Thompson, Poyssick are King and Queen of the Court

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 8 August 2019

Brazilian coach, Pitter Rosa with Poyssick and Thompson.

Olney Thompson and JoAnna Poyssick were crowned “King and Queen of the Court” at beach volleyball tournament bearing that name on Sunday, 4 August.

The event hosted by visiting Brazilian coach, Pitter Rosa, in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation.

The format for this tournament required each player to play with a different partner for a single set to 15 points. Points were then awarded to the individual players on the victorious teams, which were then calculated at the end of the tournament to identify the King and Queen of the court.

For the men, Olney Thompson was crowned the King of the Court and for the women JoAnna Poyssick took home the title of the Queen of the Court. The runners up for the men consisted of Nathan Dack, Casey Santamaria, and Daniel Pattico, and Maryn McCoombs, Alicia Proud, and Krystal Ferrari on behalf of the women.

CIVF Technical Director, Javid Ali, was quite impressed with the turn out as he noted: “The interest in doubles is definitely increasing, and this was evident with the 15 men and nine women who competed in the tournament this past weekend. It’s great to see that more and more people are trying their hand at doubles, as we have players transitioning from the indoor leagues and from our fours Corona Beach league.”

Having transitioned from indoor volleyball to beach himself, national senior men’s player Olney Thompson discussed the increased intensity associated with the sport: “When you play beach volleyball all the weight is on your shoulders, as you no longer have five teammates helping you bear the load and responsibility. Although both games work on the same skills (i.e. passing, setting, blocking, spiking) beach is a much more skilful game that always keeps you thinking.”

The event was well received by all the participants as the first-place winner JoAnna Poyssick explained: “It is a great way for all players to test their skills in the game of beach volleyball and have fun. All the athletes played well and brought good competition to the tournament. I hope they run more tournaments like this to continue to grow the game here in Cayman.”

CIVF officials say they fully intend to continue events like this one going forward. “The coaches and players alike recognize the benefit of these tournaments as the format allows for players of all ages and abilities to learn by playing with various partners throughout the competition,” the federation stated in a release.