Carrying an air of confidence and momentum, California native Sage Erickson eliminated World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons from the Vans US Open of Surfing Thursday, sending yet another ripple through the newly volatile Jeep Leaderboard. Erickson has had flashes of brilliance throughout her career, but here in Huntington Beach she has seemed to be channeling a new warrior within. That game face was in full effect Thursday morning when she opened her Quarterfinal heat with the lead and never let go. Even more meaningful, perhaps, is that Erickson defeated one of the heavyweights of the women's Championship Tour (CT), current World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons. For Sally, the loss is an unfortunate stumble in what could have been her chance to snag the No. 1 spot from Tyler Wright. She'll have another shot next month at Trestles, while Erickson will roll right into the Semifinals when the contest resumes.
