Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

U.S. Beach National Team Begins Second Cancun Tournament

The U.S. Beach National Team is gearing up for the second four-star tournament at the FIVB’s Cancun hub, following the success of the first tournament. From April 22-26, U.S. beach teams will compete in hopes of improving their standings and climbing up the FIVB provisional Olympic rankings.

Directly advancing to the main draw of Tournament 2 are five American pairs: Jake Gibb/Taylor Crabb and Phil Dalhausser/Nick Lucena for the men, and Alix Klineman/April Ross, Kelley Kolinske/Emily Stockman, and Brooke Sweat/Kerri Walsh Jennings for the women.

During the qualifier on April 22, one women’s team and two men’s teams will compete for entry to the main draw. The teams for the qualifier will be determined during the country quota round on Wednesday. Exciting matchups to watch include Kelly Claes/Sarah Sponcil, Sara Hughes/Emily Day, and Kelly Reeves/Terese Cannon for the women, and Billy Allen/Andrew Benesh, Tri Bourne/Trevor Crabb, Bill Kolinske/Miles Evans, and Chaim Schalk/Theo Brunner for the men.

This tournament, held at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort, awards Olympic ranking points that contribute towards qualification for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. It’s worth noting that only two teams per country per gender may secure an Olympic berth.

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While Klineman/Ross have already secured their spot in Tokyo, three more duos are battling it out for the remaining American women’s spot. Currently, Sweat/Walsh Jennings are in second place in the American rankings, 240 points ahead of Claes/Sponcil. Stockman/Kolinske are in fourth place, trailing Sweat/Walsh Jennings by less than 400 points.

On the men’s side, three teams are vying for two spots. Gibb/Ta. Crabb currently lead the American rankings with 7,040 points. Dalhausser/Lucena are close behind, cutting their margin in the first tournament. Additionally, Dalhausser/Lucena have extended their lead over Bourne/Tr. Crabb, with only 120 points separating second and third place.

In the first tournament of the hub, the United States had an impressive showing, with five teams (three men’s and two women’s) tying for ninth place and two more teams tying for 17th.

The U.S. Beach National Team is excited to continue their journey in the Cancun hub, with hopes of further success and a strong push towards their Olympic dreams.


FAQs

Q: When and where is the second Cancun tournament taking place?
A: The second tournament will run from April 22-26 at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort in Mexico.

Q: Which American beach teams have secured a spot in the main draw?
A: Five American pairs have advanced directly to the tournament’s main draw: Jake Gibb/Taylor Crabb and Phil Dalhausser/Nick Lucena for the men, and Alix Klineman/April Ross, Kelley Kolinske/Emily Stockman, and Brooke Sweat/Kerri Walsh Jennings for the women.

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Q: How many teams per country per gender can earn an Olympic berth?
A: Only two teams per country per gender are eligible to earn an Olympic berth.

Q: Who are the front-runners for the remaining American women’s spot?
A: Sweat/Walsh Jennings currently hold the second spot in the American rankings, followed closely by Claes/Sponcil. Stockman/Kolinske are also in the running, trailing Sweat/Walsh Jennings by less than 400 points.

Q: How many teams are competing for the remaining men’s spots?
A: Three teams are competing for two spots in the men’s division. Gibb/Ta. Crabb hold the top spot, followed by Dalhausser/Lucena. Bourne/Tr. Crabb are close behind, with only 120 points separating them from the second qualifying position.


Summary

The U.S. Beach National Team is ready to take on the second four-star tournament at the FIVB’s Cancun hub. With a strong lineup of teams representing the United States, the athletes are determined to improve their rankings and secure their spots in the Tokyo Olympics. The tournament will feature exciting matches as teams compete for entry to the main draw. While some teams have already clinched their spots, others are neck and neck in the rankings, adding to the anticipation and excitement. The U.S. Beach National Team is excited to continue their journey in Cancun and showcase their skills on the international stage. Join us in supporting these talented athletes as they pursue their Olympic dreams.