Fopma and Sweat show top form in claiming gold

BOCA CHICA, Dominican Republic, March 31, 2013 – USA’s Jennifer Fopma and Brooke Sweat won a thrilling match over compatriots Brittany Hochevar and Summer Ross 19-21, 21-17, 17-15, in the women’s gold medal match at Boca Chica Beach Volleyball Tournament on Sunday.

“It is never fun to play against a team of your own country,” Fopma said. “We feel glad about this early success in the season.”

“Both teams played really good and we had to battle with the rainy conditions and the wet balls,” Sweat said. “I feel very happy with the win.”

The bronze medal went to Mexico’s Bibi Candelas and Martha Revuelta who won in three sets (15-21, 21-16, 15-10) over Heather Bansley and Elizabeth Maloney of Canada-B.

Fopma and Sweat also had to play three sets in their semifinal contest before claiming a 19-21, 21-18, 15-6 victory over Candelas/Revuelta while Hochevar/Ross edged Jamie Broder and Kristina Valjas of Canada-A by scores of 22-24, 21-14, 16-14.

Women’s results

Quarter-finals: USA-B d DOM-A 2-0 (21-14, 21-16), CAN-B d GUA 2-0 (21-10, 21-18), USA-A d HON 2-0 (21-0, 21-0), MEX d CAN-A 2-0 (21-19, 21-14). Semi-finals:  USA-A d MEX 2-1 (19-21, 21-18, 15-6), USA-B d CAN-B 2-1 (22-24, 21-14, 16-14). Bronze medal match: MEX d CAN-B 2-1 (15-21, 21-16, 15-10). Gold medal match: USA-A d USA-B 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 17-15).

Women’s positions

1.USA-A,  2.USA-B, 3.Mexico, 4.Canada-B, 5.Canada-A, 6.Guatemala, 7.Dominican Republic-A, 8 Honduras, 9.Dominican Republic-B.