USA’s Hailley and DeBerg hope to repeat victory in Varadero Beach Tour

VARADERO, Cuba, May 2, 2024.- Americans Hailey Harward-Kylie Kuyava-DeBerg hope to climb to the top of the podium in the second phase of the 2024 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, just as they did in the opening event last April in Dominican sands.

Just a month ago, they dominated the final against Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas in a closely contested match that extended to a tiebreaker. However, the champions of the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador 2023 return to Varadero with every intention of repeating their success.

Two other pairs who faced off at Güibia Beach were also from the North: Savannah Simo-Abby Van Winkle and Cuba’s main female pair, Amanda Armenteros and Maykelín Drik, but the Americans won in two identical sets of 21-15.

Nevertheless, Canada is here with two pairs whose opponents should not be underestimated, nor should the Dominican duo, led by Julibeth Payano, who, along with Bethania Almanza, secured the silver medal. Payano now arrives in Varadero with Crismil Paniagua, embracing the same desire to continue progressing.

On Friday, the preliminary group elimination matches take place, continuing Saturday until the quarterfinals, while semifinals on Sunday will pave the way for the battle for medals.

Group A: Amanda Armenteros-Maykelín Drik (CUB-1), Keiry Guzmán-Dana Funes (ESA), Naomi Monney-Danna Aguilar (GUA), and Mannika Charles-T’ara Austin (ISV-1).

Group B: Hailey Harward-Kylie Kuyava-DeBerg (USA-2), Ximena Núñez-Kianny Araya (CRC), Britney Choon-Tsyan Selvon (TTO), Darby Dunn-Myriam Robitaille (CAN-2), and Kailin Garrido-Yenifer Rivera (CUB-2).

Group C: María González-Allanis Navas (PUR), Socorro López-Lolette Rodríguez (NCA), Janneke Tammenga-Chelleney Soedamah (SUR), Savannah Simo-Abby Van Winkle (USA-1), and Selena Spek-Mileidy Paret (CUB-3).

Group D: Lea Monkhouse-Marie-Alex Bélanger (CAN-1), Julibeth Payano-Crismil Paniagua (DOM), Amber Bennett-Taylor Buckner (ISV-2), and Gumbs Shajunee-Dyer Shanicia (SKN).