Sunday, 13 Oct 2024

USA Wins Two Medals at NORCECA Cayman Islands

The NORCECA Continental Tour in the Cayman Islands saw a strong performance from the U.S. beach volleyball teams. Jace Pardon and Lara Dykstra secured a silver medal, and Mark Burik and Bill Kolinske brought home the bronze.

In their first tournament of the year, Pardon and Dykstra impressed by earning silver. It was also Dykstra’s first professional international tournament. Burik and Kolinske, competing for the first time this year as well, showed their skills and determination, earning the bronze. Betsi Flint and Kelley Larsen finished in fourth place, while Jon Mesko and Skylar Del Sol tied for ninth.

The U.S. teams had a fantastic start, with three out of four teams going undefeated in pool play. Mesko and Del Sol were the only exception, finishing with a 1-2 record after losses to the U.S. and Canada. However, they fought back in the consolation bracket, securing wins against Trinidad and Tobago, as well as El Salvador, placing them in ninth.

In bracket play, all three undefeated American teams triumphed in the quarterfinals. Burik and Kolinske faced a setback in the semifinals against Karell Pena and Daisel Quesada of Cuba but managed to secure the bronze medal with a thrilling three-set victory against Aaron Nusbaum and Ryan Vandenburg of Canada.

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The American women faced off in the semifinals, guaranteeing a podium finish for both teams. Pardon and Dykstra defeated Flint and Larsen in a close match. However, in their final matches, Pardon and Dykstra fell to Cuba for the silver, while Flint and Larsen lost to Canada, finishing in fourth place.

With two medals for the women’s team and one for the men’s team, the U.S. has made an impressive start to the 2017 NORCECA Continental Tour.

NORCECA Cayman Islands Roster

  • Athletes: Betsi Flint, Kelley Larsen, Lara Dykstra, Jace Pardon, Jon Mesko, Skylar Del Sol, Mark Burik, Bill Kolinske
  • Staff: Mike Bohrnsen (Sports Medicine, DC, DACBSP)

Results:
Women | Cayman Islands | April 21-23

  1. Lidiannis Echeverria/Leila Martinez, CUB
  2. Jace Pardon/Lara Dykstra
  3. Jamie Broder/Caleigh Whitaker, CAN
  4. Betsi Flint/Kelley Larsen

Men | Cayman Islands | April 21-23

  1. Karell Pena/Daisel Quesada, CUB
  2. Maverick Hatch/Garrett May, CAN
  3. Mark Burik/Bill Kolinske
  4. Jon Mesko/Skylar Del Sol

Women | La Paz | April 7-9

  1. Lidiannis Echeverria/Leila Martinez, CUB
  2. Heather Bansley/Brandie Wilkerson, CAN
  3. Betsi Flint/Kelley Larsen
  4. Brittany Hochevar/Emily Day

Men | La Paz | April 7-9

  1. Karell Pena/Daisel Quesada, CUB
  2. Juan Virgen/Lombardo Ontiveros, MEX
  3. Josue Gaxiola/Jose Rubio, MEX
  4. Jon Mesko/Skylar Del Sol
  5. Stafford Slick/Reid Priddy

Women | Playoff #1 | March 22

  1. Betsi Flint/Kelley Larsen
  2. Brittany Hochevar/Emily Day
  3. Lara Dykstra/Jace Pardon

Men | Playoff #1 | March 22

  1. Casey Patterson/Theo Brunner
  2. Jon Mesko/Skylar Del Sol
  3. Stafford Slick/Reid Priddy

Upcoming NORCECA Continental Tour Events

  • June 23-25: NORCECA Ochos Rios, Jamaica
  • July 12-17: NORCECA Varadero, Cuba
  • Oct. 13-15: NORCECA Ochos Rios, Jamaica
  • Oct. 17-22: NORCECA Guadalajara, Mexico
  • Nov. 17-19: NORCECA Varadero, Cuba
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FAQs

Q: Who were the medalists for the U.S. at the NORCECA Cayman Islands tournament?
A: Jace Pardon and Lara Dykstra won silver, and Mark Burik and Bill Kolinske won bronze.

Q: How did the U.S. teams perform in pool play?
A: Three out of the four U.S. teams had a perfect 3-0 record in pool play.

Q: Who did Pardon and Dykstra face in the semifinals?
A: Pardon and Dykstra faced each other in the semifinals, and Pardon’s team emerged victorious.

Q: How many medals has the U.S. earned so far in the 2017 NORCECA Continental Tour?
A: The U.S. women’s team has won two medals, and the men’s team has won one medal.

Summary

The U.S. beach volleyball teams showcased their skills at the NORCECA Cayman Islands tournament. Jace Pardon and Lara Dykstra secured silver, while Mark Burik and Bill Kolinske won the bronze medal. The U.S. teams had an impressive start, with three teams going undefeated in pool play. Despite some setbacks, the American athletes fought hard and displayed their determination. The U.S. now has a total of three medals in the 2017 NORCECA Continental Tour. Be sure to follow the upcoming events to see more thrilling beach volleyball action.