Thainara Oliveira and Talita Simonetti highlighted a powerful home-country performance at the 2025 Beach Pro Tour Itapema Elite by securing a clean sweep in Pool C. Their impressive victories, all in straight sets—including a critical win over third-seeded Americans Hailey Harward and Molly Phillips—earned them a direct path to the Round of 12.
Brazilian Dominance on Display
The tournament, hosted on Brazil’s Meia Praia Beach, boasts strong international competition, yet Brazilian teams have risen to the occasion.
- Oliveira and Simonetti advanced unbeaten from Pool C.
- Thâmela Coradello and Victoria Lopes topped Pool B.
- Verena Oliveira and Kyce Silva advanced with a Round of 18 win over Harward and Phillips.
With six local teams among the final 12, Brazil's depth in beach volleyball is evident. This is a significant achievement considering Oliveira and Simonetti had never placed better than 13th in previous Elite16 events in Brazil.
Upcoming Challenges
Oliveira and Simonetti will now face American qualifiers Abby Van Winkle and Devanne Sours, who earned their spot by battling through a three-set victory against Canadians Marie-Alex Bélanger and Lea Monkhouse.
Another high-profile matchup will feature Brazilian pair Coradello and Lopes against seasoned home-country stars Talita Antunes and Taiana Lima, promising a thrilling Brazilian showdown.
International Contenders
While local teams have impressed, foreign duos are also making noise:
- Lithuanian pairs—including Ieva Vasiliauskaite/Erika Kliokmanaite and Ieva Dumbauskaite/Gerda Grudzinskaite—won their pools and will face Brazilian opponents next.
- Americans Piper Ferch and Teegan Van Gunst led Pool E.
- Italy’s Claudia Scampoli and Giada Bianchi triumphed in Pool F.
What’s Ahead
- Saturday: Round of 12 and quarterfinal matches.
- Sunday: Semifinal and medal rounds to determine the event's champions.
The Itapema Elite continues to be both a proving ground for new talent and a stage for veteran players. With a passionate home crowd behind them, Brazilian teams remain firmly in contention for podium spots.
For more details, visit the official coverage on Volleyball World.
