<Bt-4z60>A leap into the unknown
The men’s side is made up of John Martin and Mark Coy while Wendy Gazzard and Denise Somerville form the women’s duo.
Bucci, who is past president of the Bermuda Volleyball Association, said the competition for spots had been demanding.
“We had quite a rigorous try-out process. They had to go through tournaments and tryouts and a bunch of different games to make sure we got the best team we can have. They are all seasoned and experienced players.
“But it is impossible to say how they will do.”
Martin won the men’s title at the first Coors Light Beach Volleyball tournament in the summer as one half of the saucily named Ball’s Deep duo while Gazzard was 50 percent of the equally cheekily named Butt Seriously pairing which triumphed over Canadian Beavers.
Bucci said the fact Bermuda was sending both men’s and women’s teams was a boost to local volleyball as beach games were a big part of the domestic programme.
He said beach volleyball was a very tactical game because of the lower numbers of people on the court.
“In the indoor game you have six people — that’s a lot more to help cover the court. With only two there’s an advantage for the smarter, tactical players.”
Bermuda successfully hosted a well attended Under-19 World Championship in September which was only slightly marred by the appearance of Hurricane Florence “which crimped it off a little” said a rueful Bucci who said the attendances for the finals saw only a third of the seats full as islanders concentrated on boarding up their homes.
“Other than that it was a very successful event. We are planning something else — we are not sure it will be that same event. It was a pretty large event. The Under-19s is probably second only to the adult championships. It was quite an undertaking.”
Bucci said beach volleyball would continue to develop.
“This year we will focus a little bit more on the youth. We had the Under-19s last year where two Bermuda players played.
“We are hoping to get some more beach programmes and get more kids out there and maybe do a little more for the high school volleyball programmes.”
Meanwhile both the men’s and women’s indoor teams are shaping up ahead of the Island Games in the Greek Island of Rhodes from June 30 to July 6, 2007.
Women’s coach Gary LeBlanc said the basis of the women’s team was the same as the Shetland squad two years ago although he is looking forward to getting back Lori Morby who took two years off for family reasons.
“She’s a hitter — it’s a big area of improvement for us. We are looking forward to having her back.”
Newcomer Kelly Ross is also a boost to the hitting capabilities of the Bermuda squad
“We have very high expectations. We are hoping for a medal this year.”
But he said it was hard to gauge the competition as the women seek to improve.
“We only see these teams every two years and every time it’s a little different.”
The Faroe Islands have traditionally been tough said LeBlanc while the little-known Estonian Island of Saaremaa also put up a determined showing.
The Bermuda squad plan to go overseas for warm ups as well as bring in some overseas competition.
The Boston Bean Pot tournament in March will provide a useful test bed.
“We are looking to bring some teams from the US and Canada — hopefully in early May. That’s what we are focusing on. Once we get those things sorted out we will research some more tournaments to see if it’s reasonable for us to go. It was very tough selecting the women’s team this time — as long as I have been involved it was the hardest selections we have had.
“Everyone played excellently. We had to take 17 girls down to 12. It was tough. They played their hearts out — it was good to see.”
And LeBlanc, who plays for the men’s side who took silver last time, said expectations were high.
“We are looking for that or better. We want to beat our prior record.”
Dirk Teunissen is the only newcomer. A 12-man squad has been selected but positions are still being fine-tuned in training.
“We are really looking forward to doing well. It will be hard road but we are up for the challenge.”
