Bermuda's dynamic beach volleyball duo of Olivia Gazzard and Sophie Weikl will play for places 9th and 10th on the final day of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) Under 18 Beach World Championship Qualifier. The event, held on the sands of Juan Dolio Beach, serves as a crucial qualifier for the FIVB U18 World Championship.
The Bermudian pair, flying the island's flag in Group D, faced a challenging end to their group stage campaign. They went down to the formidable United States pair of Jordyn Scribner and Ella Grimes in a 21-minute battle, with scores of 21-3, 21-10. This match followed a mixed opening day for Gazzard and Weikl, where they secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Anguilla after an initial loss to Mexico.
Following their group stage matches, Gazzard and Weikl took to the court for a 9th-12th place Play-off match against Philisha Brunette and Nevae Robertson from Antigua. The Bermudian pair delivered a strong performance, securing a 2-0 win in a 28-minute battle, with set scores of 21-14, 21-17. This victory ensures they will compete for 9th and 10th place on the final day of the tournament.
While World Championship qualification was not achieved, the experience gained by Gazzard and Weikl against top-tier international competition from the NORCECA region will be invaluable for their continued development in beach volleyball.
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