Bermuda women’s team concluded their Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association Under-23 Invitational Beach Volleyball Tournament campaign in fine style by claiming a silver medal in Trinidad & Tobago.

The team of Natalie Gazzard and Megan Hands got the tournament off to a blistering start after winning their first three matches.

The first saw them overcome Kayla Hutchinson and Talibah Hamlett in straight sets, 21-11, 21-4, before they added another straight-sets victory in overcoming Rayquelle Dickson and Jordanne Hutchinson 21-10, 21-19.

The duo then saw off Adalia Badroe and L’fe Roberts 21-13, 21-13 to book their place in the semi-finals where they faced the same opposition.

While it proved a more hard-fought encounter, Gazzard and Hands ultimately prevailed in three sets. They took the first 21-12, before the host pair levelled, winning the second game 21-17. However, the Bermuda team would not be denied, claiming a 15-8 win in the deciding third game to seal progression to the final.

Despite a valiant effort, Gazzard and Hands fell short of clinching gold, going down to Tysan Selvon and Britney Choon in straight sets, 21-8, 21-13, as they settled for silver.

Despite the loss, both Hands and Gazzard were pleased with their efforts throughout.

“We had an incredible tournament here in Trinidad, and we are very happy that we were invited to compete and glad to play against some amazing opponents, especially in our last match,” Gazzard said. “They have been team-mates for a long time and their shots and serves were incredible.”

Hands added: “This is our first time playing in an overseas international tournament and we had an amazing time.”

Meanwhile, coach Jon Gazzard hailed the efforts of the duo throughout the tournament.

“I, along with the all of the Bermuda Volleyball Association, am extremely proud of what Megan and Natalie accomplished in their first International beach tournament together,” he said. “Going undefeated through to the finals showed how good a tandem they have become in just a short time.”