McKay-Dunn of Canada Shine with Gold in El Salvador

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, September 14, 2025.- Alison McKay and Darby Dunn of Canada painted themselves with gold by winning the Gold Medal of the 8th stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Tour, held at the Flor Blanca beach stadium.

A high-class final was played on Sunday afternoon on Court 1 of the Flor Blanca Beach Stadium, with the victory in three sets 2-1 (21-19, 16-21, 15-8) for Canadians of Alison McKay and Darby Dunn, who defeated Kelly Belardi / Natalie Myszkowski of the United States.

This is the second medal of the season for Darby Dunn, she won the silver medal in Manzanillo alongside Mikayla Law-Heese.

McKay-Dunn reached the final thanks to their 2-0 (21-13, 21-9) victory in semifinals over Venezuelans Oriana Granadilla / Yonnielis Camacho, a match played in the morning.

All winners

Meanwhile, Americans Belardi-Myszkowski gave the surprise of the tournament by defeating in the semifinals the five-time champions, Puerto Ricans María González / Allanis Navas. The Americans came from behind to take the victory 15-21, 23-21, 17-15, in a thrilling match.

The Bronze medal match had no major complications for González-Navas of Puerto Rico, who defeated Venezuelans Oriana Granadilla / Yonnielis Camacho 2-0 (21-12, 21-15).

In placement matches, Dana Roskic / Katarina Pantovic took fifth place by defeating Natalia Girón / Paola Alvarado of Guatemala 2-0 (21-14, 21-14), while Mexicans Angélica Torres / María Jimena Ramírez defeated Katherine Quesada / Eugenia Ramírez of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) for seventh place.

Nicaraguans Socorro López / Lolette Rodríguez finished nineth, who beat Dominicans Yari Cleto / Rosario Payano 2-0 (21-19, 21-15). The 11th place was decided between Sofía Vigil / Karla Tovar of El Salvador and Yulimar Alvarado / Danielle Resau of Nicaragua, with the Salvadorans winning 2-0 (21-16, 21-18).

13th place went to Honduras’ of Ruth Antonella Villegas / Shannia Rivera, who defeated El Salvador’s Michelle Guzmán / Donnina Argueta with a score of 2-1 (19-21, 21-19, 15-10). Mexicans Atenas Gutiérrez / Susana Torres, who withdrew from the tournament due to injury, finished last.

Final standings:

1. McKay/Dunn CAN 2. Belardi/Myszkowski USA 3. González/Navas PUR 4. Oriana/Yonnielis VEN 5. Roskic/Pantovic CAN 6. N. Girón/Alvarado GUA 7. Torres /Ramírez MEX 8.       Quesada/Ramírez CRC 9. López/Lolette NCA 10. Cleto/Payano 11. Vigil/Tovar ESA 12. Alvarado/Resau NCA 13. Villegas/Rivera HON 14. Guzman/Donni ESA 15. Gutierrez/Torres MEX

Mexico’s Sarabia/Osuna conquer the Gold in El Salvador

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador. September 14, 2025.- Mexico’s number 1 pair, Sarabia/Osuna, conquered the Gold of the 8th stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Tour, held at the Flor Blanca beach stadium.

Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna defeated Canadians of Martin Licht and Luke de Greeff in the grand finale with scores of 21-15 and 21-13. In semifinals, the Mexican duo had beaten Julián Araya / Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-16, 21-18).

For the duo Sarabia/Osuna, it is their fourth medal this year. In Juan Dolio they won their first Gold medal of the year, and in Puerto Cortés and Tamaulipas they achieved Bronze.

Miguel Sarabia said: “I am very happy, after the injury that kept me away from the courts for a few days, coming back and winning the Gold gives me a lot of confidence to keep being competitive, it is a very good step in this year.”

“Now our focus is on the World Championship qualifier in Punta Cana. It is a process that Jorman and I have experienced, with successes and learnings, so we are aware and confident that we are going to do very well in the world qualifier,” he pointed out with a smile.

Mens awards

Canadians Martin Licht and Luke de Greeff came this year with the goal of improving on the bronze medal obtained last year here in El Salvador, which they greatly surpassed by reaching the final in 2025 and taking the silver medal of the tournament.

Before the final, the now runners-up (Martin Licht / Luke de Greeff) had defeated Rouzbeh Rahnavard / Dylan Devecseri 2-0 (21-14, 21-18) in the All-Canadian semifinal.

Meanwhile, Araya/Varela of Costa Rica surprised a competitive Canadian pair Rahnavard/Devecseri to take the bronze by defeating the North Americans 2-0 (21-17, 21-16). This is the second time Araya/Varela have achieved bronze, the previous was last month in Manzanillo, Mexico.

In the placement matches:

For 5th place, Americans Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst defeated the Venezuelans Juliangel Zaid / Enyenser Delgado 2-0 (21-19, 21-19).

For 7th place, Christopher Guardado / Yoel Guardado of El Salvador defeated Rubén Mora / Dany López of Nicaragua 2-0 (21-18, 21-19). The fight for 9th place went to Mexico’s Inés Antonio Vargas / Carlos Andrés Ayala over Dominicans Francisco De Jesús / Antonio de Jesús 2-0 (21-17, 25-23).

Costa Rica’s Daniel Dyner / Victorio Esteban González took 11th place due to injury withdrawal of the Honduran pair Irvin Reyes / Manuel Serrano. For 13th place, Puerto Rico’s Cristian Encarnación / Diego Rosich defeated Guatemala’s Miguel Izaguirre / Santiago Penagos 2-0 (21-17, 21-19). The fight for 15th place was won by Bermuda’s Kyle Hamilton / Sean Tucker, who defeated Guatemala’s Fredy Luna / Jean Carlos Oliva 2-0 (21-19, 21-17).

Final standings:

1. Sarabia/Osuna MEX 2. Licht/de Greeff CAN 3. Araya/Varela CRC 4. Rahnavard/Devecseri CAN 5. Basey/Hurst USA 6. Juliangel/Esyenser VEN 7. Guardado C./Guardado Y. ESA 8. Mora/Lopez NCA 9. Lares/Carlos Andres MEX 10. De Jesus/De Jesus DOM 11. Dyner/Esteban CRC 12. Reyes/Serrano HON 13. Encarnacion/Rosich PUR 14. Izaguirre/Penagos GUA 15. Hamilton/Tucker VER 16. Luna/Oliva GUA 17. Vargas/Ponce ESA

Canada secures a team in the final; Costa Rica and Mexico for the other ticket

San Salvador, El Salvador. September 13, 2025. – The two Canadian teams qualified for the semifinals of the 8th stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Tour, held at the Flor Blanca beach stadium, thus ensuring one spot in the tournament final, while Costa Rica and Mexico will play the other semifinal for the second spot.

In a vibrant duel between Central American countries, Costa Rica, with Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela, defeated the Guardado twins of El Salvador in two sets, with scores of 21-18 and 22-20.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s number one pair, Miguel Sarabia / Jorman Osuna, had to push themselves to the limit and recover after losing the first set, to finally defeat Venezuelans Juliangel Zaid and Enyenser Alfonso Delgado 2-1 (14-21, 21-17, 15-13).

The Canadian pairs earned their spots in the semifinals as follows: Canada 1, of Rouzbeh Rahnavard / Dylan Devecseri, defeated Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora / Dany López 2-1 (21-15, 25-27, 15-11). Canada 2, with Martin Licht / Luke de Greeff, also advanced after overcoming Americans Gage Basey / Thomas Hurst in three sets, 2-1 (16-21, 21-18, 15-8).

Costa Rica celebrates

The men’s semifinals will open Sunday’s action, with Araya/Varela (CRC) facing Sarabia/Osuna (MEX) at 8:30 a.m. (local time). Then, the Canadian duel between Rahnavard/Devecseri and Licht/de Greeff will take place at 9:20 a.m. (local time).

Men’s Results

Very competitive matches were played among the teams in Pool A. The first position was decided in the last round, where the duo of Julián Araya / Jhostin Varela took first place, tying in wins and losses (3-1) with Canada’s Martin Licht / Luke de Greeff, but with a better points ratio.
3rd place: Mexico’s Inés Vargas / Carlos Andrés Ayala  2-2
4th place: Cristian Encarnación / Diego Rosich (Puerto Rico) 2-2
5th place: Rafael Vargas / Fernando Ortiz (El Salvador) 0-4

Pool B was dominated Americans Gage Basey / Thomas Hurst (champions of the recently held Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay) with 4 victories. In second place were Christopher and Yoel Guardado of El Salvador, with only one loss against USA.
3rd place: Irvin Reyes / Manuel Serrano (Honduras)
4th place: José Miguel Izaguirre / Santiago Penagos (Guatemala)

Nicaraguans Rubén Mora / Dany López were the leaders in Pool C with 4 wins, relegating the Mexican pair Miguel Sarabia / Jorman Osuna to second place.
3rd place: Francisco De Jesús / Antonio De Jesús (Dominican Republic)
4th place: Fredy Ronaldo Luna / Robin Jean Carlos Oliva (Guatemala)

Venezuelans Juliangel Zaid / Enyenser Delgado finished first in Pool D, followed by Canada’s Rouzbeh Rahnavard / Dylan Devecseri.
3rd place: Daniel Dyner / Esteban González (Costa Rica)
4th place: Kyle Hamilton / Sean Tucker (Bermuda)

Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Canada and USA move into the Women’s Semifinals

San Salvador, El Salvador. September 13, 2025. – Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Canada and the United States qualified for the semifinals of the 8th stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Tour, held at Flor Blanca Beach Stadium.

Venezuela’s Oriana Granadilla / Yonnielis Camacho advanced after mercilessly defeating Katherine Quesada / Eugenia Ramírez of Costa Rica with scores of 21-14 and 21-8. At the same time, the champions of the last five stops, María González / Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico, showed no mercy and defeated Natalia Girón / Paola Alvarado of Guatemala 2-0 (21-14, 21-7).

In the All-Canadian quarterfinal, Alison McKay / Darby Dunn, defeated Dana Roskic / Katarina Pantovic with scores of 21-18 and 21-15. In the last quarterfinal match, Americans Kelly Belardi / Natalie Myszkowski secured their ticket to the semifinals by winning 2-0 (21-14, 21-18) over Mexico’s Angélica Jazmín Torres / María Jimena Ramírez.

USA

The semifinal matches will be played between Venezuela and Canada at 10:10 a.m. (local time), and the United States against Puerto Rico at 11:00 a.m. (local time). The bronze medal match is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. and the final will be played at 3:10 p.m. (local time).

Women’s Results

Earlier in pool-play, Pool A was very tight: all the teams finished tied in matches won, lost and points. The tiebreaker was decided by point ratio, leaving Katherine Quesada and Eugenia Ramírez of Costa Rica in first place. In second position was the Guatemalan pair of Natalia Girón and Paola Alvarado, while El Salvador’s Sofía Vigil and Karla Tovar finished third.

PUR

Pool B was dominated by María González and Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico, the only pair in the tournament that did not concede a single set in this phase. Venezuelans Oriana Granadilla and Yonnielis Camacho took second place with two victories and one loss. The third position went to Nicaragua, represented by Yulimar Alvarado and Danielle Resau; while Ruth Villegas and Shannia Rivera of Honduras ended in fourth place.

In Pool C, Americans Kelly Belardi and Natalie Myszkowski took the group with three victories and no losses. In second place were Canadians Alison McKay and Darby Dunn with two victories and one defeat. Dominicans Yari Cleto and Rosario Payano took third place, while in fourth, to the surprise of many, were Mexicans Atenas Gutiérrez and Susana Torres.

Pool D was led by Canadians Dana Roskic and Katarina Pantovic, who secured first place thanks to their three victories. In second place were Mexicans Angélica Torres and María Jimena Ramírez (2-1). The third position went to the Nicaraguans Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez (1-2), while in fourth place were Keiry Guzmán and Donnina Argueta of El Salvador, without victories.

Puerto Ricans González/Navas start the tournament in full force

San Salvador, El Salvador. September 12, 2025. – The Puerto Rican duo of María Claudia González and Allanis Navas started strong in their quest for a sixth consecutive title, on the first day of action of the 8th Stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour 2025, held at the Flor Blanca Beach Sports Stadium.

The tournament kicked off with a commanding win by gold medal favorites María González and Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico, who swept Nicaragua’s Yulimar Alvarado and Ella Danielle Resau 2-0 (21-8, 21-10). In their second match, the Puerto Rican duo kept up their dominant pace, defeating Honduras’ Ruth Villegas and Shannia Rivera in straight sets 2-0 (21-11, 21-10).

This first position of Pool B will be decided on Saturday, as Venezuela’s Oriana Granadilla / Yonnielis Camacho also finished the day with two victories: 2-0 (21-10, 21-10) over Villegas/Rivera of Honduras and 2-0 (21-14, 21-12) over Alvarado/Resau of Nicaragua.

