As part of their preparations for an upcoming international tournament, the Mizuno Boston Volleyball Festival, the Bermuda Junior National Boys Volleyball team played an exhibition match against a senior school all-star select team.

“It’s the first time we’ve done this and it was a great opportunity for the national team players to get a competitive match in advance of their overseas tournament,” said national team coach Denise Somerville.

“We’re really excited that BF&M has come on board as a sponsor for this tournament and the tour to Boston, which will really help the team as it gets ready to represent Bermuda.”

The match at the Warwick Academy gymnasium was an exciting finale to the Bermuda School Sports Federation’s girls and boys senior school all-star games, with the national team prevailing over two tightly contested sets, 25-21 and 25-18.

Ms Somerville said, “Despite not training together the all-star team put in a good performance and I hope it’s a sign of things to come.”

“The exhibition match had a secondary purpose and that is to give some of the players who made the all-star team but do not play volleyball regularly, a chance to experience a higher level game and maybe entice them to explore the sport further.”

“We know that there are a lot of good athletes in Bermuda who enjoy the game but don’t do any regular training,” she said. “Volleyball is a game that can be played year-round in Bermuda, both indoors and on the beach, and it offers not only opportunities to travel but also pathways to education through scholarships.”

After the match the BF&M Junior Volleyball Tournament trophy was awarded to the national team captain Connor Somerville with additional awards with national team player Tyler Hurdle earning MVP and best hitter, while his team-mates Connor Somerville, Steven Camara and Conor Sinclair earning best setter, best server and best libero respectively.

All the awards were presented by Keiran Hamilton, youth development officer for the Bermuda Volleyball Association.

National team MVP Tyler Hurdle said, “The all-star team did really well and gave us a good fight. I think we were a bit cocky at the beginning and they put a good few points on us, but then we got a little scared and played like we should have.”

Meanwhile, all-star select team player Schyler Smith said he could see himself playing more volleyball in the future and wished the national team luck in Boston.

“I think they are going to represent Bermuda well,” he said.

The Mizuno Boston Volleyball Festival takes place in Boston from February 21 to 25 and features over 700 teams competing in multiple age groups.

Coach Somerville said, “In addition to representing their country, the tournament is also a chance for Bermuda’s players to showcase their skills with a number of college scouts attending the event.”

“The players are training really hard to get ready for the tournament. This match was a good experience for both teams and I hope we can do it again.”