Bermuda Beach Volleyball Teams Secure ECVA Silver Medals
IslandStats.com
Bermuda's Men's and Women's National Beach Volleyball teams have concluded their campaigns at the 2025 ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball Championships in St. Lucia, both returning home with impressive Silver Medals.
The Women's pair of Megan Hands and Hailey Moss began the final day of competition with a crucial semi-final clash against Grenada. In a hard-fought encounter, the Bermuda duo emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 (26-24, 21-15) win to book their place in the Gold Medal Match.
The Championship Match saw Hands and Moss face off against St. Kitts and Nevis for the coveted title. Despite a valiant effort, the Bermuda women fell to St. Kitts and Nevis in straight sets, 2-0 (21-14, 22-20). However, their journey to the final and the Silver Medal represent a significant achievement for Bermuda's women's beach volleyball program.
Following the women's success, the Men's team of Sean Tucker and Benjamin Barnett took to the sand for their semi-final against Dominica. In a thrilling contest, the Bermuda men mirrored the women's result, securing a 2-0 (32-30, 21-16) victory to advance to their own Gold Medal Match.
The Championship Match saw Tucker and Barnett face the formidable St. Lucia team. The Bermuda men fought hard, pushing the home favourites to three sets. However, St. Lucia ultimately prevailed 2-1 (21-14, 15-21, 15-8). Despite falling just short of the title, the Silver Medal is a testament to the Bermuda men's team's skill and determination throughout the ECVA Championships.
Both the Men's and Women's National Beach Volleyball teams have demonstrated the growing strength of the sport in Bermuda, returning with well-deserved Silver Medals from the ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball Championships in St. Lucia.
Saturday, May 03, 2025
Beach Volleyball Teams Power into ECVA Semi-Finals
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Bermuda's Men's and Women's National Beach Volleyball teams have both secured places in the semi-finals of the 2025 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Championships in St. Lucia. The tournament sees national teams from across the Eastern Caribbean vying for zonal honours.
The Bermuda Volleyball Association (BVA) sent strong pairings to the event, with Sean Tucker and Benjamin Barnett representing the Men, and Megan Hands and Hailey Moss competing in the Women's division.
Barnett & Tucker Navigate Tough Men's Pool
The Men's duo of Barnett and Tucker began their Pool A campaign with a dominant 2-0 (21-11, 21-19) victory over Anguilla's Hazzard and Fredericks. Their second pool match proved a tougher test against the experienced St. Lucia pairing of Descartes and Clercent, who are aiming for their third consecutive ECVA title. Bermuda ultimately fell 2-0 (21-18, 21-9) to the home favorites.
Undeterred, Barnett and Tucker progressed to the round of 12 on Day 2, where they faced St. Lucia 2's Albert and Clarke. The Bermudian pair showed their quality with a comfortable 2-0 (21-10, 21-9) win, securing their spot in the Quarter-Finals.
In the Quarter-Finals, Barnett and Tucker faced Grenada 2's Zerick and Hamilton. The Bermudian team continued their strong form, securing a straight-sets 2-0 (21-10, 21-18) victory to book their place in the semi-finals. They will now face St. Kitts & Nevis' Bristol and Pencheon for a chance to compete in the ECVA Championship Final on Day 3.
Hands & Moss Recover to Reach Women's Semi-Finals
The Women's team of Hands and Moss started their Pool D journey against Antigua and St. Lucia. Their tournament began with a 2-0 (21-8, 21-13) loss to the St. Lucia pairing of Neptune and Erica Gaspard.
Their second pool match against Antigua's Joseph and Regis proved to be a hard-fought three-setter, with the Bermuda women eventually falling 2-1 (21-15, 12-21, 15-12). Despite the challenging start, Hands and Moss advanced to the Round of 12, where they faced Anguilla's Richardson and Fleming. The Bermuda pair bounced back strongly, securing a 2-0 (21-8, 21-13) victory to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-finals, Hands and Moss faced Dominica's Pascal and Henry. The Bermudian women continued their resurgence, claiming a decisive 2-0 (21-18, 21-13) victory to secure their spot in the ECVA Championship Semi-Finals. They will now face St. Lucia for a place in the Final on Day 3.
BVA Co-President Brandon Sousa expressed his delight at the teams' performances, highlighting their hard work and dedication, and the BVA's commitment to developing beach volleyball in Bermuda. He noted the immense pride in their achievements on the international stage and the inspiration it provides for future generations of Bermudian players. The BVA is excited about the future of beach volleyball in Bermuda and looks forward to the teams' continued success on the final day of competition.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Big Wave Riders Secure Silver at Boston Volleyball Festival
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Bermuda's Volleyball teams wrapped up their participation at the Nike Boston Volleyball Festival, held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, with the Big Wave Riders securing a commendable Silver Medal and the Paradise Hitters putting in a solid performance in the silver division.
Big Wave Riders' Impressive Run to the Final
The Big Wave Riders continued their strong showing on the final day, competing in the Round 3 Gold Division. They started with a hard-fought victory against Blast 18 Fire, winning 25-22, 25-23 to advance to the quarter-finals. Their momentum continued as they convincingly defeated the Legacy Boys 18 Premier team 25-14, 25-22, setting up a semi-final clash with Princeton 18 Boys.
