Despite strong competition, Cayman’s volleyballers gradually improved their scores in the second 2025 NORCECA stop in Dominican Republic.
Cayman’s women’s team, Deajra Tulloch and Joanna Robinson, were in pool D, which consisted of Puerto Rico, Canada (team 1) and El Salvador during the 15-19 May tournament.
For pool play, the women competed on 16 May against Puerto Rico, where they lost in two sets, with a final score of 21-8, 21-7. Later that day, they faced Canada, who walked away victorious with a 21-9, 21-11 final score.
During their final pool play match against El Salvador on 17 May, the women were able to secure the only win for team Cayman, both male and female, with a final score of 12-21, 19-21.
This win carried the women into the semi-finals 9-12 round later that day where they were unable to overcome Canada (team 2) who beat them 21-8, 21-6.
The following day, they competed in the final 11th place round against US Virgin Islands, but fell short and ranked 12th place out of 17 teams. The final score of this game was 17-21, 12-21.
Robinson told the Compass that she believes she and Tulloch did a great job during the competition and that she learned a few things along the way.
She said, “We fought hard against every team we played, and even when we were both low on energy, we never gave up until the last point.”
As for lessons learned, she said, “While watching the other teams play, I picked up a few new tricks like placing the ball in certain spots, playing the ball over more on two, and moving the teams around with your serve.”
Men’s competition
Ričardas Kazinėc, who played for Cayman’s men’s team, represented the Cayman Islands for the very first time during this tournament. He partnered with Stephen Watson, who has competed for Cayman in five NORCECA tournaments since 2023.
Cayman men were in pool B among Dominican Republic (team 2), Trinidad and Tobago, Nicaragua and Mexico (team 1).
They had a very intense start to the tournament on 16 May with three games on day one for pool play against strong competitors and were unable to secure any wins. The results on this day were 21-11, 21-12 against Mexico, 21-13, 21-11 against Nicaragua and 11-21, 14-21 against Dominican Republic.
Despite their best efforts, the men lost to Trinidad and Tobago the following day with a final score of 21-19, 21-17.
On 18 May, they played in the final 17th place round against Venezuela, but lost in two sets, 21-13, 21-19, earning them 18th rank in the men’s group of 19 teams.
Kazinėc told the Compass, “We did our best, [but] unfortunately, we did not perform as well as intended.”
He added, “Psychology plays a big role in beach volleyball. We need to improve our abilities to overcome mental obstacles that occur in game situations.”
Regardless of the results, he shared that it was a great experience and he’s “proud and honoured to be playing for Cayman”.
Puerto Rico came out on top as winners for the women’s group after defeating Mexico (team 1); whereas, the Mexican men (team 1) were victorious over USA (team 1).
Robinson and Watson of Cayman remain in the Dominican Republic to compete in the Sub 23 NORCECA tournament, which will also be hosted in Juan Dolio from 22-26 May. Robinson will play with Luna Ebanks while Watson will be paired with Dylan Lynee.