Guatemala

Another match that marked the start of the tournament was the Central American classic, and it did not disappoint. Guatemala’s Natalia María Girón / Paola Alvarado defeated Katherine Quesada / Eugenia Ramírez of Costa Rica 2-1 (15-21, 21-17, 15-12). Later, in the other Pool A match, the Costa Ricans recovered from their initial loss and beat the local duo Daniela Vigil / Karla Tovar 2-0 (21-10, 21-19). The positions in this pool will be determined on Saturday at 9:20 AM (local time) with the match between El Salvador and Guatemala.

In Pool C, the Americans Kelly Belardi / Natalie Myszkowski dominated their two matches. First, they defeated Canadians Alison McKay / Darby Dunn 2-0 (21-11, 21-15), and over  Dominicans Yari Cleto / Rosario Payano 2-0 (21-17, 21-14). The Americans still need to face Mexico’s Atenas Gutiérrez / Susana Torres), who were surprised by the Dominicans in their debut, losing 0-2 (19-21, 17-21).

In Pool D, Canadians Dana Roskic / Katarina Pantovic lead with two victories. In their first match, they defeated Torres/Ramírez of Mexico 2-1 (24-22, 18-21, 15-11) and then beat Guzmán/Donni of El Salvador 2-0 (21-10, 21-14). Canada will close the group stage facing  Nicaraguans Socorro López / Lolette Rodríguez, who have one victory 2-0 (21-11, 21-11) over El Salvador and one loss against the Mexicans Angélica Torres / María Jimena Ramírez.

The tournament will continue Saturday starting at 9:20 AM (local time). In the afternoon, the quarterfinals will be played to define the semifinalists and the classification matches for positions.

Costa Rica and Nicaragua remain undefeated in the Men’s Division

San Salvador, El Salvador. September 12, 2025. – The pairs from Costa Rica, Julián Araya / Jhostin Varela, and Nicaragua, Rubén Mora / Dany López, started undefeated in the 8th stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, held at the Flor Blanca Beach Sports Stadium.

The opening day was marked by very close duels and several surprises. Three group stage matches were decided in three sets, and even the ones finished in two sets were resolved with tight scores.

In the first matches of the day, Canada’s Martin Licht / Luke de Greeff defeated Rafael Alberto Vargas / Fernando Javier Ortiz of El Salvador 2-1 (14-21, 21-12, 15-9). At the same time, on court 2, Puerto Ricans Cristian Encarnación / Diego Rosich beat Mexico 2, of Inés Antonio Vargas / Carlos Andrés Ayala, 2-1 (21-19, 20-22, 15-13).

NCA

In Pool A, Araya/Varela from Costa Rica achieved two victories. The first, against Canada’s Licht/de Greeff 2-0 (21-12, 21-15), and then against Encarnación/Rosich of Puerto Rico, in what was perhaps the most exciting match of the day, with the Costa Ricans taking the win 26-24, 21-19. They still need to face El Salvador’s Vargas/Ortiz and Mexico’s Vargas/Ayala.

In Pool B,  Gage Basey / Thomas Hurst of United States (champions of the recently held Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay) and El Salvador’s Christopher / Yoel Guardado also remain undefeated. This Saturday at 8:30 AM (local time), they will face each other, and the winner could secure the first place in their pool.

In Pool C, Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora / Dany López dominated with authority. First, they beat Guatemala’s Fredy Luna / Carlos Oliva 2-0 (21-12, 21-6) and then defeated Dominicans Hayerling Francisco De Jesús / Melvin Antonio De Jesús 2-1 (21-17, 22-24, 15-10). They still need to play against Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia / Jorman Osuna, who have only played one match, which they won 2-0 (21-10, 21-8) against Guatemala.

In Pool D, Venezuela’s duo Juliangel Zaid / Enyenser Alfonso Delgado imposed their dominance by defeating Costa Rica’s Daniel Dyner / Esteban González 2-0 (21-11, 23-21) and Bermuda’s Kyle Hamilton / Sean Tucker 2-0 (21-11, 21-16).

The tournament will continue this Saturday starting at 8:30 AM (local time), and in the afternoon the quarterfinal matches will take place, which will determine the semifinalists.

Everything Ready for the 8th Stop of the NORCECA Tour in El Salvador

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, September 11, 2025. – Everything is set for the start of the eighth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, scheduled to take place September 12-14 at the Flor Blanca Beach Sports Stadium. Teams from twelve countries are officially registered, guaranteeing three days of high-level action for El Salvador’s fans.

The event will feature 15 women’s teams and 17 men’s teams, offering an exciting showcase of international talent.

In the women’s division, all eyes will be on Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas, who arrive motivated after capturing their fifth consecutive gold medal last week and will now pursue their sixth title of the season. Also standing out is Canadian Dana Roskic, who won silver in El Salvador in 2024 and now returns alongside Katarina Pantovic, aiming to match or improve on her previous performance.

In the men’s division, favorites include the Mexican duo of Jorman Osuna and Miguel Sarabia. Osuna recently claimed silver in Zapopan and gold in Manzanillo with José Cárdenas, while together with Sarabia he earned gold in Juan Dolio and bronze in Puerto Cortés. Local fans will have the chance to cheer for the Guardado twins, who are hoping to reach the podium for the first time on home soil.

Canada Men

Eduardo Paiz, event promoter, commented, “This is the third time we have the opportunity to organize this event, and we have witnessed its evolution since 2023, when we hosted the Tour for the first time. We take this opportunity to thank NORCECA for the trust they have placed in us.”

“Our greatest satisfaction is that each year more sponsors come on board and more teams join the competition, giving the Salvadoran public the chance to enjoy world-class beach volleyball,” he added.

The competition will begin with the men’s division at 8:30 AM (local time), followed by the women’s division at 9:20 AM (local time).

The pool distribution is as follows:

Women

Pool A: Vigil/TovarESA, N. Girón/Alvarado GUA y Quesada/Ramirez CRC

Pool B: Gonzalez/Navas PUR; Oriana/Yonnielis VEN, Villegas/Rivera HON y Alvarado/Resau NCA2

Pool C: Belardi/Myszkowski USA, Gutiérrez/Torres MEX, Cleto/Payano DOM y McKay/Dunn CAN2

Pool D: Roskic/Pantovic CAN, López/Lolette NCA, Guzmán/Donni ESA2 y Torres /Ramírez MEX2

Men

Pool A: R Vargas/Ponce ESA2, Encarnación/Rosich PUR, Araya/Varela CRC, Lares/Carlos Andrés MEX2 y Licht/de Greeff CAN2

Pool B: Basey/Hurst USA, Izaguirre/Penagos GUA, Reyes/Serrano HON y Guardado C./Guardado Y ESA

Pool C: Sarabia/Osuna MEX, Mora/López NCA, De Jesus/De Jesús DOM y Luna/Oliva GUA2

Pool D: Rahnavard/Devecseri CAN, Juliangel/Esyenser VEN, Hamilton/Tucker BER y D. Dyner/Gonzalez CRC2

Women’s Teams

Canada Alison Mckay/ Darby Dunn – (McKay/Dunn),  Dana Roskic / Katarina Pantovic – (Roskic/Pantovic); Costa Rica Katherine Vanessa Quesada / Eugenia Ramirez – (Quesada/Ramirez); República Dominicana Yari Manuela Cleto / Rosario Julibeth Payano – (Cleto/Payano); El Salvador Keiry Michelle Guzmán / Donnina Fernanda Argueta – (Guzmán/Donni), Daniela Sofia Vigil / Karla Jamileth Tovar – (Vigil/Tovar); Guatemala Natalia María Giron / Paola Marie Alvarado Franco – (N. Girón/Alvarado); Honduras Ruth Antonella Villegas / Shannia Rivera – (Villegas/Rivera); Mexico Atenas Angelica Gutiérrez / Susana Torres García – (Gutiérrez/Torres), Angélica Jazmín Torres / María Jimena Ramírez – (Torres /Ramírez); Nicaragua Yulimar Franchely Alvarado / Ella Danielle Resau – (Alvarado/Resau), Socorro Margarita López / Lolette Eleonor Rodríguez – (López/Lolette); Puerto Rico María Claudia González / Allanis Navas – (González/Navas); Estados Unidos Kelly Belardi / Natalie Myszkowski – (Belardi/Myszkowski); VenezuelaOriana Francis Granadilla / Yonnielis Camacho – (Oriana/Yonnielis)

Men’s Teams

Bermuda Kyle Hamilton / Sean Tucker – (Hamilton/Tucker); Canada Martin Licht / Luke de Greeff – (Licht/de Greeff), Rouzbeh Rahnavard / Dylan Devecseri – (Rahnavard/Devecseri); Costa Rica Julián Araya / Jhostin Varela – (Araya/Varela), Daniel Dyner / Victorio Esteban Gonzalez – (D. Dyner/Gonzalez); República Dominicana Hayerling Francisco De Jesús / Melvin Antonio de Jesús – (De Jesus/De Jesús); El Salvador Christopher Guardado / Yoel Guardado Rivas – (Guardado C./Guardado Y.), Rafael Alberto Vargas / Fernando Javier Ortiz (R Vargas/Ponce); Guatemala José Miguel Izaguirre / Santiago Penagos – (Izaguirre/Penagos), Fredy Ronaldo Luna / Robin Jean Carlos Oliva – (Luna/Oliva); Honduras Irvin Armando Reyes / Manuel Alejandro Serrano – (Reyes/Serrano); Mexico Inés Antonio Vargas / Carlos Andrés Ayala – (Lares/Carlos Andrés), Miguel Sarabia / Jorman Osuna – (Sarabia/Osuna); Nicaragua Rubén Alejandro Mora / Dany Antonio López – (Mora/López); Puerto Rico Cristian Encarnación / Diego Rosich – (Encarnación/Rosich); Estados Unidos Gage Basey / Thomas Hurst – (Basey/Hurst); Venezuela Juliangel Zaid / Enyenser Alfonso Delgado – (Juliangel/Esyenser)

Eighth Stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Heads to El Salvador

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, September 10, 2025.– The eighth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour will take place September 12-14 at the Sand Sports Stadium of the Flor Blanca Sports Complex in San Salvador.

This marks the third consecutive year that El Salvador hosts a stage of the prestigious continental circuit. For this edition, there is a preliminary registration of 15 women’s teams and 17 men’s teams, with the final list to be confirmed during the preliminary inquiry a day before competition begins, where pool composition will also be determined.

In the women’s field, Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas headline the entry list as winners of all five events they have played so far this season (Juan Dolio – Dominican Republic, Puerto Cortés – Honduras, Puerto Madero – Tamaulipas, Manzanillo – Colima, and Zapopan – Jalisco). Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, consistent podium finishers in the first six stops, will also compete, looking to return to the medal stand after finishing seventh last week in Zapopan.

On the men’s side, Mexico’s Jorman Osuna, silver medalist in Zapopan and gold medalist in Manzanillo with José Cárdenas, will be back with his regular partner Miguel Sarabia, with whom he captured gold in Juan Dolio and bronze in Puerto Cortés. Fellow Mexicans Ines Vargas and Carlos Ayala (Lares/Carlos Andrés) will also compete, boasting a gold medal in Puerto Cortés, bronze in Juan Dolio, and silver in Paramaribo.

Representing Nicaragua are Rubén Mora and Dany López, silver medalists in Varadero earlier this year, while Canada’s Martin Licht and Luke de Greef aim to repeat or improve on their bronze medal performance from last year at this same venue.

Maria Gonzalez and Allanis Navas Claim Fifth Consecutive Gold

ZAPOPAN, Jalisco, September 7, 2025. – Puerto Rico’s Maria Gonzalez and Allanis Navas claimed their fifth straight gold medal of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, rallying to defeat USA’s Michelle Shaffer and Rachael Kramer 2-1 (14-21, 21-18, 15-9) in a thrilling final in Zapopan, Jalisco.

Entering the tournament as the top favorites, Gonzalez and Navas once again lived up to expectations, extending their unbeaten streak and winning every stage they have competed in this season — Juan Dolio, Puerto Cortés, Tamaulipas, Manzanillo, and now Zapopan — securing a perfect five-for-five record on the tour.

Allanis Navas expressed her pride in her teammate: “María always kept her composure during the game. We always step onto the court as warriors, no matter the score and no matter the height of our opponents. We recently graduated and are training as much as possible, with the goal of achieving the victories that lie ahead. We’re going to keep working because the road is long.”

Female Podium

Regarding the achievement of winning five consecutive gold medals, María González said: “It’s incredible! In every match we go in as if anyone could beat us, and we step in as warriors, ready to fight for every point, and I think that has been the key to winning these five gold medals. We don’t go in thinking about it, but rather as if it’s a completely new game.”

