CIS takes home the title of Secondary School Beach Volleyball Champions

With the Private School Association Volleyball league having already come and gone and summer just around the corner, many of the student athletes are trying their best to enjoy what’s left of the First Baptist Indoor Volleyball league before they have to hang up their trainers and put away their knee pads for yet another season. Visiting coach, Rick Bevis, has played an integral role in developing the youth program on island, and it was through his many high school directed initiatives that he recognized an eagerness to learn among the young athletes, and proposed hosting one last tournament for the students. Coach Rick reached out to the secondary school volleyball coaches and asked them to share an open invite to all players interested in competing in the inaugural Secondary School Doubles Beach Volleyball Tournament.

The student athletes took to the court bright and early on Saturday, June 8th to compete in the tournament, many of which were sporting their school colours with pride. Although the pools were divided by gender the results of both the boys and girls games would be used to determine which school would be awarded the title of 2019’s Secondary School Doubles Beach Volleyball Champions. All the teams fought hard and put forth a valiant effort throughout the day, but it was Cayman International School that took the title and the trophy. St. Ignatius was not far behind coming in second place, and they were followed by Triple C in third. The athletes were recognized for their amazing performances, and Coach Rick conducted a brief ceremony to acknowledge the top three teams for each division. For the Senior Boys, Adrian Anglin and Marcos Bertran brought home the gold on behalf of St. Ignatius, Evan Murray and Travis Douglas won the silver representing Triple C, and lastly Alex Cummer and Jack Paolini snagged the bronze for CIS. Maryn McCoombs and Daniela Suarez were awarded the gold for the Senior girls, followed by Triple C’s Kaylee Scott and Denise Suico in second place. The rankings for the junior boys had CIS students Kayden Knapik and Dylan Dacosta in first place, and Cayman Prep’s Jake Serpell and Oskar Bjuroe in second. The gold medalists for the junior girls team was comprised of Joanna Robinson from Triple C and her partner Chloe Bentick-Lalli from CIS who said “My experience this weekend out playing beach volleyball was certainly something to remember. My partner and I were able to come together and work extremely hard which resulted in us winning in the junior division. To see all the effort and focus everyone put in on the beach was something truly great to see.” The silver medal for the junior girls was awarded to St. Ignatius students Kristianna Gordon and Anjia Delapenha, and last but not least, Cayman Prep’s Jenny Purton and Jenna Edwards secured the bronze.

Coach Rick Bevis was thrilled with the outcome as he noted: “We had a very successful tournament with many extremely competitive matches. I hope that we have laid the foundation for an event that will thrive and become a much anticipated annual Tournament in the Cayman Islands. Thank you to the teachers who supported and promoted the event in their respective schools. Also, our terrific sponsors: QuickImages, Evolving Island, Paint Pros, Island Naturals, Camana Bay Theaters, Books & Books and Powder Monkey Gourmet Treats.”