In the highly anticipated Olsztyn Grand Slam in Poland, Brazil proved to be a formidable opponent, halting the USA’s progress in the tournament. Despite this setback, both USA beach teams put on impressive performances, finishing in the Top 5.
Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson achieved their best result of the year, securing a fourth-place finish after intense three-set matches against Brazil in the final rounds. Similarly, Lauren Fendrick and Brooke Sweat also achieved their best finish this year, claiming fifth place.
Bạn đang xem: Brazil Stuns USA at Olsztyn Grand Slam
This tournament came just one week after both teams qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games and were named to the U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball Team. Undeterred by the pressure, Gibb, Patterson, Fendrick, and Sweat continued to compete on the World Tour, which will go on until mid-October.
Impressive Performances from Team USA
Gibb and Patterson had a strong start to the tournament, winning all three of their matches in pool play, earning them an automatic bye into the second round. They then defeated Latvia’s Martins Plavins and Haralds Regza in a thrilling match, with a final score of 21-17, 21-19.
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In the quarterfinals, Gibb and Patterson faced their American counterparts, Hyden and Bourne. It was a rematch between the two teams, and Gibb and Patterson emerged victorious once again, with a score of 21-19, 21-15. Unfortunately, Gibb and Patterson suffered their first loss of the tournament in a hard-fought match against Brazil’s Alison Cerutti and Bruno Schmidt, with a score of 21-16, 18-21, 18-16.
In the bronze medal match, Gibb and Patterson faced another Brazilian duo, Gustavo Carvalhaes and Saymon Santos. Despite their valiant effort, they were unable to secure victory, with Brazil winning 21-15, 19-21, 15-11.
Fendrick and Sweat also showcased their skills throughout the tournament. Seeded eighth, they finished their pool play with a perfect 3-0 record, including a thrilling win against fellow Americans Kimberly DiCello and Kendra Vanzwieten, with a final score of 12-21, 24-22, 16-14. In the second round, they defeated China with a commanding score of 21-13, 21-16, securing their spot in the quarterfinals for the first time since the Cincinnati Open in May.
Their journey was cut short in the quarterfinals when they faced Brazil’s Larissa Maestrini and Talita Antunes, who emerged victorious with a score of 21-13, 21-10. Nonetheless, Fendrick and Sweat achieved their best finish of the year, matching their fifth-place finish at the Cincinnati Open.
What’s Next for Team USA?
Although the Olsztyn Grand Slam didn’t yield a podium finish for Team USA, their performances showcased their talent and determination. The FIVB World Tour will continue with the next stop at the Porec Major from June 28 to July 3. The World Tour will break for the Olympic Games, and then return to the United States for the Long Beach Grand Slam from August 23 to 28.
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To conclude the 2016 calendar, the World Tour will host the Puerto Vallarta Open in Mexico from October 11 to 16, providing another opportunity for Team USA to shine on the international stage.
FAQs
Q: How did Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson perform at the Olsztyn Grand Slam?
A: Gibb and Patterson had an impressive tournament, finishing in fourth place. They displayed their skills and resilience throughout the matches, securing victories against formidable opponents.
Q: What was Lauren Fendrick and Brooke Sweat’s performance like in the Olsztyn Grand Slam?
A: Fendrick and Sweat had a strong showing, achieving their best finish of the year with a fifth-place finish. They displayed their talent and determination, winning matches against tough competitors.
Q: What is the next event for Team USA in the FIVB World Tour?
A: After the Olsztyn Grand Slam, the next stop for Team USA is the Porec Major from June 28 to July 3.
Summary
In the Olsztyn Grand Slam, Brazil proved to be formidable opponents, but Team USA showcased their talent and determination. Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson finished in fourth place, while Lauren Fendrick and Brooke Sweat achieved a fifth-place finish. The FIVB World Tour will continue with the Porec Major, and Team USA looks forward to more opportunities to shine on the international stage.
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