Bermuda’s men’s and women’s teams made encouraging starts competing in the USA Volleyball Open National Championships in Orlando, Florida, yesterday.

The men, playing under the team name of Ace Boyz, sealed their progression through to the Gold Bracket of the second day of competition after finishing second in their group, despite winning one and losing two of their matches, beating Malibu Joes 2-0, before going down to group winners Beast Mode 2-0 and cvc Venezuela 2-1.

Meanwhile, the women, playing under the club name of Devil’s Isle VC, progressed through to the Copper Bracket of today’s action after finishing third in their group.

The team got off to a strong start by overcoming Smokin Aces 2-0 but then suffered successive defeats, losing 2-0 against Lexington Ladies and eventual group winners Hot Shots by the same scoreline.