Bermuda’s senior women’s volleyball team came agonisingly close to securing a spot at the 2026 Pan-American Cup on Sunday night.

The young team had to settle for the silver medal at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association’s Final Four tournament after being beaten 3-1 by St Lucia in the final.

Bermuda went into the final high on confidence after beating St Lucia 3-2 in their final group match on Saturday and started the game well taking the first set 25-23.

But a punishing schedule may have started to take its toll on Bermuda legs, with St Lucia fighting back to take the next three sets 25-20, 25-18, 25-21 to seal the game, the gold medal and a trip to Mexico for the Pan-American Cup next year.

Despite coming unstuck at the final hurdle, coach Lisa LeBlanc was proud of her players

“We really tried our best and we were very close but these things happen,” LeBlanc said.

“We had so much determination and grit. We formed this team only a couple of months ago and we didn’t have that much time to train, but in that time we have learnt so much.

“We have international FIVB coach Rick Bevis here and he has made so many slight but very important changes. We were able to use everybody on the team and they did their job so amazingly well whether they were a starter or came off the bench. Everybody did their purpose, which was why we have so much gratitude and joy.”

Bermuda let the lead slip in the final but LeBlanc is blaming big moments and not the heavy schedule, which saw them play four games in three days.

“Everybody played the same amount of games,” LeBlanc said.

“Yes, everybody was tired but that was the same across the board. We knew it was going to be close sets and it just came down to a few points.

“St Lucia cleaned up their game and things happen that can change the momentum and trajectory, but we got so many comments about this team from people who have known our team for a long time and new people.

“Our technical ability is so strong and you can really see that versus other countries. It goes to show in the medals and the points throughout the tournament, We had so many more points than other countries and that goes to show we are doing a lot of good things.”

As well as the silver medal, Bermuda’s players also took home some individual honours with Amber Simons being named the tournament’s best blocker, Megan Hands the best server and Kaylee Trott picking up the trophy for best setter. Natalie Gazzard and Aaliyah Smith were named runners-up in the best spiker and best blocker category respectively.

LeBlanc, though, was keen to praise the team rather than individuals and is hoping that this team can continue to improve as the Bermuda Volleyball Association continues to produce medal-winning performances at regional level

“Every single girl on the team performed so well and it’s hard to single out anyone as they all have great attributes,” LeBlanc said.

“The mood is good because we focused on all the things we did right and how much development we have had in the last month or so.

“There are lots of celebration in terms of individual successes and collectively as a team. We showed the grit, the grind and they never gave up. That’s all we ask for in a team.

“Although it was disappointing not to make the Pan-American Cup, there are other tournaments out there that we know we can accomplish better things, Next year there will be another round of this tournament and we hope to be back again for another shot at the title