At the NORCECA Under‑23 Beach Volleyball Continental Tour in San Salvador, Bermuda’s Megan Hands and Natalie Gazzard earned a hard‑fought win in the 11th‑place playoff, defeating the Cayman Islands’ Julissa Kelly and Elise Swaby 21‑14, 21‑10. The match, played on Sunday, marked the final game of the tournament for the pair, who finished 11th overall.

Hands and Gazzard, who have been training in Bermuda’s coastal courts, said the win was a testament to their perseverance amid tough competition from stronger teams in the field. The victory, achieved in straight sets, helped secure the last podium spot before the tournament’s conclusion.

The event, held in San Salvador, brought together 23‑year‑old beach volleyball athletes from across North America and the Caribbean. Bermuda’s representation was part of a growing trend of the island’s athletes competing on international stages, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity back home.

Officials from Bermuda’s Volleyball Association noted that participation in such tours provides valuable experience for the athletes and raises the profile of the sport among local youth. The association plans to use the experience gained by Hands and Gazzard to strengthen training programs for upcoming Bermudian talent.

The final match was watched by a small but enthusiastic crowd of Bermuda supporters who travelled to El Salvador, underscoring the community’s support for the island’s athletes on the world stage.