US Beach Volleyball is not off to a good start. The team of Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena lost in two sets to the Netherlands pair of Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen. Set one was a 21-17 result, while set two was a 21-18 final.
Looking Out of Sorts
Dalhausser and Lucena had some good moments, but were caught out of position a lot. Because they are older, they can’t get back as quick to make a play or recover from a mistake. While the team brings a lot of experience, their best days are behind them. This very well could be the last tour of duty for the American duo since they are both 41.
Brouwer and Meeuwsen took advantage of the mistakes that were made in the match and cruised to victory. The scores make it seem like the match was close. However, the US was completely outplayed.
Cause For Concern
Three out of the four beach volleyball teams sent by the US are on the older side. If the other teams the US go up against are young, that gives the opponent an advantage. The US beach volleyball teams are more focused on experience and the present as opposed to youth and the future. While this is understandable, if USA beach volleyball does not have as much success in Tokyo, regret may sit with the roster makers for the next four years.
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