For Shaffer and Kramer, the silver medal marks their first NORCECA podium finish as a team, and Shaffer’s debut at an international event. Kramer previously earned bronze last year in Puerto Cortés.

In the bronze medal match, Cuba’s Kailin Garrido and Maykelin Drik defeated Canada’s Akash Grewal and Katarina Pantovic 2-0 (21-16, 21-19). This is Kailin/Drik’s second bronze medal of the season, having also taken third place in Varadero.

Shaffer/Kramer advanced to the final after winning a tough three-set battle 2-1 (21-12, 17-21, 15-11) over Kailin/Drik in the semifinals, while Gonzalez/Navas stormed past Canada’s Grewal/Pantovic 2-0 (21-17, 21-13).

All winners

Canada’s Dunn/Law-Heese finished fifth after a straight-sets victory 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) against Nicaragua’s Lopez/Lolette.

Mexico’s Torres/Gutierrez secured seventh place with a 2-0 (21-13, 21-16) win over Venezuela’s Ramirez/Valeria.

Guatemala’s Alvarado/Guerra claimed ninth place after defeating Venezuela’s Oriana/Yonnielis in three sets 2-1 (21-19, 13-21, 15-10).

El Salvador’s Vigil/Tovar took eleventh place, beating Bennett/Valenciana of the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-12, 21-15).

Mexico’s Cruz/Torres finished in thirteenth place with a 2-0 (21-11, 21-11) win over Costa Rica’s Quesada/Aguilar.

Classification Matches:

C 5/8: Lopez/Lolette NCA d Ramirez/Valeria VEN 2-1 (21-10, 19-21, 21-19); Dunn/Law-Heese CAN 2-1 (13-21, 21-14, 15-8).

Evan Cory and Derek Bradford of USA Capture Gold in Zapopan

ZAPOPAN, Jalisco, September 7, 2025. – Evan Cory and Derek Bradford of the United States clinched the gold medal at the seventh stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, defeating home favorites José Cardenas and Jorman Osuna of Mexico 2-0 (21-17, 21-19) in a thrilling final at the Conjunto Santander de Artes Escénicas in Zapopan, Jalisco.

This victory marks Cory/Bradford’s first medal together as a team and Bradford’s first-ever NORCECA gold medal. Cory, a seasoned competitor, previously claimed two gold medals in Mexico in 2022 (La Paz and Aguascalientes), as well as a silver and a bronze in the Dominican Republic in 2024.

Speaking after the win, Cory said: “As professional athletes, we work so hard for this moment every time we play, and it doesn’t happen often. So, this is amazing and special. Doing it against a really strong Mexican team and in front of their home crowd was really fun.”

USA Gold

Bradford added: “It’s fantastic. This tournament was amazing. Mexico is a great host, the venue was set up perfectly, and the crowd was incredible.”

For Cardenas and Osuna, the silver medal is their first of the 2025 season after taking gold just last week in Manzanillo. Osuna also won a gold medal from Juan Dolio earlier this year, along with two bronzes from Puerto Cortés and Tamaulipas.

The bronze medal went to Cuba’s Damian Gomez and Eblis Verane, who prevailed over Canada’s Cameron Chadwick and Robert Kemp 2-0 (21-14, 23-21). This is Gomez/Veranes  second bronze medal of the season, following their podium finish in Varadero.

In the semifinals USA’s Cory/Bradford beat Cuban Gomez/Veranes 2-0 (21-18, 21-14) and Mexico’s Cardenas/Osuna defeated Chadwick/Kemp (CAN) 2-0 (21-12, 21-13).

Mexico Silver

Venezuelans Jualiangel Zaid/Esynser Delgado won a three-set battle recovering from losing the first set over Ines Vargas/Carlos Andrés Ayala of Mexico 2-1 (21-23, 21-15, 15-11) to finish in fifth place.

In the battle for seventh place, between two Central American duos, Mora/Lopez of Nicaragua beat Guardado twins of El Salvador in three sets 2-1 (21-17, 20-22, 17-15).

Gannett/Rivest of Canada finished ninth place with a 2-0 victory (21-16, 21-13) against Izaguirre/Maldonado of Guatemala.

Butcher/Enile of Trinidad and Tobago took eleventh place with a know show of Puerto Rico’s Rivera/Rosich due to an injury.

Cuba Bronze

Venezuelan duo Harrison/Hernandez took position thirteen over Encarnacion/Pacheco of Puerto Rico 2-1 (15-21, 23-21, 15-13). Finally, D. Dyner/Varela of Costa Rica finished in position fifteen.

Classification Matches:

C 5/8: Lares/Carlos Andres MEX d Guardado C./Guardado Y. ESA 2-0 (21-13, 22-20); Esyenser/Juliangel VEN d Mora/Lopez NCA 2-0 (21-17, 25-23).

Mexico, Canada, Cuba and USA Reach Men’s Semifinals in Zapopan

ZAPOPAN, Jalisco, September 6, 2025 – The men’s semifinals are set in Zapopan, with Mexico’s José Cardenas/Jorman Osuna, Canada’s Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp, Cuba’s Damian Gomez/Eblis Verane, and USA’s Evan Cory/Derek Bradford advancing at the seventh stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour.

Sunday’s semifinals will see local favorites Cardenas/Osuna take on Chadwick/Kemp of Canada, while Cubans Gomez/Verane will clash with Americans Cory/Bradford for a place in the gold medal match.

Cardenas/Osuna delighted the home crowd with a straight-set quarterfinal win, defeating Venezuela’s Juliangel Zaid/Esynser Delgado 2-0 (23-21, 21-17). Chadwick/Kemp of Canada secured their semifinal berth with a convincing 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) victory over Nicaragua’s Ruben Mora/Dany Lopez.

In one of the most dramatic matches of the day, Cubans Gomez/Verane came from behind to stun Mexico’s Ines Vargas/Carlos Andrés Ayala 2-1 (20-22, 23-21, 15-6). Meanwhile, Cory/Bradford of the United States downed El Salvador’s twin brothers Christopher and Yoel Guardado 2-0 (21-14, 21-18) to remain perfect in the tournament.

Cardenas Osuna MEX

Earlier in the day, the final round of pool play set the stage for the quarterfinals. Mexico’s Lares/Carlos Andrés dominated Pool A with a commanding 2-0 (21-10, 21-4) win over Trinidad and Tobago’s Butcher/Enile. Chadwick/Kemp of Canada finished atop Pool B after edging Guatemala’s Izaguirre/Maldonado 2-0 (21-14, 24-22), followed by Cuba’s Gomez/Verane, who defeated Venezuela’s Harrison/Hernandez 2-0 (21-14, 21-18).

In Pool C, Esynser/Juliangel of Venezuela emerged first after a hard-fought 2-1 (20-22, 21-18, 15-10) victory over Puerto Rico’s Rivera/Rosich, who were forced to withdraw due to an injury. The Guardado twins earned their quarterfinal ticket with a thrilling 2-1 (25-23, 17-21, 15-12) win over Costa Rica’s D. Dyner/Varela.

Cory/Bradford of the USA topped Pool D undefeated, beating Puerto Rico’s Encarnacion/Pacheco 2-0 (22-20, 21-16). Mexico’s Cardenas/Osuna claimed second place in the pool after an exciting comeback win over Canada’s Gannett/Rivest 2-1 (15-21, 21-17, 15-13).

Placement Matches:

C 13/16: Encarnacion/Pacheco PUR (bye); Harrison/Hernandez VEN d D. Dyner/Varela CRC 2-1 (16-21, 21-17, 15-9).

C 9/12: Izaguirre/Maldonado GUA d Rivera/Rosich PUR (forfeit); Gannett/Rivest CAN d Butcher/Enile TTO 2-0 (21-10, 21-12).

Cubans Stun Home Favorites to Reach Semifinals in Zapopan

ZAPOPAN, Jalisco, September 6, 2025 .– Cuba’s Kailin Garrido and Maykelin Drik pulled off a major upset on Saturday, defeating Mexican home favorites Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) in the quarterfinals to secure a spot in the women’s semifinals of the seventh stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour.

The win ended Torres and Gutiérrez’s streak of reaching the podium at every stage this season, marking the first time they will miss the top three.

On Sunday, Kailin/Drik will face USA’s Michelle Shaffer and Rachael Kramer in the semifinals, while Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas – the tournament favorites – will take on Canada’s Akash Grewal and Katarina Pantovic.

González and Navas, aiming for their fifth gold medal in as many appearances this season, advanced with a dominant 2-0 (21-6, 21-11) win over Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez.

Gonzalez/Navas PUR

Shaffer and Kramer fought through a thrilling three-set battle to overcome Canada’s Darby Dunn and Mikayla Law-Heese 2-1 (27-25, 19-21, 15-13) and book their place in the final four.

Meanwhile, Grewal and Pantovic reached their second consecutive semifinal with a commanding 2-0 (21-12, 21-13) victory over Venezuela’s Aidana Mejías and Valeria Moreno.

In pool play, Torres/Gutiérrez dominated Bennett/Valenciana of the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-13, 21-9) to comfortably claim the top spot in Pool A. Meanwhile, González/Navas stayed perfect in Pool B, defeating El Salvador’s Vigil/Tovar 2-0 (21-13, 21-12).

Over in Pool C, Grewal/Pantovic powered past USA’s Shaffer/Kramer 2-0 (21-14, 21-15) to secure first place, and in Pool D, Dunn/Law-Heese clinched the group with a convincing 2-0 (21-10, 21-12) victory over Venezuela’s Ramírez/Valeria. Capping off the action, Guatemala’s Alvarado/Guerra fought hard to earn a 2-1 (21-18, 12-21, 15-11) win over Costa Rica’s Quesada/Aguilar to take third in the pool.

Placement Matches:

C 13/16: Quesada/Aguilar CRC (bye); Cruz/Torres MEX (bye).

C 9/12: Alvarado/Guerra GUA d Bennett/Valenciana ISV 2-0 (21-9, 21-14); Oriana/Yonnielis VEN d Vigil/Tovar ESA 2-0 (23-21, 21-13).

Canada, Venezuela and USA Go Undefeated on Opening Day in Zapopan

ZAPOPAN, Jalisco, September 5, 2025.– Canadians Darby Dunn/Mikayla Law-Heese, Venezuela’s Aidana Mejías/Varlria Moreno  and Americans Michelle Shaffer/Rachael Kramer each celebrated two victories on Friday’s opening day of the women’s competition at the seventh stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, held in Zapopan, Jalisco.

Dunn and Law-Heese dominated Pool D, going undefeated with back-to-back wins. They opened with a 2-0 (21-13, 21-13) victory over Guatemala’s Paola Alvarado/Estefanie Bethancourt and followed with another straight-set triumph, 21-10, 21-13, against Costa Rica’s Katherine Quesada/Aliza Aguilar. Venezuela’s Aidana Mejías/Valeria Moreno also finished the day with a 2-0 record in Pool D, defeating Quesada/Aguilar 2-0 (21-19, 21-18) before rallying from a set down to beat Alvarado/Bethancourt 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 15-10).

Dunn/Law-Heese and Ramirez/Valeria will clash on Saturday to decide Pool D top finisher.

ShafferKramer USA vs OrianaYonnielis VEN

In Pool C, USA’s Shaffer and Kramer earned their two wins, starting with a 2-0 (21-10, 21-16) victory over Mexico’s Naomi Cruz/Angélica Torres. They were then tested by Venezuela’s Oriana Granadillo/Yonnielis Camacho but prevailed in straight sets, 21-19, 24-22. Cruz/Torres managed to split their matches, edging Canada’s Akash Grewal/Katarina Pantovic 2-1 (12-21, 21-19, 15-9) earlier in the day. Grewal/Pantovic closed with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-12) win against Granadillo/Camacho.

Pools A and B featured three-team groups, with each pair playing one match and receiving a bye.

In Pool A, host duo Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez thrilled the home crowd with a 2-0 (21-13, 21-10) win over Nicaragua’s Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez. The Nicaraguans had earlier defeated Melanie Valenciana/Amber Bennett of the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-6, 21-13).

Tournament favorites, María González/Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico, endured a hard-fought Pool B opener, taking down Cuba’s Kailin Garrido/Maykelin Drik 2-0 (21-17, 21-19). Garrido/Drik had previously posted a 2-0 (21-15, 21-15) victory against El Salvador’s Karla Tovar/Daniela Vigil.

Pool play will conclude on Saturday, followed by the quarterfinals and classification matches.

USA, Canada, and Venezuela Open the NORCECA Tour 7th Stage Unbeaten

ZAPOPAN, Jalisco, September 5, 2025. – USA’s Evan Cory/Derek Bradford, Canada’s Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp, and Venezuela’s Juliangel Zaid/Esynser Delgado opened the seventh stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour with unbeaten records at the Conjunto Santander de Artes Escénicas in Zapopan, Jalisco.

