Sunday, 22 Dec 2024

Three U.S. Beach Teams Begin Competing at U19 Worlds

September 14, 2022

Three U.S. beach teams are set to make their mark in the FIVB U19 World Championships as they enter the main draw on Thursday. In qualifying matches held on Wednesday, the U.S. girls team of Sophie Kubiak and Bailey Showalter displayed their skills and determination, winning two matches to secure their spot in the main draw.

Impressive Qualifying Matches

Sophie Kubiak and Bailey Showalter showcased their talent in the first round by defeating Lill Kandimaa and Liisa Põldma of Estonia with a score of 2-0 (21-19, 21-19). They continued their winning streak in the second round, triumphing over Maja Kruczek and Julia Kielak of Poland with a thrilling 2-1 victory (14-21, 21-11, 19-17).

Boys Team Shows Resilience

Thomas Hurst and Caleb Blanchette displayed their skills and determination but fell short in their final match against Olivers Bulgacs and Davis Teteris of Latvia. Despite the loss, they gained valuable experience from the tournament, with Blanchette reflecting, “The game goes a lot faster than you think. I was super nervous and tense at the beginning and I thought I was calm. Throughout the game, I became more relaxed, and everything flowed better. If I started like that, it would have had a different outcome.” Hurst also noted the importance of being prepared for any situation and going all out, saying, “You have to be prepared for any ball at any point and know when to stay disciplined versus reading on defense. Finally, being prepared to go 100 percent.”

What’s Next for Team USA?

Tham Khảo Thêm:  U.S. Women's Volleyball Triumphs Over Puerto Rico in Pan Am Cup

The action continues for Team USA, with Sophie Kubiak and Bailey Showalter, Myriah Massey and Ashley Pater, and Ayden Keeter and Tread Rosenthal taking part in the pool play. Spectators in the United States can catch the matches on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

  • Myriah Massey and Ashley Pater, seeded second, will face Ukraine’s Kateryna Udovenko and Taisiia Kalchenko, the 31st seed, at 10:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday.
  • Sophie Kubiak and Bailey Showalter, seeded 32nd, will go up against Turkey’s top-seeded Ecem Aksoy and Doga Ocal at midnight PT on Thursday.
  • Ayden Keeter and Tread Rosenthal, the 11th seed, will take on Japan’s Kota Kurosawa and Teruki Ryujin, the 22nd seed, at 3:10 a.m. on Thursday.

Stay Tuned for the Thrills

Make sure to tune in to VolleyballWorld.tv to catch the thrilling matches as the U.S. beach teams deliver their best performances on the world stage.

FAQs

Q: Where can I watch the matches?
A: You can watch the matches on VolleyballWorld.tv.

Q: Which teams will be competing in the next round?
A: Sophie Kubiak and Bailey Showalter, Myriah Massey and Ashley Pater, and Ayden Keeter and Tread Rosenthal will be competing in the next round.

Conclusion

It’s an exciting time for U.S. beach volleyball as three teams enter the main draw of the FIVB U19 World Championships. Sophie Kubiak, Bailey Showalter, Thomas Hurst, Caleb Blanchette, and the rest of Team USA are ready to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. Stay tuned for intense matches filled with incredible athleticism and unforgettable moments.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Men's Update: U.S. Trio Shines in Modena's SuperCoppa Journey