Few things are more frustrating in beach volleyball than losing three-set matches. Marketa Slukova and Barbora Hermannova had that experience twice in the first FIVB World Tour 4-star event in the Cancun Hub and were eliminated in pool play last week, but it looks like the Czechs are set for a more prolific campaign in the second tournament in Mexico.
Slukova and Hermannova were on the good side of their three-set opening match on Friday and defeated Germans Julia Sude and Karla Borger 2-1 (21-10, 17-21, 15-7) on Pool A. The result not only ended the Czechs’ struggles in Mexico but also guaranteed them in the elimination round of the tournament at the Playa Delfines.
“It’s always frustrating when you take matches to three sets and can’t win,” Slukova, a two-time Olympian, reflected. “But I didn’t think we played terribly last week, it was more about not being able to close matches. We made some adjustments for this week, especially with trying to put more pressure on our serves, Barbora played a great match and it seems like we’re headed in a better direction this time.”
Hermannova tries to block BorgerThe two are already secured in the elimination round but could find themselves in an even better spot if they top their pool, which would put them straight into the Round of 16. To do that, they will need to defeat top-seeded Brazilians Agatha Bednarczuka and Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa, who won bronze in the first tournament and debuted in the second with a 2-0 (21-10, 21-10) victory over Mexicans Maria Quintero and Susana Torres.
“I believe they’re the clear favorites because the level of consistency they have is exactly what we’re trying to develop now,” the defender added. “But we’re already qualified for the elimination round and that takes the pressure off us. We’ll try to see what we can come up with from a tactical standpoint and play freely and hopefully that leads us to a good match.”
Wilkerson faces Walsh Jennings in the match between Canadians and AmericansThe top spot of Pool B will go to a Canadian team as reigning world champions Sarah Pavan Melissa Humana-Paredes and the winners of the 2018 Chetumal Open Heather Bansley and Brandie Wilkerson won the opening matches against the Netherlands’ Emi van Driel/Mexime van Driel and USA’ Kerri Walsh Jennings/Brooke Sweat respectively.
Main draw matches in Cancun are streamed live on the Beach Volleyball World Youtube channel. Subscribe, log in and set reminders to receive notifications when streams begin.
Go to:
Cancun Hub - 2nd event
Cancun Hub - 2nd event - Match schedule
Provisional Olympic ranking - Men
Provisional Olympic ranking - Women
Quick links:
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube
Source : volleyball.world
Cet article est repris de son site d'origine, où vous trouverez la version complète.
Lire l'article sur volleyball.world