Evan Cory and Derek Bradford of the United States dominated Pool D, winning both matches on opening day. After rallying from a first-set loss to defeat Canada’s Tynan Gannett/Guillaume Rivest 2-1 (18-21, 21-11, 16-14), they secured a straight-set victory 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) over Mexico’s José Cárdenas/Jorman Osuna. Earlier, Cárdenas/Osuna earned a convincing 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) win over Puerto Rico’s Cristian Encarnación/José Pacheco, who later fell in three sets 2-1 (21-17, 16-21, 15-9) to Gannett/Rivest.

KempChadwick CAN

In Pool B, Cameron Chadwick and Robert Kemp of Canada posted a perfect 2-0 mark. They opened with a commanding 2-0 (21-13, 21-17) win against Venezuela’s Harrison Rivero/José Hernández, then overcame a spirited effort from Cuba’s Damian Gómez/Eblis Verane to close 2-0 (21-17, 23-21). Gómez/Verane had earlier cruised past Guatemala’s José Izaguirre/Edgar Maldonado 2-0 (21-18, 21-9), but the Guatemalans bounced back later to edge Rivero/Hernández 2-0 (21-16, 21-19).

Venezuela’s Juliangel Zaid and Esynser Delgado stayed flawless in Pool C with two solid victories. They opened with a hard-fought 2-1 (21-17, 22-24, 15-10) triumph over El Salvador’s twin brothers Christopher and Yoel Guardado, then followed up with a convincing 2-0 (21-18, 21-12) win against Costa Rica’s Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela. Dyner/Varela had earlier dropped a close three-set match to Puerto Rico’s William Rivera/Diego Rosich 2-1 (19-21, 21-19, 15-10). The Guardado twins closed their day strong, defeating Rivera/Rosich 2-1 (18-21, 21-14, 15-12).

In Pool A, Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora and Dany López split results, first defeating Josiah Butcher/Stephen Enile of Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 (21-15, 21-10) before falling to Mexico’s Ines Vargas/Carlos Andrés Ayala 2-0 (21-8, 21-16).

Saturday’s schedule will feature the conclusion of pool play, followed by the quarterfinals and classification matches.

Teams from Eleven Countries Ready for NORCECA Beach Volleyball Action in Zapopan

ZAPOPAN, Jalisco, Mexico, September 4, 2025. – The excitement of the seventh stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour comes to Zapopan, Jalisco, this weekend at the iconic Conjunto Santander de Artes Escénicas, with teams from eleven countries officially registered to compete.

The tournament will feature 14 women’s teams and 15 men’s teams, promising three days of high-level beach volleyball competition.

In the women’s field, all eyes will be on Puerto Rico’s Maria Gonzalez and Allanis Navas, who have already captured four gold medals this season and are aiming for a fifth. Local favorites Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez will look to shine on home sand, while the United States’ Rachael Kramer, bronze medalist in Puerto Cortés last year, is set to be a strong contender.

Puerto Rico

On the men’s side, Mexican duo José Cárdenas and Jorman Osuna, fresh off their gold medal win in Manzanillo last week, will headline the competition. They will face tough challengers, including silver medalists Cameron Chadwick and Robert Kemp of Canada and bronze medalist Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica. Also in the mix are the United States’ Evan Cory, bronze and silver medalist in 2024, in two stages in Dominican Republic and in 2022 gold medalist in La Paz and Aguascalientes, partnered with Derek Bradford, bronze medalist in Suriname this year. As well as Nicaragua’s Ruben Mora and Dany López, medalists in numerous stages throughout the NORCECA Tour.

The event promises thrilling matches and a festive atmosphere as Zapopan hosts international athletes aiming to climb the NORCECA Tour rankings.

Pool distribution is as follows:

Women

Pool A: Torres/Gutiérrez MEX; Bennett/Valenciana ISV; Lopez/Lolette NCA

Pool B: Gonzalez/Navas PUR; Vigil/Tovar ESA; Kailin/Drik CUB

Pool C: Grewal/Pantovic CAN; Shaffer/Kramer USA; Cruz/Torres MEX; Oriana/Yonnielis VEN

Pool D: Alvarado/GuerraGUA; Quesada/Aguilar CRC; Ramirez/Valeria VEN; Dunn/Law-Heese CAN

Men

Pool A: Lares/Carlos Andres MEX; Mora/Lopez NCA; Butcher/Enile TTO

Pool B: Kemp/Chadwick CAN; Izaguirre/Maldonado GUA; Gomez/Veranes CUB; Harrison/Hernandez VEN

Pool C: D. Dyner/Varela CRC; Guardado C./Guardado Y. ESA; Esyenser/Juliangel VEN; Rivera/Rosich PUR

Pool D: Cory/BradfordUSA; Encarnacion/Pacheco PUR; Cardenas/Osuna MEX; Gannett/Rivest CAN

Women ‘s Teams

CANADA Akash Grewal/Katarina Pantovic (Grewal/Pantovic); Darby Dunn/Mikayla Law-Heese (Dunn/Law-Heese); COSTA RICA Katherine Quesada/Aliza Aguilar (Quesada/Aguilar); CUBA Kailin Garrido/Maykelin Drik (Kailin/Drik); EL SALVADOR Karla Tovar/Daniela Vigil (Tovar/Vigil); GUATEMALA Paola Alvarado/Estefanie Bethancourt (Alvarado/Guerra); MEXICO Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez (Torres/Gutiérrez); Naomi Cruz/Angélica Torres (Cruz/Torres); NICARAGUA Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez (Lopez/Lolette); PUERTO RICO María González/Allanis Navas (González/Navas); USA Michelle Shaffer/Rachael Kramer (Shaffer/Kramer); U.S. Virgin Islands Melanie Valenciana/Amber Bennett  (Valenciana/Bennett); VENEZUELA Oriana Granadillo/Yonnielis Camacho (Oriana/Yonnielis); Aidana Mejías/Valeria Moreno (Ramirez/Valeria).

Men’s Teams

CANADA Tynan Gannett/Guillaume Rivest (Gannett/Rivest); Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp (Chadwick/Kemp); COSTA RICA Daniel Dyner /Jhostin Varela (D.Dyner/Varela); CUBA Damian Gomez/Eblis Verane (Gomez/Veranes); EL SALVADOR Christopher Guardado/Yoel Guardado (Guardado C./Guardado Y.); GUATEMALA  José Izaguirre/Andrés Maldonado; MEXICO José Cardenas/Jorman Osuna (Cardenas/Osuna); Ines Vargas/Carlos Andrés Ayala (Lares/Carlos Andrés); NICARAGUA Rubén Mora/Dany López; PUERTO RICO Cristian Encarnación/José Pacheco (Encarnación/Pacheco); William Rivera/Diego Rosich; TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Josiah Butcher/Stephen Enile (Butcher/Enile); USA Evan Cory/ Derek Bradford (Cory/Bradford); VENEZUELA Jualiangel Zaid/Esynser Delgado/ (Esynser/Juliangel); Harrison Rivero/José Hernández (Harrison/Hernández).

Guadalajara Gears Up for the 7th Stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, September 3, 2025. – The excitement of beach volleyball comes to Guadalajara for the first time with the seventh stop of the 2025 NORCECA Continental Tour, to be held September 5-7 at the Conjunto Santander de Artes Escénicas in Zapopan.

Mexico is hosting four Tour stops during the 2025 season, with Puerto Madero, Tamaulipas, and Manzanillo, Colima already completed. Guadalajara marks the third Mexican stop before their final leg in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche.

The 2025 NORCECA Tour is key for collecting points in both the continental and world rankings, and it is part of the qualification process for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, making it highly competitive and attractive for the participating national teams.

This stop has a pre-registration of 29 teams from 12 countries. The official confirmation will take place after the technical meeting, held one day before the competition kicks off.

Following the success in Manzanillo, the medalists from that stop return to the sand: on the women’s side, Puerto Rico’s María González and Allanis Navas remain unbeaten with four golds in as many appearances in 2025, along with Canada’s Darby Dunn and Mikayla Law-Heese, and Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who will look to capture the top spot in front of their home crowd.

On the men’s side, Mexico’s Jorman Osuna and José Cárdenas arrive as favorites after winning gold in Manzanillo. Also competing are Canada’s Robert Kemp and Cameron Chadwick, as well as Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela, silver and bronze medalists respectively.

Guadalajara is set for a weekend of top-level action, with the region’s best duos battling for crucial points ahead of the season finale and the road to Santo Domingo 2026.

Barbados Destiny Layne and Janica Grant took Gold in CAZOVA U18

COURLAND, Tobago. August 30, 2025. Barbados Destiny Layne and Janica Grant took the gold medal in the first CAZOVA Girls U18 Beach Volleyball Champion when they defeated the Aruba’s duo of Whitfield and Eduards 21-9, 21-11.

In the semifinals, Whitfield and Eduards eased past Cayman Islands’ Luna Ebanks and Krisi Smith, while Layne and Grant spanked USVI’s Denbow and Tutein 21-6, 21-5.

In the quarterfinal by Arubans Nayah Alisha Whitfield and Davy-Ann Eduards edged out TTO’s Sadie Torkar and Bianca Perkins in three tough sets, 17-21, 21-19, 5-15, while USVI’s Rzyra Denbow and Aryanna Tutein defeated St Kitts/Nevis’ Celina Alwani and Shaylee Pinney. 19-21, 21-13, 15-10. T&T girls’ team had to settle for the fifth spot after beating St Kitts and Nevis’ Celina Alwani and Shaylee Pinney in three sets, 21-19, 8-21 and 15-10.

This initiative forms part of CAZOVA’s ongoing development programme, designed to prepare the region’s young athletes for future Zonal and Continental competitions, as well as their progression toward World Championships and Olympic qualification tournaments.

This age group represents a crucial stage for the region’s emerging talent pool, with many athletes aspiring to be considered for the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

TTO’s Jeremiah Jankey and Michael Burkett spiked CAZOVA U18 Gold

Courland, Tobago, August 30, 2025.- TTO’s Jeremiah Jankey and Michael Burkett spiked their way to the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Under-18 Beach Volleyball Tournament final with a hard-fought three-set win over Cayman Island’s Dylan Lynee and William Duty at the Courland Beach Sports Arena, in Courland, Black Rock, Tobago on Saturday.

The hometown pair of Jankey and Burkett prevailed 21-10, 18-21, 16-14 to the delight of the home spectators over Lynee and Duty in a clash of unbeaten teams.

Earlier on Jankey and Burkette won their semifinals over Martiniquan brothers Noah Choux and Elowan Choux 21-16, 21-12, while Cayman Islands’ Dylan Lynee and William Duty humbled Haitians Luckenly Joseph and Julien Philippe 21-13, 25-23.

Joseph/Phillippe secured the bronze medal thanks to their win over Noah Choux and Elowan Choux 21-18, 21-19.

When the quarter-finals served off in the morning session, Jankey and Burkette crushed the US Virgin Islands’ Makeo Frederick and Zayden Turner. 21-7, 21-8 while Noah Choux and Elowan Choux battled past Barbadians Joshua Ashby and Aaron Taylor. 21-19, 21-19; Lynee and Duty dumped Arubans Joshua Hoepelman and Victor Mitchell 23-21, 21-14, and Joseph and Philippe crushed the St Kitts and Nevis duo Troy Shiwamber and Vansh Aidasani 21-5, 21-12.

In the fifth to eighth semifinals, Ashby and Taylor defeated Frederick and Turner 21-18, 21-17, while Hoepelman and Mitchell beat Shiwamber and Aidasani 21-5, 21-13.

Cárdenas and Osuna of Mexico Crowned Champions at Home

MANZANILLO, Colima, August 31, 2025.- Mexico’s José Cárdenas and Jorman Osuna were crowned champions of the sixth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour at Playa Azul, Manzanillo, defeating Canada’s Robert Kemp and Cameron Chadwick 2-0 in the final with scores of 21-16 and 21-19.

Osuna arrived with strong credentials, having already claimed one gold medal and two bronze medals earlier this season alongside Miguel Sarabia, further strengthening Mexico’s dominance in this circuit.

The podium was completed by Costa Ricans Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela, who achieved a historic 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) victory over Americans Timothy Brewster and Ryan Ierna in the bronze medal match. For the Costa Rican pair, it was the first podium finish of their careers at a senior-level stop.

Mexico Gold Medal

The semifinals highlighted the high level of competition. Cárdenas/Osuna defeated Araya/Varela 2-0 (26-24, 21-19), while Kemp/Chadwick came from behind to overcome Brewster/Ierna 2-1 (13-21, 21-16, 15-10).

