USA Beach Volleyball got two more wins in Tokyo. Sarah Sponcil and Kelly Claes took down the Kenyan team of Gaudencia Makokha and Brackcides Khadambi. Meanwhile, Nick Lucena and Phil Dalhausser beat the tandem of Julian Amado Azadd and Nicolas Capogrosso from Argentina.
US vs Argentina
The Americans couldn’t separate from the Argentineans at first. There was no more than a two point advantage. Both teams were on point with neither side giving an inch. That continued as the US hung on as they had the lead 17-16. The US held on to win the first set 21-19.
Argentina jumped out to a 5-2 lead. This time, the Americans were the ones playing catch up. Argentina then moved out to a 13-8 lead and that grew to 17-11. Lucena and Dalhausser battled back, but a service error gave the second set to Argentina 21-18.
The United States started out hot on a 4-1 start in set three. The momentum continued as the score became 8-4 and timeout was called. Remember, you only need 15 in the third set in beach volleyball. Four blocks in the third set was helping get the job done. The US took the match 15-6 as they move to 2-1 in pool play. The pool is loaded with talent, and a good team will be left behind.
US vs Kenya
Claes and Sponcil absolutely dominated the Kenyan team 21-8 to win the first set. The second set started with a 4-1 lead by the US. The Kenyans as whole are new to beach volleyball and the country itself is working to gain exposure to the sport. The team had admitted that they have not spent a lot of time together as a team, but they are happy to promote the sport in their country for the younger generation. Sponcil had five aces in the second set as they cruised to 21-6 set and match victory. This is Kenya’s first time being in the Olympic beach volleyball tournament. Beach volleyball is not a developed sports in Kenya and they are are hoping the appearance in Japan will lead to more opportunities in the sport in the country moving forward.
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