Bermuda’s under-18 boys volleyball team won the silver medal at the Boston Nike Festival this afternoon.

Competing as Big Wave Riders, the Bermuda team won eight of their ten matches to finish second of the 52 teams in their category, with the side losing 25-18 and 25-22 in the final.

Coach Kevin Manuel had predicted big things from the team in advance of the competition and was delighted with their efforts.

“We had high expectations going into the three-day Boston Volleyball festival,” Manuel said.

“We had hopes of making it to the gold bracket and possibly landing in the top ten but to come away from the tournament not only in the top ten but with the silver medal competing against fifty-one other teams is an amazing accomplishment for a Bermudian team.

“We could not be prouder of these young men who exhibited grit and determination to play against seasoned teams. They have been exemplary ambassadors for Bermuda and the sport of volleyball in Bermuda. I’m extremely happy for them.”

The under-18 girls team, competing as Paradise Hitters, were also in action and they placed nineteenth of 56 teams after winning three of their seven matches.

Coach Braedon Madeiros-Cooke was also thrilled by the way his team competed in the US.

“This year we were fortunate to have a very strong team to compete in this year’s Nike Boston Volleyball Festival,” Madeiros-Cooke said.

“We had a great first day going 2-1 and only losing out to one team by a couple of points. The communication, team spirit, energy and skill that the girls displayed was truly exciting and we had hopes to continue that momentum into the second day.

“Our second day, we were seated in the top half of our division fighting for our place in the gold bracket. Unfortunately we had two tough loses but managed to finish the day on a high with a win placing us into the silver bracket of our tournament.

“Our third and final day of playing was the play-off for the tournament and our team was pumped up and excited to see what they could accomplish. Unfortunately, we had a tough loss in our first match of the day, losing only by two points.

"Finishing nineteenth out of 56 teams is great for the Bermuda Volleyball Association and for athletics in Bermuda as with volleyball we always have to fight teams that are much taller and more physical than us. We, as coaches, are very proud of how are team played and represented their country and look forward to great things for the next year.“