In placement matches, Mexicans Lares and Carlos Andrés secured fifth place after defeating Americans Lev Priima and Charles Siragusa 2-0 (24-22, 21-16). In an all-Puerto Rican clash, Cristian Encarnación and José Pacheco captured seventh place with a 2-1 (17-21, 21-15, 17-15) win over William Rivera and Diego Rosich.

With this result, Mexico confirmed its status as favorite with a pair already collecting medals, Canada repeated as protagonists after winning bronze in Paramaribo, and Costa Rica climbed onto the podium for the first time this season.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Cárdenas / Osuna (MEX1)

2. Kemp / Chadwick (CAN1)

3. Araya / Varela (CRC)

4. Brewster /Ierna (USA)

5. Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX)

6. Priima/Siragusa (USA)

7. Pacheco/Encarnación (PUR)

8. Rosich/Rivera (PUR)

9. Gannett/Rivest (CAN)

10. MEJIA/Vargas (ESA)

11. Garcia/Maldonado (GUA)

12. Butcher/Enile (TTO)

13. Izaguirre/Penagos (GUA)

González and Navas of Puerto Rico confirm their dominance in Manzanillo

MANZANILLO, Colima, August 31, 2025. Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas reaffirmed their status as favorites and captured their fourth gold medal of the season, claiming the championship at the sixth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, held at Playa Azul, Manzanillo, Colima.

The Puerto Rican duo, who had already defeated Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez in previous finals, once again showcased their superiority by prevailing in the gold medal match 2-1 over Canada’s Darby Dunn and Mikayla Law-Heese with scores 21-15, 18-21, 15-12.

The bronze medal went to local favorites Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who secured a spot on the podium before their home crowd with a straight-sets victory (21-15, 21-19) over Canada’s Akash Grewal and Katarina Pantovic

Puerto Rico Gold Medal

The semifinals were also intense: González and Navas edged Torres and Gutiérrez 2-1 (20-22, 21-19, 15-13), while Dunn and Law-Heese advanced with a 2-0 (21-11, 21-19) win over Grewal and Pantovic.

In placement matches, Mexico’s Naomi Cruz and Angélica Torres finished fifth after defeating Guatemala’s Natalia Girón and Estefanie Bethancourt 2-0 (21-15, 21-18). Meanwhile, Costa Ricans Katherine Quesada and Aliza Aguilar secured seventh place with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) win over USA’s Amarie Bremel and Arika Johnson, but later fell 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) against Cruz and Torres.

With this result, Puerto Rico consolidates its dominance in the women’s division, while Mexico celebrates a podium finish at home, closing an intense sixth stop of the continental circuit.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. González / Navas (PUR)

2. Dunn/Law-Heese (CAN2)

3.Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX) 

4. Grewal/Pantovic (CAN1) 

5. Cruz/Torres MEX  

6. N. Giron/Guerra GUA

7. Quesada / Aguilar (CRC)

8. Bremel / Johnson (USA)

9. Tovar/GUZMAN (ESA)

Mexico, USA, Costa Rica, and Canada Reach Semifinals in Manzanillo

MANZANILLO, Colima, August 30, 2025.-The sands of Playa Azul came alive once again as the men’s event defined its semifinalists. Mexico’s José Cárdenas and Jorman Osuna, the U.S. pair Timothy Brewster and Ryan Ierna, Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela, and Canada’s Robert Kemp and Cameron Chadwick advanced to the penultimate stage of the tournament.

Sunday’s semifinals will see Mexico’s Cárdenas/Osuna face the American duo Brewster/Ierna, while the other bracket features Costa Rica’s Araya/Varela against Canada’s Kemp/Chadwick.

In the all-Mexican quarterfinal clash, Cárdenas/Osuna prevailed 2–1 (14-21, 21-17, 15-9) over Lares/Carlos Andrés. Meanwhile, in the all-American contest, Brewster/Ierna battled past Priima/Siragusa with a thrilling 2–1 (21-16, 17-21, 15-12) win

USA

Araya/Varela advanced convincingly, defeating Puerto Rico’s Pacheco/Encarnación 2–0 (21-13, 22-20), becoming the only Central American representatives in the semifinals. Finally, Canada’s Kemp/Chadwick came from behind to overcome Puerto Rico’s Rosich/Rivera 2–1 (14-21, 21-18, 15-10), ensuring Canadian presence in the penultimate round.

Earlier in the day, the group stage clarified the picture. In Pool A, Lares/Carlos Andrés defeated Trinidad & Tobago’s Butcher/Enile 2–0 (21-5, 21-10). In Pool B, Brewster/Ierna topped El Salvador’s Mejía/Vargas 2–0 (21-14, 21-14).

In Pool D, Araya/Varela delivered a dramatic finish by edging Rosich/Rivera 2–1 (21-19, 25-27, 15-10), while Canada’s Gannett/Rivest beat Guatemala’s Izaguirre/Penagos 2–0 (21-7, 21-9).

With these results, the men’s bracket enters its decisive stretch. Mexico, the United States, Costa Rica, and Canada remain in contention, all chasing the coveted ticket to Sunday’s grand finale at Playa Azul, Manzanillo.

RESULTS

QUARTERFINALS

Cárdenas/Osuna (MEX1) 2-1 Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX2) (14-21, 21-17, 15-9)

Brewster/Ierna (USA1) 2-1 Priima/Siragusa (USA2) (21-16, 17-21, 15-12)

Araya/Varela (CRC) 2-0 Pacheco/Encarnación (PUR2) (21-13, 22-20)

Kemp/Chadwick (CAN2) 2-1 Rosich/Rivera (PUR1) (14-21, 21-18, 15-10)

POOL-PLAY

POOL A: Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX2) 2-0 Butcher/Enile (TTO) (21-5, 21-10)

POOL B: Brewster/Ierna (USA1) 2-0 MEJIA/Vargas (ESA) (21-14, 21-14)

POOL C: Kemp/Chadwick (CAN2) vs Garcia/Maldonado (GUA1)

POOL D: Gannett/Rivest (CAN1) 2-0 Izaguirre/Penagos (GUA2) (21-7,21-9); Araya/Varela (CRC) 2-1 Rosich/Rivera (PUR1) (21-19, 25-27, 15-10)

Favorites Deliver and the Women’s Semifinals Are Set in Manzanillo

MANZANILLO, Colima, August 30, 2025. All eyes were on the favorites, and this Saturday they confirmed their status. Canada’s two pairs, Darby Dunn and Mikayla Law-Heese, and Akash Grewal and Katarina Pantovic, along with Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, and Puerto Rico’s María González and Allanis Navas, advanced to the women’s semifinals of the tournament.

Sunday’s semifinals will feature an all-Canadian showdown between Dunn/Law-Heese and Grewal/Pantovic, while the other matchup brings a NORCECA classic as Mexico’s Torres/Gutiérrez face Puerto Rico’s González/Navas.

In the quarterfinals, Canada’s Darby Dunn and Mikayla Law-Heese came from behind to defeat Guatemala’s Natalia Girón and Estefanie Bethancourt 2–1 (17-21, 21-9, 15-6), who fought hard until the end. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez swept the United States’ Amarie Bremel and Arika Johnson 2–0 (21-9, 21-9).

DunnLaw-Heese (CAN)

Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas showed their strength by eliminating Costa Rica’s Katherine Quesada and Aliza Aguilar with a convincing 2–0 (21-14, 21-9). To close out the day, Canada’s Akash Grewal and Katarina Pantovic defeated Mexico’s Naomi Cruz and Angélica Torres 2–0 (22-20, 21-13), sealing a full Canadian presence in the semifinals.

Earlier, the group stage also featured intense battles that shaped the path forward.
In Pool A, Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez topped Costa Rica’s Katherine Quesada and Aliza Aguilar 2–0 (21-18, 21-6).

In Pool B, Guatemala’s Natalia Girón and Estefanie Bethancourt surprised with a 2–1 (21-13, 20-22, 15-12) win over the USA’s Amarie Bremel and Arika Johnson. And in Pool C, Puerto Rico’s María González and Allanis Navas prevailed in a thriller, defeating Canada’s Darby Dunn and Mikayla Law-Heese 2–1 (14-21, 21-14, 15-13).

With these results, the women’s tournament enters its decisive stage. Two Canadian duos, along with the power of Mexico and Puerto Rico, keep the race alive toward the grand final to be played at Playa Azul, Manzanillo, Mexico.

RESULTS

QUARTERFINALS

Dunn/Law-Heese (CAN2) 2-1 N. Girón/Guerra (GUA) (17-21, 21-9, 15-6)

Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX1) 2-0 Bremel/Johnson (USA) (21-9, 21-9)

González/Navas (PUR) 2-0 Quesada/Aguilar (CRC) (21-14, 21-9)

Grewal/Pantovic (CAN1) 2-0 Cruz/Torres (MEX) (22-20, 21-13)

POOL-PLAY

POOL A: Torres/Gutierrez (MEX1) 2-0 Quesada/Aguilar (CRC)(21-18, 21-6)

POOL B: N. Girón/Guerra (GUA)  2-1 Bremel/Johnson (USA) (21-13, 20-22, 15-12)

POOL C: Gonzalez/Navas (PUR) 2-1 Dunn/Law-Heese (CAN) (14-21, 21-14, 15-13)

Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Costa Rica Set the Pace in Manzanillo

MANZANILLO, Colima, August 29, 2025. — The opening men’s day of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour kicked off with great intensity in Manzanillo, where Puerto Ricans William Rivera and Diego Rosich and Costa Ricans Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela recorded two victories each, while Americans Timothy Brewster and Ryan Ierna needed three sets to edge out Mexico’s José Cárdenas and Jorman Osuna.

In Pool D, Rivera/Rosich confirmed their status as favorites after defeating Canada’s Tynan Gannett and Guillaume Rivest (21-19, 21-19) and Guatemala’s José Izaguirre and Santiago Penagos (21-18, 21-19). Araya/Varela also shined in this group with two clear wins: first against Izaguirre/Penagos (21-12, 21-15) and later over Gannett/Rivest (21-12, 21-12).

In Pool B, Cárdenas/Osuna opened strong against El Salvador’s Carlos Mejía and Gabriel Vargas (21-18, 21-13) but fell in a high-pressure duel against Americans Brewster/Ierna, who closed with a tight 2-1 victory (21-18, 19-21, 15-12).

Brewster/Lerna (USA1) VS Cárdenas/Osuna (MEX1)

The biggest surprise came in Pool A, where Mexicans Lares and Carlos Andrés Ayala defeated the U.S. duo Lev Priima and Charles Siragusa in straight sets (21-15, 22-20), after the Americans had earlier swept Trinidad & Tobago (21-7, 21-12).

In Pool C, Canadians Robert Kemp and Cameron Chadwick showed consistency by defeating Puerto Ricans Cristian Encarnación and José Pacheco (21-18, 21-15), after the Puerto Ricans had opened with a win against Guatemala’s Luis García and Andrés Maldonado (21-14, 21-19).

With these results, the day confirmed the favorites but also left room for surprises, with Mexico and Costa Rica raising the excitement heading into the next stage this Saturday.

RESULTS

POOL A

Priima/Siragusa (USA2) 2-0 Butcher/Enile (TTO) (21-7,21-12)  

Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX2) 2-0 Priima/Siragusa (USA2) (21-15, 22-20)

POOL B

Cárdenas/Osuna (MEX1) 2-0 Mejía/Vargas (ESA) (21-18,21-13)

Brewster/Lerna (USA1) 2-1 Cárdenas/Osuna (MEX1) (21-18,19-21,15-12)

POOL C

Pacheco/Encarnación (PUR2) 2-0 García/Maldonado (GUA2) (21-14,21-19)

Kemp/Chadwick (CAN2) 2-0 Pacheco/Encarnación (PUR2) (21-18, 21-15)

POOL D

Araya/Varela (CRC) 2-0 Izaguirre / Penagos (GUA) (21-12, 21-15)

Rosich / Rivera (PUR1) 2-0 Gannett/Rivest (CAN1) (21-19, 21-19)

Rosich/Rivera (PUR1) 2-0 Izaguirre / Penagos (GUA2) (21-18,21-19)

Araya/ Varela (CRC) 2-0 Gannett/Rivest (CAN1) (21-12, 21-12)

Puerto Rico and Mexico Open Strong in Manzanillo

MANZANILLO, Colima, August 29, 2025.– Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas confirmed why they are the top favorites at the sixth stop of the NORCECA Tour by debuting with a victory in Manzanillo, Colima.

The Caribbean duo, who already have three gold medals this season, defeated Mexico’s Naomi Cruz and Angélica Torres 2–0 (21-15, 21-9). Meanwhile, locals Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, champions of the last stop in Paramaribo, Suriname, defended the home sand by topping El Salvador’s Karla Tovar and Keiry Guzmán 2–0 (21-10, 21-11).

In Pool A, Costa Rica also celebrated as Katherine Quesada and Aliza Aguilar secured a 2–0 win over Tovar and Guzmán (21-11, 21-18) to get their campaign off to a strong start.

