Bermuda’s Olivia Gazzard and Sophie Weikl produced a resurgent performance on the second day of the 2026 NORCECA Under 18 Women’s Beach Volleyball World Championship Qualifiers, clinching a vital victory to reach the knockout stages in the Dominican Republic.
After a challenging opening day on the sands of Juan Dolio, the Bermudian duo found their rhythm in their final Pool C encounter to keep their dreams of a World Championship spot alive.
Facing the Cayman Islands pairing of Julissa Kelly and Safirah Barbosa Cardenas, Gazzard and Weikl delivered a clinical display of serving and net presence. The Bermudian pair dominated from the outset, moving their opponents across the court with tactical precision to take the first set comfortably.
They maintained their intensity in the second, wrapping up a comprehensive 21–12, 21–7 victory in just 27 minutes. The win was essential for their progression, securing their place among the final eight teams in the tournament.
The reward for their pool play recovery was a formidable Quarter-Final showdown against the tournament’s number one seeds, Lauren Leach and Janie McCanna of the United States. Despite the gap in the rankings, Gazzard and Weikl refused to be intimidated by the American powerhouse. In a high-octane 25-minute battle, the Bermudians pushed the top seeds in the second set, showcasing the defensive resilience that has become their trademark on the regional circuit.
Ultimately, the technical depth of the United States pair proved the difference, with Leach and McCanna securing a 2–0 victory with scores of 21–9 and 21–18. While the defeat ends their immediate run in the main bracket, the second-set scoreline against the world-class American duo serves as a significant statement of intent. Gazzard and Weikl will now move into the placement rounds, still vying for the highest possible finish as they look toward the World Championships in the Netherlands this July.
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