Teams from Ecuador and Chile, significantly bolstered by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, proudly secured silver medals at the recent CSV U18 Beach Volleyball South American Championships held in Lima. Brazil demonstrated remarkable dominance by clinching both gold medals, while Venezuela`s teams earned the bronze.
The Ecuadorian women`s silver medalists were Raphaela Roman Espinoza and Valentina Valenzuela Bravo. For Chile, the men`s silver went to Jose Tomas Zirpel and George Arentsen. Brazilian teams showcased their strength with Isabela Sallaberry Cavalcanti and Ana Beatriz Sanches Francelino taking women`s gold, and Thomas Mathias Endler and Felippe Prudencio Arruda Barbiero securing the men`s gold. Venezuela`s bronze medalists included Valeria Valentina Moreno Figueredo and Aidana Alejandra Mejias Ramirez for the women, and Gerardo Andres Bordones Hernandez and Sebastian Alfredo Pereira for the men.
Podium of the Women`s CSV U18 Beach Volleyball South American Championship in Lima.
Ecuador`s Journey to Silver
The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment initiative has provided substantial support to Ecuador`s beach volleyball, allocating USD 294,000 towards coach support for their national teams, under the guidance of coach Yhovanna Guanipa. The Ecuadorian women`s pair, Raphaela and Valentina, initially faced a setback with an opening loss in Peru. However, they swiftly recovered, embarking on an impressive four-game winning streak that propelled them into the final. In the semifinals, they delivered a convincing 2-0 (21-16, 21-13) shutout victory against Sofia Martinez and Agustina Velazquez of Paraguay, thereby securing at least a silver medal.
In the highly anticipated gold medal match, Raphaela and Valentina displayed remarkable resilience, taking the first set from Isabela and Ana Bia. This marked the Brazilian pair`s first set loss of the entire tournament, highlighting Ecuador`s strong challenge. Despite this spirited effort, the Brazilian duo ultimately triumphed with a hard-fought 2-1 (21-13, 19-21, 15-13) victory to claim the championship trophy.
Earlier in the women`s bracket, the Brazilian duo had comfortably secured their spot in the final by defeating Venezuela`s Valeria and Ramirez with a 2-0 (21-13, 21-18) victory in their semifinal. The Venezuelan team, however, showcased their determination in the bronze medal game, achieving a 2-1 (14-21, 21-11, 15-8) comeback win over Martinez and Velazquez to clinch third place.
Chile`s Path to Silver
Chile`s beach volleyball program has also received significant backing from FIVB Volleyball Empowerment, including USD 294,000 for coach support and an additional USD 22,000 worth of beach volleyball equipment. The men`s national beach volleyball teams benefit from the expert guidance of coach Felipe Gomez Badilla. Chile`s Jose Tomas Zirpel and George Arentsen, competing under the shirt names Brain and Hargreaves, concluded their own four-game winning streak in Lima with a crucial 2-1 (21-12, 13-21, 15-12) semifinal victory against Venezuela`s Gerardo and Pereira, which guaranteed them a place on the podium.
Podium of the Men`s CSV U18 Beach Volleyball South American Championship in Lima.
In the other men`s semifinal, Brazil`s Thomas and Felippe battled to a 2-1 (16-21, 21-13, 15-13) victory over Paraguay`s Matias Gabriel Yegros Gomez and Hugo Felix Benitez Vazquez. The formidable Brazilian pair then went on to defeat Brain and Hargreaves 2-0 (21-18, 21-19) in the gold medal match, completing an impressive undefeated run through the tournament.
The men`s bronze medal was ultimately secured by Gerardo and Pereira of Venezuela, who achieved a decisive 2-1 (21-17, 13-21, 15-11) win over Yegros and Felix in the third-place game.
Tournament Participation Overview
The CSV U18 Beach Volleyball South American Championships featured a robust lineup of participants, with a total of 14 women`s and 12 men`s teams. Countries represented included Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela, showcasing the rich talent and competitive spirit across the South American continent.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood