Volleyball Teams Finish Tournament In Boston
Bermuda’s Paradise Hitters volleyball teams competed on the final day of the Nike Boston Volleyball Festival.
A spokesperson said, “The last day of the tournament is playoff time for all teams.”
Paradise Hitters U12
“The team had an 8:15 match this morning after a late evening of playing last night. They played a very strong Smash Energy team and lost 2-0 [25-2, 25-14].”
Coach Kamryn Martins said, “We are extremely proud of these girls for taking on competition they have never experienced before. Day one was a tough day with one win and two losses. Day two our girls won three of three games, which placed them in the Bronze bracket. Unfortunately we lost our only game on day three, but the girls had a tough fight in their second set.
“These girls took on some tough competition and put up a good fight. We look forward to seeing these girls compete in years to come.”
The spokesperson said, “Final placing – 20 out of 33 teams.
Paradise Hitters U13
“The girls started the day with their match versus Southampton Bay Black. The girls played very well and it was a very tight match but PH ended up losing 1-2 [19-25, 25-21, 9-15]. The team then played a consolation placement match against Avidity.
“The team fought very hard in this closely contested match but lost 1-2 [25-17, 22-25, 17-19].”
Coach Valerie Martins said, “We are beyond proud of their performance in Boston. They have been working so hard leading up to this tournament and they applied all the skills and techniques. They won a few matches and lost some tough close matches, but they represented the BVA with great pride.”
The spokesperson said, “Final placing – 36 out of 50 teams.
Paradise Hitters U14
“The girls had an early start but played very strong winning the match against Lake Region 2-0 [25-14, 25-24]. Their next match was against CALI Gold South team. This was also a very close match and the girls fought hard for every point. The lost the match 0-2 [22-25, 22-25].”
Coach Allison Settle, who also coached the U13 team, said, “The girls exceeded our expectations with their level of play. Both the U14′s and U3′s finished first in their pool on Saturday. On Sunday, the u14′s made it to the finals of their bracket, and the u13′s lost their games but played exceptionally well. Both teams should be very proud of themselves and their performance in Boston.”
The spokesperson said, “Final placing – 50 out of 85 teams.
Paradise Hitters U15
“This team are played very well all tournament and therefore played in the gold bracket on Sunday. Their first match was versus EVA Kish and went to three sets with our Hitters winning 2-1 [25-27, 25-10, 15-13]. Their next match in the playoffs was against EC Power and unfortunately the team lost 0-2 to this team [19-25, 19-25].”
Coach Mike Gazzard [on behalf of their coaching staff Coach Gary and Coach Cailey] said, “Congratulations to the Paradise Hitters U15 girls on an incredible weekend of volleyball. We entered our team in the American division of the Nike Boston Volleyball Festival which is a level higher than previous years in order to challenge our team.
“The division was made up of 50 teams from across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico and we ended with a top five finish in the Gold bracket. This result was a true team effort and we are very proud of what this team has accomplished. This is the best Bermuda volleyball team result in a US based tournament [junior or senior] that the Bermuda Volleyball Association has seen.
“Thank you to all our parents, sponsors, and the Bermuda Volleyball Association for your continued support. Together, we have created a U15 girls team that can compete and be successful at any international tournament.
“Congratulations U15 girls. We’re proud of your efforts and can’t wait to help you reach the next level.”
The spokesperson said, “Final placing – 5th out of 49 teams.
Big Wave Riders U14
“The boys lost their silver group semi-final match to CSVC Blue 0-2 [17-25, 19-25].”
Coach Andrew Soares said, “It’s been a great tournament for the Big Wave Riders U14 Boy’s team. They got off to a strong start on Friday, going 2-1, finishing 2nd in their pool and advancing to the top division.
“Saturday results weren’t what we had hoped, with the team losing several hard fought and tight games. There is no doubt the boys can compete at this level. Sunday we lost in the silver bracket semi-final match.
“The boys proudly represented themselves, their team, and Bermuda. We look forward to coming back and competing next year.”
The spokesperson said, “Final placing – 7 out of 15 teams.”
