Bermuda’s under-21 beach volleyball players picked up some valuable lessons at the inaugural Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association’s Zonal Championship.

The men’s team went down 2-0 to Dominica in the quarter-finals in the tournament at St Kitts while the women were forced to withdraw from their knockout match as a result of injury to one of their players.

The men’s team of Anijahe dos Santos Martin, 16, and 18-year-old Riley Morbey lost 21-11 and 21-5 to the highly rated Dominica duo but had performed well in the group stages.

Despite starting the competition with a 2-0 defeat to Grenada they bounced back with consecutive wins against British Virgin Islands (21-13 and 21-17) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (19-21, 21-18 and 15-12).

Morbey feels that he learned a lot at the tournament and already has one eye on the future..

“It was a very eye-opening experience,’’ Morbey said. “There was lots of great competition and the accommodation was amazing. I feel like we proved that Bermuda can be a real threat in future tournaments.”

Dos Santos Martin was excited to ge the chance to play against some high-level opposition

“This experience brought a lot of opportunities,’’ Martin said.

“It stemmed from how we were able to face off against fierce competition, interact with people from all over as well as shaping our game and adapting to each country’s playing style.

“There was never a dull moment whether it was competing, socialising and even being in this great environment. It provided us with an amazing chance to put our country on the map and express ourselves and where we come from.”

The women’ team of Hailey Trott, 15, and 14 year-old Sophie Weilkl started with a 2-1 loss to St Vincent and the Grenadines (21-16, 11-21 and 17-15) and fought hard in their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Antigua and Barbuda, with an injury to Weikl during the second set hindering their chances.

Trott was in awe of the tournament’s location as she gained valuable experience.

“Beautiful Island, beautiful people and beautiful volleyball,’’ she said.

“It’s been a wonderful experience here in St Kitts. I’ve learnt so much already. Recognising wind conditions and strategising serves, considering that we were playing right next to the ocean.

“This also made me recognise that communication is key. As we put it together, we realised that we had a good chance in advancing. This trip has inspired me to continue this career that I love so much. All in all, I loved this beach volleyball experience and can’t wait so see what the future holds.”

Weikl gave an insight into what she picked up during the tournament.

“My trip to St Kitts was eventful, I have learnt so many new things and gained so many new experiences from this opportunity,’’ she said.

“I have learnt to have an open mind and dive for every ball. It showed me that there are many opportunities and chances to get out there and play, show your skills and interact with other people around the world.”

Coach Allison Settle was satisfied with how the players performed.

“It was a great playing experience for all of the athletes,’’ she said.

“The level of competition was perfect for them and we hope that there will be more youth ECVA events in the future. Unfortunately, the girls had to forfeit during their second set due to injury, and there are not any substitutions in beach volleyball.

“The boys finished 2-2 which is a good result for their first ever tournament. All of the children learnt how difficult the heat and wind conditions are on beach volleyball. I hope that this experience has motivated them, and that they now understand how they need to train to prepare for future events.”