Cubans Echeverria and Martinez triumph in La Paz

LA PAZ, Mexico, April 9, 2017 – Cubans Lidiannis Echeverria and Leila Martinez took home the women’s gold medals at La Paz Beach Volleyball Tournament, the first event of the year of NORCECA Circuit, on Sunday night.

The Cuban tandem battled Canadians Heather Bansley and Brandie Wilkerson for 53 minutes before claiming a breathtaking 2-1 (21-19, 19-21, 15-13) victory.

“Before leaving Cuba I promised my parents this victory so I dedicate it to them,” Echeverria said. “We came here looking for the gold medal and it was a battle. Finally we achieved our goal and I feel very happy.”

Martinez said the support from the fans “was important not only in the final but during the whole weekend.”

In the semifinals, Echeverria/Martinez subdued United States tandem of Betsi Flint and Kelley Larsen 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) while Bansley/Wilkerson eliminated Canadian compatriots Taylor Pischke and Kristina May 2-0 (21-17, 21-13).

Flint and Larsen took the bronze medals with a 2-0 (21-18, 21-17) victory over Pischke/May.

Sunday’s Women Results

Semifinals: CAN-A d CAN-B 2-0 (21-17, 21-13), CUB d USA-B 2-0 (21-17, 21-17). Bronze Medal Match: USA-B d CAN-B 2-0 (21-18, 21-17). Gold Medal Match: CUB d CAN-A 2-1 (21-19, 19-21, 15-13).

Consolation Round

Semifinals: MEX-A d NCA 2-0 (21-15, 21-8), USA-A d CRC 2-0 (21-10, 21-14). Positions 7-8: NCA d CRC 2-0 (21-18, 21-16). Positions 5-6: MEX-A d USA-A 2-1 (22-24, 21-18, 15-8).