The Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 in Newport Beach kicked off with a dominant display by American women’s beach volleyball teams. Of the nine U.S. pairs entered, eight advanced to the elimination rounds and three teams went undefeated in their pools, moving directly into the quarterfinals.
Top Teams Shine in Pool Play
The standout U.S. performers were:
- Kelly Cheng / Molly Shaw – captured Pool C with a key win over Brazil’s Thamela Coradello and Victoria Lopes
- Taryn Brasher / Kristen Nuss – swept Pool A, winning every match in straight sets
- Terese Cannon / Megan Kraft – topped Pool D after a tough three-set match versus Brazilian Olympic veterans Carol Salgado and Rebecca Cavalcanti
Their victories earned them direct entry into the quarterfinals, allowing them to bypass Friday’s Round of 12.
More U.S. Teams Advance
In addition to the undefeated pool winners, five other American pairs joined them in the elimination bracket:
- Hailey Harward / Molly Phillips
- Alaina Chacon / Morgan Chacon
- Julia Donlin / Lexy Denaburg
- Jaden Whitmarsh / Devon Newberry
- Corinne Quiggle / Chloe Loreen
This ensures a strong U.S. representation heading into the final rounds of the tournament.
Global Competition Continues
The only non-American pool winner was the Brazilian powerhouse team, Eduarda 'Duda' Lisboa and Ana Patrícia Ramos, who secured the top spot in Pool B.
What’s Next
The action continues Friday with the Round of 12 and quarterfinals. Semifinals and medal matches are scheduled for Saturday, making for an exciting weekend of international beach volleyball.
For more info and match updates, visit the official event page on Volleyball World.
