Italy's Valentina Gottardi and Claudia Scampoli triumphed at the Yucatan Challenge in Puerto Progreso, securing gold with a dominant straight-sets victory in the final. Despite a slow start in their opening match, they quickly gained momentum and remained unbeaten for the rest of the competition. This impressive performance marked a successful debut for them as a team on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour.

Switzerland Takes Silver

Switzerland’s Tanja Huberli and Leona Kernen finished second, earning the silver medal. Huberli, a seasoned player and Paris 2024 bronze medalist, teamed up with 19-year-old Kernen for the first time at this level. Although they reached the final without a loss, they were unable to overcome the Italians in the championship match.

USA Claims Bronze

USA’s Devon Newberry and Jaden Whitmarsh secured the bronze medal in their first Challenge tournament appearance. Entering the main draw as the 31st seed, they fought hard throughout the event, winning seven of nine matches. Their podium finish was sealed after a tough victory against fellow Americans Teegan Van Gunst and Kimberly Hildreth in the third-place match.

A Tournament of New Partnerships

The Yucatan Challenge highlighted exciting new partnerships in beach volleyball. Gottardi and Scampoli made an immediate impact with their gold-medal performance, while Huberli and Kernen showed promise as a duo. Meanwhile, Newberry and Whitmarsh demonstrated their potential with a strong debut performance in the Beach Pro Tour.

For the full article, visit Volleyball World.