The Semi-Final proved to be a thrilling encounter. The Big Wave Riders showed resilience, coming from behind to defeat Princeton 18 Boys 18-25, 25-21, 15-9. This victory propelled them into the final, where they faced South County Juniors Boys 18's Gold. Despite a valiant effort, the Big Wave Riders fell to South County Juniors 25-18, 25-22, securing a well-deserved Silver Medal.
Coach Kevin Manuel said, “The U18 boys team had high expectations going into the three day Boston Volleyball festival. The team had hopes of making it to the Gold Bracket and possibly landing in the top 10.
We come away from the tournament not only in the top 10 but with the silver medal competing against fifty-one other teams. It is an amazing accomplishment for a Bermudian team.
Coach Rob and I could not be prouder of these young men who exhibited grit and determination to play against fifty-one other very seasoned teams.
They have been exemplary ambassadors for Bermuda and the sport of volleyball in Bermuda.
I'm extremely happy for them!”
Paradise Hitters' Solid Showing in Silver Division
The Paradise Hitters competed in the Round 3 Silver Division, facing GSEVC 18 National Blue. Despite a strong effort, the Paradise Hitters fell 25-19, 25-23. While they didn't advance further in the tournament, their performance demonstrated their commitment and skill.
Coach Quote for PHU18 team from Braedon Madeiros-Cooke: “This year we were fortunate enough to have a very strong team to compete in this years Nike Boston Volleyball Festival. We had a great first day going 2-1 with the U18 girls team only losing out to one team by a couple points. The communication, team spirit, energy and skill that the girls displayed was truly exciting. With hopes to continue that momentum into the second day.
Our second day we were seated in the top half of our division fighting for our place in the gold bracket. Unfortunately we had two tough loses but managed to finish the day on a high with a win placing us into the silver bracket of our tournament.
Our third and final day of playing was the playoff for the tournament and Our team was pumped up and excited to see what they could accomplish. Unfortunately we had a tough lost in our first match of that day only losing out by two points.
Over all the U18s team finished 19th out of 56 teams. This is great for the Bermuda Volleyball Association and for Athletics in Bermuda as with volleyball we always have to fight teams that are much taller and more physical than us. We as coaches are very proud of how the team played and represented their country and looked for great things for next year.“
Both teams can be proud of their achievements at the festival. The Big Wave Riders' silver medal is a testament to their talent and teamwork, while the Paradise Hitters' performance in the silver division showcases their continued development.
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Bermudian Teams Make Waves at Boston Volleyball Festival
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Bermuda's Volleyball teams continued their impressive showing at the Nike Boston Volleyball Festival, held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Day two of the second weekend saw both the Big Wave Riders and the Paradise Hitters in action, with contrasting fortunes.
Big Wave Riders Ride the Wave of Success
The Big Wave Riders maintained their perfect record, winning all three of their round two matches in convincing style.
They started the day with a dominant performance against Maine Jrs 18B Navy, securing a 25-15, 25-13 victory. Their second match saw them overcome NYC Impact 18 Travel 25-19, 25-17.
The Big Wave Riders then demonstrated resilience in their final match of the day, battling back from a set down to defeat NEVBC Boys. After losing the first set 16-25, they rallied to win the next two 26-24, 15-11.
Mixed Fortunes for Paradise Hitters
The Paradise Hitters experienced a more mixed day. They began strongly, overcoming Metrowest 18 Blue 25-18, 24-26, 15-3. However, round two proved challenging, with the Hitters falling to KODA 18 Select 25-13, 25-15, and then to Fusion Premier 25-18, 25-18.
The Paradise Hitters finished the day on a high note, though, securing a solid win against LHV Girls 18 Serengeti 25-19, 25-16.
The performances of both teams highlight the growing strength of volleyball in Bermuda. The Big Wave Riders' continued success demonstrates their consistency and teamwork, while the Paradise Hitters' resilience in bouncing back from setbacks shows their character. Both teams will be looking to build on these performances as the tournament progresses.
Friday, February 21, 2025
Bermudian Volleyball Teams Make Strong Start in Boston
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Bermudian Volleyball teams took to the courts at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center for the second weekend of the Nike Boston Volleyball Festival, with both teams recording impressive starts on Day One.
Big Wave Riders Ride High Before Narrow Defeat
The Big Wave Riders enjoyed a flying start to the tournament, winning their first two matches convincingly. They opened with a dominant 25-16, 25-12 victory over Prodigy 17 Boys, followed by another impressive display against the Downstate (N-B) 18 Cobras, winning 25-11, 25-14.
However, their winning streak came to an end in their third match, as they fell to a narrow 25-22, 25-20 defeat against the Husky 18 Shaka.
Paradise Hitters Recover from Early Setback
The Paradise Hitters experienced a mixed start to their campaign. They lost their opening match to CALI 18 Blue 25-14, 21-25, 15-10, but bounced back strongly to defeat AVA 18 Velocity 25-19, 25-22. They ended Day One on a high, securing a hard-fought 25-18, 24-26, 15-3 victory over Metrowest 18 Blue.
Both Bermudian teams demonstrated their competitive spirit and volleyball skills on Day One of the Nike Boston Volleyball Festival. With more matches to come, they will be aiming to build on their strong starts and achieve further success in the tournament.