Torres Gutiérrez MEX

Pool B had a Canadian touch thanks to Akash Grewal and Katarina Pantovic, who came out victorious in back-to-back matches. First, they edged Guatemala’s Natalia Girón and Estefanie Bethancourt in three sets (21-14, 19-21, 15-12) and later closed the day with a 2–0 win against Americans Amarie Bremel and Arika Johnson (21-17, 22-20).

In Pool C, their compatriots Darby Dunn and Mikayla Law-Heese defeated Cruz and Torres 2–0 (21-12, 30-27), before González and Navas sealed their winning debut against the same Mexican pair.

With these results, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica stood out as the main protagonists of the opening day, starting the group phase on the right foot. The competition will continue tomorrow, Saturday, in Manzanillo with decisive matches on the road to qualification.

RESULTS

Pool A: Quesada/Aguilar (CRC) 2–0  Tovar/GUZMAN (ESA) (21-11, 21-18)Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX1) 2-0 Tovar/GUZMAN (ESA) (21-10,21-11)

Pool B: Grewal/Pantovic (CAN1) 2-1 Girón/Bethancourt (GUA)  (21-14,19-21,15-12)Grewal/Pantovic (CAN1) 2-0 Bremel/Johnson (USA) (21-17, 22-20)

Pool C

Dunn/Law-Heese (CAN2) 2-0 Cruz/Torres (MEX2) (21-12,30-27); González/Navas (PUR) 2-0 Cruz/Torres (MEX2) (21-15/21-9)

23 Teams to Compete in the Sixth Stage of the 2025 NORCECA Tour in Manzanillo

MANZANILLO, Colima, August 28, 2025-  The Mexican Pacific coast is set to welcome the continent’s top pairs with the sixth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, taking place August 29–31 in Manzanillo.

Following the preliminary inquiry, it was confirmed that the competition will feature 23 teams: 9 in the women’s division and 14 in the men’s division, representing a total of eight countries.

In the women’s field, Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas stand out, with three gold medals this season in the same number of appearances—all against the local duo of Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who arrive as champions of the most recent stop in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Joining the local pairs Jorman Osuna/José Cárdenas and Inés Vargas/Carlos Andrés Ayala in the men’s division are Puerto Ricans William Rivera and Diego Rosich, winners in Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas. Also competing are Timothy Brewster/Ryan Ierna of the United States, silver medalists earlier this year in Juan Dolio.

With this stage, Mexico reaffirms its role as a strategic host in the international circuit, adding up to four venues this year: Ciudad Madero, Manzanillo, Guadalajara, and Ciudad del Carmen.

Entrevista preliminar PUR female

POOL DISTRIBUTION

WOMEN

Pool A: MEX1: Torres/Gutiérrez; ESA: Tovar/Guzmán; CRC: Quesada/Aguilar;

Pool B: CAN1: Grewal/Pantovic; USA: Bremel/Johnson; GUA: Aguilar/Monney;

Pool C: MEX2: Cruz/ Torres; CAN2: Dunn/Law-Heese; PUR: González/Navas

MEN

Pool A: MEX1: Cárdenas/Osuna; USA2: Priima/Siragusa; TTO: Butcher/Enile;

Pool B: MEX2: Vargas/Ayala; USA1: Brewster/Ierna; ESA: Mejía/Vargas;

Pool C: CAN2: Kemp/Chadwick; GUA1: Maldonado/García; PUR2: Encarnación/Pacheco

Pool D: CAN: Gannett/Rivest; CRC: Araya/Varela; GUA2: Izaguirre/Penagos; PUR1: Rivera/Rosich

TEAMS

WOMEN: CANADA: Akash Grewal/Katarina Pantovic; Darby Dunn/Mikayla Law-Heese; COSTA RICA: Katherine Quesada/Aliza Aguliar; EL SALVADOR: Karla Tovar/Keiry Guzmán; GUATEMALA: Danna Aguilar/Naomi Monney; MEXICO Naomi Cruz/Angélica Torres; Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez; PUERTO RICO: María González/Allanis Navas; UNITED STATES: Amarie Bremel/Arika Johnson;

MEN: CANADA: Tynan Gannett/Guillaume Rivest; Robet Kemp/Cameron Chadwick; COSTA RICA Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela; EL SALVADOR: Carlos Mejía/Gabriel Vargas; GUATEMALA: Andrés Maldonado/Luis García; Josè Izaguirre/santiago Penagos; MEXICO: José Cardenas/Jorman Osuna; Ines Vargas/Carlos Ayala; PUERTO RICO: William Rivera/ Diego Rosich; Cristian Encarnación /José Pacheco; TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Josiah Butcher/Stephen Enile; UNITED STATES: Timothy Brewster/Ryan Ierna; Lev Priima/Charles Siragusa;

CAZOVA U18 Beach Volleyball Camp and Tournament Serves Off in Tobago

COURLAND, Tobago, August 27, 2025.- The Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Under-18 Beach Volleyball Camp and Tournament officially began in Courland, Tobago, bringing together over 50 athletes and coaches from eight participating nations: Aruba, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Haiti, Martinique, St. Kitts and Nevis, United States Virgin Islands, and host nation Trinidad and Tobago.

This initiative forms part of CAZOVA’s ongoing development programme, designed to prepare the region’s young athletes for future Zonal and Continental competitions, as well as their progression toward World Championships and Olympic qualification tournaments.

CAZOVA U18 Beach Volleyball Seminar

The Secretary of Sports from the Tobago House of Assembly addressed the opening, encouraging the athletes—referred to as “future Olympians”—and pledged continued support for hosting such international events in Tobago.

Annette Knott, Secretary General of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, expressed her satisfaction with supporting the Olympic Solidarity funding request for this project. She highlighted that the event ties directly into the legacy of the Commonwealth Youth Games, which provided Tobago with a world-class beach volleyball facility to foster youth development.

The camp is being conducted under the guidance of Brazilian instructor Paulao Roberto Moreira da Costa, who will lead a two-day seminar for coaches and athletes before competition play begins. The final two days will feature the tournament, providing athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills on the sand.

This age group represents a crucial stage for the region’s emerging talent pool, with many athletes aspiring to be considered for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

Donley/Sherman from USA, Women’s Beach Volleyball Gold at the Junior Pan American Games

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 22, 2025. Donley/Sherman from the United States claimed the women’s beach volleyball gold medal at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, defeating Sara/Rodríguez from Venezuela in the final held this Friday at the Pynandí Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.

The Americans Emma Donley and Portia Sherman dominated from start to finish against Venezuela’s Sara López and Darlin Rodríguez, winning 2-0 (21-16, 21-10) to secure the gold medal. In the first set, the South Americans attempted to challenge for the title, but in the second the North American dominance was absolute.

USA

In the bronze medal match, with a packed stadium and full support from the home crowd, Denisse Álvarez and Fiorella Núñez of Paraguay bounced back after losing the second set and prevailed in the tie-break 2-1 (21-14, 19-21, 15-6) over Canada’s Jaeya Brach and Sophia Hladyniuk.

All winners

In the classification matches:

  • 5th place: Maykelin Drik/Kailin Garrido CUB def. María Isabel Chacón/María José Galindo BOL 2-1 (17-21, 21-17, 16-14).
  • 7th place: Carolina Sallaberry/Julia Vieira BRA def. Estephannie Castillo/Yezet Romero PER 2-1 (21-12, 19-21, 15-7).
  • 9th place: Marisa Abdala/Maia Najul ARG def. Alejandra Dubost/Viviana Urretaviscaya CHI 2-0 (22-20, 21-19).
  • 11th place: Mercy Beleño/Mariana Gaviria COL def. Laura Molina/Sofía Vega CRC 2-0 (21-16, 21-15).

Final Ranking

  1. Emma Donley/Portia Sherman USA
  2. Sara López/Darlin Rodríguez VEN
  3. Denisse Álvarez/Fiorella Núñez PAR
  4. Jaeya Brach/Sophia Hladyniuk CAN
  5. Maykelin Drik/Kailin Garrido CUB
  6. María Isabel Chacón/María José Galindo BOL
  7. Carolina Sallaberry/Julia Vieira BRA
  8. Estephannie Castillo/Yezet Romero PER
  9. Marisa Abdala/Maia Najul ARG
  10. Alejandra Dubost/Viviana Urretaviscaya CHI
  11. Mercy Beleño/Mariana Gaviria COL
  12. Laura Molina/Sofía Vega CRC
  13. Norma Brenes/Nahima Silva NCA
  14. Yari Cleto/Crismil Paniagua DOM
  15. Karla Tovar/Daniela Vigil ESA
  16. Danna Aguilar/Ana Sofía Arévalo GUA

United States, GOLD Medal in Men’s Beach Volleyball at the Junior Pan American Games

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 22, 2025. The United States won the gold medal in men’s beach volleyball at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, by defeating Brazil in the final this Friday at the Pynandí Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.

The United States, with Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst, won the gold medal by defeating Isac Farias and José Jonathan Heleno de Menezes of Brazil 2 sets to 1. The Americans comfortably won the first set (21-11), the Brazilians recovered in the second set (21-16), leaving everything to the tie-break, in which the Stars and Stripes took the victory 15-7.

USA Gold Medal

With the title achieved, the United States secured their qualification for the Pan American Games Lima 2027. Brazil also qualified, since the tournament awarded two tickets to the event: the first to the champion, and the second to the best-ranked team of the Confederation that did not win the title.

The bronze medal match was quite exciting. Enyenser Delgado and Juliangel Zaid of Venezuela came from behind to defeat Argentina’s Marcos Ezequiel González and Fausto Inostroza 2 sets to 1 (13-21, 21-16, 15-10) and thus take third place in the tournament and step onto the podium.

In the match for 5th place: Damián Gómez/Eblis Veranes CUB def. David Chaput/Cameron McGregor CAN 2-1 (17-21, 21-10, 15-13); for 7th place: Mikhail Cuadrado/Luciano Fernández URU def. Yoel Guardado/Christopher Guardado ESA 2-1 (21-14, 15-21, 16-14); for 9th place: Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela CRC def. Ramón De Jesús Goris/Rolvin Maldonado DOM 2-0 (21-15, 21-15); and for 11th place: Martin Etcheberry/Fernando Quintero CHI def. Juanangel Gómez/Camilo Vargas PAR 2-0 (21-15, 21-18).

Final Ranking

  1. Gage Basey/Thomas Hurst USA
  2. Isac Farias/José Jonathan Heleno de Menezes BRA
  3. Enyenser Delgado/Juliangel Zaid VEN
  4. Marcos Ezequiel González/Fausto Inostroza ARG
  5. Damián Gómez/Eblis Veranes CUB
  6. David Chaput/Cameron McGregor CAN
  7. Mikhail Cuadrado/Luciano Fernández URU
  8. Yoel Guardado/Christopher Guardado ESA
  9. Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela CRC
  10. Ramón De Jesús Goris/Rolvin Maldonado DOM
  11. Martin Etcheberry/Fernando Quintero CHI
  12. Juanangel Gómez/Camilo Vargas PAR
  13. José Bowen/Isaac Jiménez ECU
  14. David Durán/Julio Velarde BOL
  15. Deyner López/Jesy Umaña NCA
  16. Julian Bristol/Clerique Ward SKN

United States and Brazil will play the Men’s Beach Volleyball final

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 21, 2025.- The United States and Brazil will play for the gold medal in men’s beach volleyball at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, after defeating Venezuela and Argentina in semifinals, respectively, at the Pynandí Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.

Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst defeated the Venezuelan pair of Enyenser Delgado and Juliangel Zaid 2-1 (22-24, 21-16, 15-11), in a spectacular semifinal in which the Americans had to give their all to overcome the South Americans.

The other semifinal, a South American classic, went to Brazil with Isac Farias and José Jonathan Heleno de Menezes, who managed to prevail in two tight sets (23-21, 22-20) over the Argentinians Marcos Ezequiel González and Fausto Inostroza.

Brazil

The final of the tournament will be played this Friday, August 22, starting at 7:00 p.m. (local time), while Venezuela and Argentina will be playing for the bronze medal at 5:00 p.m. (local time).

The victories of the United States and Brazil automatically qualify both teams for the Pan American Games Lima 2027, since the regulations state that the champion of this tournament, and the best ranked team from the confederation that does not win the title, will qualify for the event.

In the matches for positions 5 to 8, Damián Gómez/Eblis Veranes (CUB) defeated Mikhail Cuadrado/Luciano Fernández (URU) 2-0 (21-12, 22-20); and David Chaput/Cameron McGregor (CAN) beat Yoel Guardado/Christopher Guardado (ESA) 2-0 (25-23, 21-17). Now, on August 22, Damián Gómez/Eblis Veranes (CUB) will face David Chaput/Cameron McGregor (CAN) for fifth place, and for seventh place Mikhail Cuadrado/Luciano Fernández (URU) will face the Guardado brothers from El Salvador.

