SPORTS

Marks wins Jr. Women’s Pro surf title in California

Staff report
Caroline Marks won the Van's U.S. Open of Surfing Junior Women’s Pro.

Melbourne Beach’s Caroline Marks cruised to the Jr. Women’s title at the U.S. Open of Surfing on Saturday in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Marks put together top scoring rides of 9.43 and 8.37 for a 17.80 score to easily outdistance Meah Collins (10.34), Holly Wawn (9.30) and Frankie Harrer (7.77).

The victory was worth $2,000.

The 14-year-old steadily increased her scoreline throughout the heat. Two powerful turns in the pocket netted Marks a near-perfect 9.43 to leave the field needing two better scores each.

“I just wanted to go big on every wave and get the best waves,” Marks said. “I knew in the final that everyone would go big. This year, one of my goals was to win a Pro Junior event, but to win the U.S. Open — I can’t even explain how happy I am. I felt good out there and I just felt really in rhythm the whole heat and whole event. I'm going to stay focused, stay hungry ... I love surfing.”

Marks finished second to Collins in the semifinals, trailing 15.64-12.04, but the top two in each heat advanced.

Griffin Colapinto won the Jr. Men’s title with a 17.77 score.