Canadians Broder and Valjas triumph in Cayman Islands

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, March 24, 2013 – Canadians Jamie Broder and Kristina Valjas crushed Jenny Kropp and Whitney Pavlik of USA-A in consecutive sets (21-15, 21-13) to claim the women’s gold medal of the Cayman Islands Beach Volleyball Tournament, the opening event of the 2013 NORCECA Circuit.

The bronze medal went to USA-B team of Jennifer Fopma and Brooke Sweat who defeated Mexicans Bibi Candelas and Martha Rveuelta 21-13, 21-15.

 “We had to be patient playing outdoors for the first time of the year under windy conditions and the heat,” Broder said before the awarding ceremony. “But we played good when it counted the most.”

“This is a very well run tournament and the atmosphere in Cayman Islands is so beautiful that I want and hope to be back next year,” Valjas said.

Broder/Valjas advanced to the title’s match following a grueling three-set battle against Fopma and Sweat they won 16-21, 27-25,15-11. Kropp/Pavlik downed Candelas and Revueltas 21-16, 21-14 in the semifinal phase.

Women’s results

Semifinals: USA-A d MEX-A 2-0 (21-16, 21-14), CAN-A d USA-B 2-1 (16-21, 27-25, 15-11). Bronze Medal Match: USA-B d MEX-A 2-0 (21-13, 21-15). Gold Medal Match: CAN-A d USA-A 2-0 (21-15, 21-13). Positions 9-16: CRC d BAR 2-0 (21-11, 21-17), ESA-A d ESA-B 2-1 (21-16, 13-21, 15-13). CRC d ESA-A 2-0 (21-13, 21-15).