Chetumal, Mexico, November 14, 2019 – A match reuniting top teams from powerhouses Brazil and the United States determined the winner of Pool C of the women’s tournament at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Chetumal event in Mexico with veterans Barbara Seixas and Fernanda Berti coming out on top.
Seeded third in the tournament in the Mexican coastal city, the Brazilians prevailed in a tough three-set 2-1 (16-21, 21-18, 22-20) battle against Americans Emily Day and Betsi Flint to remain undefeated at the conclusion of the first day of the main draw.
“In a match like this, it’s always about your mind,” Fernanda analyzed. “Of course you need to be in good physical condition, but the real difference is the ability to remain focused and make the right decisions under pressure, especially against such an experienced team. Fortunately we have a great psychologist, who prepares us very well for these moments.”
That was Barbara and Fernanda’s second victory of the day as they debuted in the 4-star event with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) triumph over Canadian qualifiers Julie Gordon and Shanice Marcelle. The team’s performance pleased Fernanda.
“I think overall we played really well today,” the blocker reflected. “We made a few mistakes which we could have avoided, but it was more about lacking a little bit of attention in our actions than not being able to do something. And our strategy was really efficient as well.”
Defending champions Brandie Wilkerson and Heather Bansley of Canada topped Pool G
The other teams to win their pools in Chetumal were Australia’s Taliqua Clancy/Mariafe Artacho (A), Japan’s Miki Ishii/Megumi Murakami (B), Brazil’s Talita Antunes/Taiana Lima (D), Russia’s Mariia Bocharova/Maria Voronina (E), USA’s Kelly Claes/Sarah Sponcil (F), Kerri Walsh Jennings/Brooke Sweat (H) and Canada’s Heather Bansley/Brandie Wilkerson (G).
These teams will return to the court on Friday evening for the Round of 16 while the 16 duos that finished second and third in their pools will need to go through an additional elimination round during the day. The quarterfinals and semifinals will happen on Saturday while the medal matches are scheduled for Sunday.
