SEVEN MILES BEACH, March 25, 2012. – Puerto Rico’s Roberto Rodriguez and Eric Haddok claimed the gold medal at the Cayman Island’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, the first stop of the 2012 NORCECA Circuit, following a 2-0 (21-19, 21-15) victory over Canada’s first team of Samuel Schachter and Maverick Hatch.  A big crowd filled up the stands at beautiful Seven Miles Beach to cheer during the men’s gold medal match and had the chance to watch the first gold medal ever for Puerto Rico at Cayman’s tournament. Undefeated, Rodriguez/Haddock had a huge win in their semifinal match over Joshua Binstock and Martin Reader CAN-2 by score of 2-1 (21-16, 20-22, 15-12) upsetting defending champion Joshua Binstock.

Rodriguez, the last year’s runner up, earned gold medal with first time partner Eric Haddock, showing smart strategic moves together.“  It feels wonderful to win, Puerto Rico won two silver medals in the past here at Cayman, and I’m proud to take home the gold,” “Rafu” Rodriguez said.  Number 1 Canadian team Samuel Schachter and Maverick Hatch downed Dominicans German Recio and Luis Adames 2-0 (21-17, 21-10) in their semifinal match.  It took three sets for Joshua Binstock and Martin Reader of CAN-2 to win the bronze medal with a come-from-behind 2-1 (18-21, 21-15, 15-11) victory over German Recio and Luis Adames of Dominican Republic.

Men’s Semifinals: CAN-1 d. DOM 2-0 (21-17, 21-10); PUR d. CAN-2 2-1 (21-16, 20-22, 15-12). Bronze Medal Match: CAN-2 d. DOM 2-1 (18-21, 21-15, 15-11). Gold Medal Match: PUR d. CAN-1 2-0 (21-19, 21-15).