The results of the matches for positions 9 to 12 were: Araya/Varela (CRC) defeated Martin/Quintero (CHI) 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) and De Jesús/Maldonado (DOM) beat Juan/Camilo (PAR) 2-1 (19-21, 21-13, 15-9).

The last day of competition begins at 9:00 a.m. with placement matches; followed by the bronze medal match at 5:00 p.m. and the gold medal match at 7:00 p.m.

Women’s Beach Volleyball Final between the United States and Venezuela

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 21, 2025.- This Thursday the women’s beach volleyball final of the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025 was defined, between the United States and Venezuela at the Pynandí Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.

Emma Donley and Portia Sherman of the United States had a tough first set, before defeating Jaeya Brach and Sophia Hladyniuk of Canada 22-20 and 21-17, who fought until the last point, staying just short in both sets.

In the other semifinal, Sara López and Darlin Rodríguez of Venezuela had nerves of steel to defeat the Paraguayans Denisse Álvarez and Fiorella Núñez, 21-17 and 21-17, in front of a full stadium,

Venezuela

The final will be played this Friday, August 22 at 8 PM (local time) between the United States and Venezuela, and the bronze medal will be played at 6 PM between Paraguay and Canada.

The United States and Venezuela secured a spot for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games, since the regulations state that the champion of the tournament and the best-ranked team from the opposite confederation that does not win the title qualify for the event.

In the matches for positions 5-8, María Isabel Chacón and María José Galindo of Bolivia won their match against Estephannie Castillo/Yezet Romero of Peru 2-0 (21-16, 21-14); while Cubans Maykelin Drik and Kailin Garrido surprised Brazilians Carolina Sallaberry and Julia Vieira 2-0 (23-21, 21-16). This Friday Chacón/Galindo BOL will face Drik/Garrido CUB for fifth place in the tournament, while Brazil and Peru will play for 7th place.

For positions 9-12, Dubost/Viviana CHI def. Molina/Sofía V. CRC 2-0 (21-18, 21-15); Abdala/Najul ARG def. Beleño/Gaviria COL 2-0 (21-12, 21-17).

The last day of the tournament will begin at 9:45 AM  with matches for the last positions, followed by the Bronze Medal match at 6 PM and the Gold Medal will be played at 8 PM.

Venezuela, Paraguay, Canada and USA are in the women’s semifinals

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 20, 2025.- The women’s beach volleyball semifinals at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025 were defined, between Venezuela against Paraguay and the United States against Canada. The semifinals will be played this Thursday at the Pynandí Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.

Sara López and Darlin Rodríguez from Venezuela qualified for the semifinal by defeating Estephannie Castillo/Yezet Romero of Peru 2-0 (21-11, 21-13) in quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Denisse Álvarez/Fiorella Núñez from Paraguay defeated María Isabel Chacón/María José Galindo from Bolivia in a thrilling match 2-1 (19-21, 21-10, 15-6). Earlier in the round of 16, the Paraguayans had defeated Laura Molina/Sofía Vega from Costa Rica 2-0 (21-13, 21-9).

In the other quarterfinal matches, Emma Donley and Portia Sherman from the United States beat Cubans Maykelin Drik/Kailin Garrido 2-0 (21-14, 21-17). For their part, Canada defeated 2-1 (16-21, 21-13, 15-9) the current junior Pan American champions, Brazil.

The champion will secure a direct berth to the Pan American Games Lima 2027. In addition, the best-ranked team from the opposite continental confederation that does not win the gold medal will also qualify.

Bolivia

Round of 16 results

Denisse Álvarez/Fiorella Núñez (PAR) vs. Laura Molina/Sofía Vega (CRC) 2-0 (21-13, 21-9); Estephannie Castillo/Yezet Romero (PER) vs. Alejandra Dubost/Viviana Urretaviscaya (CHI) 2-0 (21-12, 21-15); Carolina Sallaberry/Julia Vieira (BRA) vs. Marisa Abdala/Maia Najul (ARG) 2-1 (21-16, 18-21, 15-9); Maykelin Drik/Kailin Garrido (CUB) vs. Mercy Beleño/Mariana Gaviria (COL) 2-0 (21-15, 21-15).

Results of the placement games 13/16

Yari Cleto/Crismil Paniagua (DOM) vs. Danna Aguilar/Ana Sofía Arévalo (GUA) 2-0 (21-6, 21-13); Norma Brenes/Nahima Silva (NCA) vs. Karla Tovar/Daniela Vigil (ESA) 2-1 (21-10, 15-21, 15-9).

Men’s Beach Volleyball Semifinals Defined

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 20, 2025.- After an intense day of men’s beach volleyball at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, the semifinals were defined and will be played this Thursday at the Pynandí Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.

The champion will secure a direct berth to the Lima 2027 Pan American Games. In addition, the highest-ranked team from the opposite continental confederation that does not win gold will also qualify.

At 5:00 PM (local time), the first semifinal will be played between Argentina (Marcos Ezequiel González/Fausto Inostroza) and Brazil (Isac Farias/José Jonathan Heleno de Menezes).

Brazil reached this stage after defeating Canadians David Chaput and Cameron McGregor 2-0 (21-19, 21-18).

USA

Argentina’s path was longer. First, they defeated in the Round of 16 Ramón De Jesús Goris/Rolvin Maldonado of Dominican Republic 2-0 (21-18, 21-15), and then in the quarterfinals they beat El Salvador’s twin brothers Yoel Guardado and Christopher Guardado 2-1 (24-26, 21-13, 15-11).

The second semifinal will be played immediately after, between Enyenser Delgado and Juliangel Zaid of Venezuela and Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst of the United States.

Venezuela reached this stage thanks to their 2-1 (19-21, 23-21, 15-13) quarterfinal victory over Damián Gómez/Eblis Veranes of Cuba, while the U.S. advanced after defeating Mikhail Cuadrado/Luciano Fernández of Uruguay 2-0 (21-11, 21-15).

Round of 16 Results

Mikhail Cuadrado/Luciano Fernández URU derrotaron a Martin Etcheberry/Fernando Quintero CHI 2-0 (24-22, 21-12), Damián Gómez/Eblis Veranes CUB venceiron Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela CRC 2-1 (18-21, 21-15, 15-10), David Chaput/Cameron McGregor CAN le ganaron a Juanangel Gómez/Camilo Vargas PAR 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) y Marcos Ezequiel González/Fausto Inostroza ARG a Jesus Goris/Rolvin Maldonado DOM 2-0 (21-18, 21-15).

Matches for positions 13/16

José Bowen e Isaac Jiménez ECU vs Deyner López y Jesy Umaña NCA 2-1 (21-15, 14-21, 15-11); David Duran/Julio Velarde BOL vs Julian Bristol/Clerique Ward SKN 2-1 (18-21, 21-7, 15-5).

Seven Undefeated Teams in the Women’s Division

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 18, 2025.- The Women’s Division of Beach Volleyball at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, held at the Pynandí Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, began with seven pairs that did not suffer defeat.

With two wins in Pool A are Denisse Álvarez/Fiorella Núñez of Paraguay and Emma Donley/Portia Sherman of the United States. These two teams will face off on Tuesday, at 1:00 PM (local time).

Paraguay defeated Nicaragua’s Nahima Silva/Norma Brenes 2-0 (21-11, 21-7) and Maia Najul/Marisa Abdala of Argentina 2-1 (22-24, 21-15, 15-11), in what was perhaps the best match of the day, while the United States also beat Argentina (18-21, 21-18, 15-11) and Nicaragua (21-14, 21-13).

Sara López VEN

In Group B, with two victories, are María Isabel Chacón and María José Galindo of Bolivia, who will close the group stage facing the Dominicans Yari Cleto/Crismil Paniagua, who stand with two defeats.

The Bolivians defeated Maykelin Drik/Kailin Garrido of Cuba 2-0 (15-21, 21-13, 15-10) and Estephannie Castillo/Yezet Romero of Peru with scores of 21-8 and 21-13.

With one victory and still undefeated are Sara López/Darlin Rodríguez of Venezuela and Carolina Sallaberry/Julia Vieira of Brazil in Pool C, while in Pool D, Sophia Hladyniuk/Jaeya Brach of Canada and Mercy Beleño/Mariana Gaviria of Colombia remain undefeated.

The tournament continues this Tuesday, August 19, starting at 10:00 AM (local time) with the matches between Brazil and Venezuela, in a clash of undefeated teams. Also, at 10:00 AM, Costa Rica will face Guatemala in a Central American classic.

Total Excitement in the Women’s Beach Volleyball

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 19, 2025.- The women’s beach volleyball group stage at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025 concluded with thrilling battles across all four pools defining the pairs advancing to the knockout rounds.

The U.S. duo Donley/Sherman secured first place in Pool A after a perfect (3-0) run, capped by a hard-fought 2-1 victory (22-24, 21-15, 16-14) over the local pair Denisse/Fio from Paraguay, who finished second with a 2-1 record. Argentina (Abdala/Najul) placed third (1-2), while Nicaragua (Brenes/Silva) closed in fourth (0-3).

The U.S. now awaits the winner of the match between Drik/Kailin (CUB) vs Beleño/Gaviria (COL).

With a solid performance, the Bolivian duo Isa/Galindo went undefeated (3-0) and topped Pool B, securing their spot as medal contenders. The Bolivians defeated Cleto/Paniagua (DOM) in their final match 2-0 (21-16, 21-11). Cuba (Drik/Kailin) showed resilience and finished second with a 2-1 record. Peru’s Castillo/Yezet (1-2) placed third, while the Dominican Republic (Cleto/Paniagua) failed to secure a win (0-3).

Bolivia now awaits the winner of Denisse/Fio (PAR) vs Molina/Sofi V (CRC).

Canada

The Venezuelan pair Sara/Rodríguez also finished unbeaten (3-0) in Pool C, highlighted by a key victory yesterday over Brazil, 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-12), and today’s win against Aguilar/Arévalo (GUA), 2-0 (21-6, 21-8). The Brazilian duo Carol/Julia responded with two victories (2-1) to take second place. Costa Rica (Molina/Sofi V) claimed third (1-2) after a tough battle with Guatemala, which ended winless in fourth.

The Venezuelans now await the winner of Dubost/Viviana (CHI) vs Castillo/Yezet (PER).

In Pool D, the Canadian duo Brach/Hladyniuk dominated with authority, finishing undefeated (3-0) without dropping a single set. Chile’s Dubost/Viviana secured second place (2-1) with a valuable win over El Salvador, while Colombia’s Beleño/Gaviria finished third (1-2). The Salvadoran pair Tovar/Vigil closed without victories (0-3). Canada wrapped up the group with a 2-0 win (21-14, 21-12) over Beleño/Gaviria (COL), a match that decided the top two positions.

With the group stage completed, all eyes now turn to the Round of 16, where the qualified pairs will fight to keep their medal hopes alive.

Wednesday’s action begins at 11:15 AM (local time) with the matches Drik/Kailin (CUB) vs Beleño/Gaviria (COL) and a South American classic: Carol/Julia (BRA) vs Abdala/Najul (ARG).

Men’s Division of the Junior Pan American Games begins with 6 undefeated pairs

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 18, 2025.- The start of the Men’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, held at the Pynandí Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, left six undefeated pairs after the first day of competition.

Of the six teams,  the United States and El Salvador achieved two victories. Venezuela, Canada, Brazil, and Costa Rica each recorded one win, and on Tuesday, when the group stage concludes, these teams will play two matches, while the Salvadorans and Americans will only play one.

The Guardado brothers from El Salvador, Yoel and Christopher, in Pool A, secured two victories by 2 sets to 0. In their first match, they defeated Chile’s Martín Etcheberry and Fernando Quintero 21-15 and 22-20; later they faced and defeated Julian Bristol/Clerique Ward of Saint Kitts and Nevis 21-13 and 21-8. Their last match will be quite challenging as they face the home team, Juanangel Gómez/Camilo Vargas, who hold a record of one win and one loss.

Thomas Hurst USA

Meanwhile, in Pool B, the U.S. pair of Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst defeated Argentina’s Marcos Ezequiel González and Fausto Inostroza with scores of 21-16 and 21-11; at the end of the day, they won 21-19 and 21-19 over Cuba’s Damián Gómez/Eblis Veranes. The United States will close pool play against José Bowen and Isaac Jiménez of Ecuador, who have yet to earn a victory in the tournament.

The other four undefeated teams were:

Venezuela, with Enyenser Delgado and Juliangel Zaid, who defeated Nicaragua’s Deyner López/Jesy Umaña 2-0 (21-10, 21-10). Canada, with David Chaput and Cameron McGregor, also from Pool C, who defeated Uruguay’s Mikhail Cuadrado/Luciano Fernández 2-0 (21-19, 21-15).

