| | |  News from Around Banderas Bay 
Puerto Rico Claims Final Victory at Bicentennial Beach Volleyball Cup, Mexico
 Sam Willis - Bettor.com
go to original
October 23, 2010
The fantastic women’s beach volleyball activity just rounded off in Mexico last weekend. The Bicentennial Beach Volleyball Cup invited teams from Guatemala, Cuba, Costa Rica, USA, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico. A total of 10 women’s duos embarked at the Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to play for the better status. The championship covered the early phase and inched its way to the end on Sunday, 17th October, 2010.
The elimination bracket filtered the two best teams for the final match of Bicentennial Beach Volleyball Cup. Canada’s Heather Bansley and Elizabeth Maloney opened the championship on a good note and made a series of achievements. They climbed up the stairs of fame and qualified for the ‘final four’ phase of the tournament. They outplayed the home-pair of Martha Revuelta and Xitlali Herrera in the semi-final and paved their way to final.
On the other hand, Puerto Rico pushed everyone behind and challenged the finalist team from Canada. Puerto Rico qualified for the final by defeating American team in the semi-final match. Yarleen Santiago and Dariam Acevedo of Puerto Rico were totally shaped up to crash the other side. They performed in a great way and clinched the gold-ware by dismissing Canadian team. It was their 5th victory in the 2010 season. Puerto Rico secured the top-titles in Cayman Islands, Chiapas, San Diego and Dominican Republic. They appeared in total 9 tournaments and always finished on the podium. They captured 5 gold, 2 sliver and two bronze medals this year.
Gold Medal Match
Puerto Rican ladies were excited to play in the most important match of the tournament. They had a good time in the Bicentennial Beach Volleyball Cup, playing against different teams and proving their endeavour. Puerto Rico saw Canadian pair on the other side of the net in final match.
First Set
They opened the first set with confident shots and tried to take control of operations in the very beginning. The perfect serves and convincing shots provided them an edge and they were successful in their approach. Canadian squad also had young blood in their bodies and put up good defence to protect them. Heather Bansley and Elizabeth Maloney of Canada formed good strategy to stop Puerto Rican score. Nonetheless, Yarleen/Acevedo had prolific ways to hit the ball in rare gaps and steal points from the Canadian side.
Puerto Rican raised their heads after the second technical timeout and put pressure on the other side. There was more intensity in the game as the finish line was near. Puerto Rico rose up and stunned the Canadian side with long jump-serves and sharp-aces. Canada fell back and couldn’t stand the power of Puerto Rican strike. Ultimately, Puerto Rico pulled off victory in the first set with a margin of six points (21-15).
Second Set
Revenge was the order of second set; Canada was all fired-up after losing the first set. On contrary, Puerto Rico was determined to crush Canada and live-up their dream of holding the title trophy. The set was opened with an exchange of speedy spikes. The ball stayed in the air for better times and points were scored after long rallies. The second set was a total point-to-point competition and no-side seemed to lose its grip on ball. Technically, it became a mental game but Puerto Rico also had luck on their side. They scored points on just orthodox hits. The score moved hand-in-hand and slightly crept to the end line. Canada brought out their best but failed to change destiny. Puerto Rico marched as the triumphant team after capturing second set at 21-19. They successfully finished the Bicentennial Beach Volleyball Cup with final victory and took away the gold home.
|
|
| |
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us