland's always-smiling Riyo Kawabata for a place in the final. While older sister Jada faced a tough draw by meeting the U19 top seed in the first round, she also scored a win today in a perfect day for the sister act who continue to thrive on each others' success.

"I'm really excited that I get to spend the squash experience with my sisters," said Eden. "Trans Tasman will probably be my first tournament without them so it will be a bit scary but I'm glad that so far everything has been with them."