In Pool D, the defending champions Brazil (Isac Farias/José Jonathan Heleno de Menezes) defeated the Dominicans Ramón De Jesús Goris/Rolvin Maldonado 2-0 (21-13, 21-15). And Costa Rica (Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela), who beat Bolivia’s David Durán/Julio Velarde 2-0 (21-16, 21-13) .

The tournament continues this Tuesday, August 19, with 12 matches, starting with Pool C at 11:30 AM (local time), featuring Venezuela vs. Uruguay and Canada vs. Nicaragua in a clash of undefeated teams.

El Salvador, USA, Venezuela and Brazil dominate Men Pool Play in Beach Volleyball

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 19, 2025.- El Salvador, United States, Venezuela and Brazil went undefeated in men pool play at the Beach Volleyball tournament of the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, held at the Estadio Pynandí of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, securing the top spot in their respective pools and advancing with authority to the knockout stage.

In Pool A, twins Yoel and Christopher Guardado of El Salvador remained flawless, without dropping a single set in the group stage. On Tuesday, they sealed first place with a 2-0 (21-18, 21-12) win over Paraguay’s Juanangel Gómez and Camilo Vargas. The Salvadorians now await the winner of the match between González/Inostroza (ARG) and De Jesús/Maldonado (DOM).

Final standing pool A: 1. Guardado/Guardado (ESA) 3-0; 2. Martin/Quintero (CHI) 2-1; 3. Juan/Camilo (PAR) 1-2; 4. Bristol/Clerique (SKN) 0-3.

In Pool B, the American duo Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst confirmed their dominance with a 2-0 (21-15, 21-17) victory over José/Isaac (ECU), completing their perfect run. They now wait for the winner between Martin/Quintero (CHI) and Cuadrado/Luciano (URU).

Final standing pool B: 1. Basey/Hurst (USA) 3-0; 2. González/Inostroza (ARG) 2-1; 3. Gómez/Veranes (CUB) 1-2; 4. José/Isaac (ECU) 0-3.

El Salvador

In Pool C, Venezuela’s Enyenser Delgado and Juliangel Zaid had a flawless day, winning both of their matches. They first defeated Cuadrado/Luciano (URU) 2-0 (21-11, 21-17) and later swept Chaput/McGregor (CAN) 2-0 (21-11, 21-14), securing the top position. They now await the winner between Araya/Varela (CRC) and Gómez/Veranes (CUB).

Final standing pool C: 1. Delgado/Zaid (VEN) 3-0; 2. Chaput/McGregor (CAN) 2-1; 3. Cuadrado/Luciano (URU) 1-2; 4. López/López (NCA) 0-3.

Finally, in pool D, defending champions Brazil, Isac Farias and José Jonathan Heleno de Menezes, started strong with a 2-0 (21-14, 21-11) win against David/Julio (BOL). In their second match, they were pushed to the limit by Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela, but prevailed in a tie-break 2-1 (21-17, 17-21, 21-19). The Brazilians now await the winner between Chaput/McGregor (CAN) and Juan/Camilo (PAR).

Final standing pool D: 1. Isac/Jonathan (BRA) 3-0; 2. Araya/Varela (CRC) 2-1; 3. De Jesús/Maldonado (DOM) 1-2; 4. David/Julio (BOL) 0-3.

The competition continues on Wednesday, August 20, starting at 9:00 AM (local time) with the Round of 16, as teams battle for a spot in the quarterfinals.

All is Ready for the Start of Beach Volleyball of the II Junior Pan American Games

ASUNCION, Paraguay, August 17, 2025. Today, the registration of the 32 pairs, 16 in each division (men’s and women’s), and the technical meeting were held, where all the details were explained about how the beach volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asuncion 2025 will be carried out.

The event begins this Monday, August 18, at the Pynandi Stadium of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, with 24 matches: 12 in the men’s division and 12 in the women’s. The Brazilian pairs arrive as the defending champions, after winning the I Junior Pan American Games held in Cali, four years ago.

The tournament will begin with the Men’s Division. On the main court, the local team of Juanangel Gomez and Camilo Vargas will face Julian Bristol/Clerique Ward of Saint Kitts and Nevis at 10:00 AM (local time). At the same time, on court 2, the Salvadoran twin pair Yoel and Christopher Guardado will face Martin Etcheberry/Fernando Quintero of Chile.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Division will start at 11:30 AM (local time) on the main court, with the local pair Denisse Alvarez/Fiorella Nunez opening the tournament against the Nicaraguans Norma Brenes/Nahima Silva. At the same time, on the alternate court, Emma Donley/Portia Sherman of the United States will face Marisa Abdala/Maia Najul of Argentina.

Paraguay

The competition day is divided into two sessions: the first starts at 10:00 AM, with the last match at 1:45 PM; the second begins at 4:00 PM and concludes with the last match scheduled at 7:45 PM, alternating 4 men’s matches and 4 women’s matches, two per court.

The groups were defined as follows:

Women’s Division

Pool A: Argentina (Maia Najul/Marisa Abdala), Nicaragua (Nahima Silva/Norma Brenes), Paraguay (Fiorella Nunez/Denisse Alvarez), United States (Portia Sherman/Emma Donley).

Pool B: Bolivia (Maria Isabel Chacon/Maria Jose Galindo), Cuba (Kailin Garrido/Maykelin Drik), Dominican Republic (Yari Cleto/Crismil Paniagua), Peru (Estephannie Castillo/Yezet Romero).

Pool C: Brazil (Carolina Sallaberry/Julia Vieira), Costa Rica (Laura Molina/Sofia Vega), Guatemala (Ana Sofia Arevalo/Danna Aguilar), Venezuela (Sara Lopez/Darlin Rodriguez).

Pool D: Canada (Sophia Hladyniuk/Jaeya Brach), Chile (Viviana Urretaviscaya/Alejandra Dubost), Colombia (Mercy Beleno/Mariana Gaviria), El Salvador (Karla Tovar/Daniela Vigil).

Men’s Division

Pool A: Chile (Martin Etcheberry/Fernando Quintero), El Salvador (Christopher Guardado/Yoel Guardado), Saint Kitts and Nevis (Clerique Ward/Julian Bristol), Paraguay (Juanangel Gomez/Camilo Vargas).

Pool B: Argentina (Marcos Ezequiel Gonzalez/Fausto Inostroza), Cuba (Damian Gomez/Eblis Veranes), Ecuador (Isaac Jimenez/Jose Bowen), United States (Gage Basey/Thomas Hurst).

Pool C: Canada (David Chaput/Cameron McGregor), Nicaragua (Deyner Lopez/Jesy Umana), Uruguay (Mikhail Cuadrado/Luciano Fernandez), Venezuela (Enyenser Delgado/Juliangel Zaid).

Pool D: Brazil (Jose Jonathan Heleno de Menezes/Isac Farias), Bolivia (Julio Velarde/David Duran), Costa Rica (Julian Araya/Jhostin Varela), Dominican Republic (Rolvin Maldonado/Ramon De Jesus Goris).

Beach Volleyball Set to Shine in Asunción 2025

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 16, 2025.- The sand of the Beach Volleyball Stadium at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee is set to welcome 32 teams from 19 countries for the highly anticipated beach volleyball tournament of the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025.

With 16 teams per gender chasing glory, the top prize is more than just a medal: the champion will secure a direct berth to the Lima 2027 Pan American Games. In addition, the highest-ranked team from the opposite continental confederation that does not win gold will also qualify. A total of eight teams (4 per gender) will qualify to Lima 2027.

Brazil, the current champion in both genders, arrives determined to defend its crowns, while new rising powers dream of dethroning the titleholders and paving their way to Lima.

Pool Distribution – Women

  • Pool A: Argentina, Nicaragua, Paraguay, United States
  • Pool B: Bolivia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Peru
  • Pool C: Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela
  • Pool D: Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador

Pool Distribution – Men

  • Pool A: Chile, El Salvador, St. Kitts & Nevis, Paraguay
  • Pool B: Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, United States
  • Pool C: Canada, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Venezuela
  • Pool D: Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic

The preliminary meeting and official team registration will take place on August 17 starting at 9:00 a.m. The tournament will kick off on August 18 with morning and afternoon sessions. The final round with the medal matches will be held on August 22.

All Set for Volleyball at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025!

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 8, 2025.– From August 9 to 23, Asunción will host the II Junior Pan American Games, with Indoor and Beach Volleyball events taking place at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) facilities, located in Luque, on the suburbs of the Paraguayan capital. This complex is considered the largest sports city in the Americas.

The Games offer an added incentive: the champion team in each discipline per gender will earn a direct berth to the 2027 Pan American Games.

The competition brings together the best teams from the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA  and the South American Volleyball Confederation CSV. Both confederations held their own qualification systems for these Games.

Indoor Volleyball

The Indoor Volleyball competition will take place at the modern COP Arena, starting with the women’s tournament from August 10 to 15, followed by the men’s tournament from August 17 to 22.

Qualified Teams – Women’s Division:
NORCECA: Cuba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico
CSV: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay

Qualified Teams – Men’s Division:
NORCECA: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico
CSV: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay

Beach Volleyball

Beach Volleyball will be contested from August 18 to 22 at the Pynandi Stadium, featuring 16 teams per gender (8 from NORCECA and 8 from CSV), all vying for a place in the senior 2027 Pan American Games.

Women’s Teams – NORCECA:
Dominican Republic, Canada, Costa Rica, United States, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua

Men’s Teams – NORCECA:
Cuba, Costa Rica, Canada, El Salvador, United States, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and St. Kitts and Nevis

Women’s Teams – CSV:
Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru

Men’s Teams – CSV:
Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Uruguay

The II Junior Pan American Games promise to be a key platform for developing the next generation of athletes across the continent, with volleyball among the most exciting sports on the schedule.

Mexico, Canada, Suriname and the United States Advance to Women’s Semifinals in Paramaribo

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, July 26, 2025.- The women’s pairs from Mexico, Canada, Suriname and the United States secured their spots in the semifinals of the fifth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, taking place at the Telesur Cus Complex in Paramaribo, Suriname.

In the quarterfinals, Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez cruised past locals Chayeney Soemadah and Chanice Myr with a commanding 2-0 (21-3, 21-5) victory. Meanwhile, Canada’s sisters Kayleen and Emma Glagau also dominated their match, defeating Suriname’s Margaret Ketura and Charice Frankel 2-0 (21-0, 21-12).

The home duo of Janneke Tammenga and Chagnaz Frankel battled through a tight three-setter against Melanie Valenciana and Cristina Almeida of the U.S. Virgin Islands, earning their semifinal berth with a 2-1 (21-19, 17-21, 15-3) win. The U.S. pair Piper Ferch/Erin Inskeep advanced directly to the semifinals with a bye.

On Sunday, the semifinals will feature Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX) facing Glagau/Glagau (CAN) and Tammenga/Frankel (SUR) against Ferch/Inskeep (USA), with the decisive matches starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Telesur Cus Complex.

Other results of the day were: MEX Susana Torres/Atenas Gutierrez d ISV Melanie Valenciana/Cristina Almeida 2-0 (21-9, 21-10), CAN Kayle Glagau/Emma Glagau d SUR Janneke Tammenga/Chagnaz Frankel 2-0 (21-12, 21-9), USA Piper Ferch/Erin Inskeep d Chayeney Soedamah/Chanice Myr 2-0 (21-1, 21-3).

Mexico, Canada and Two U.S. Pairs Advance to Men’s Semifinals in Paramaribo

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, July 26, 2025.- The fifth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, being held at the Telesur Cus Complex in Paramaribo, has its men’s semifinalists set.

The teams advancing are: Antonio Lares/Carlos Ayala of Mexico (MEX), Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp of Canada (CAN), and the two U.S. duos: Taylor Crabb/Trevor Crabb (USA1) and Derek Bradford/Zephyr Dew (USA2).

Antonio Lares and Carlos Ayala secured their spot after defeating Suriname’s Joshua Dwarkasing/Ethan Asimia in the quarterfinals 2-0 (21-11, 21-8). In the semifinals, they will face Canada’s Chadwick/Kemp, who advanced after beating Elkreen Morton/Zendai Richards of Saint Kitts and Nevis 2-0 (21-13, 21-17).

The second semifinal will feature brothers Taylor and Trevor Crabb, who downed local pair Dean Kasdi/Anferney Schmeltz 2-0 (21-10, 21-13), against Bradford/Dew, who earned their spot by defeating Suriname’s David Pinas/Keven Sporkslede with identical scores of 2-0 (21-12, 21-12).

The semifinals, finals, and placement matches will take place this Sunday, July 27, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Telesur Cus Complex.

Other results of the day were: SUR Joshua Dwarkasing/Ethan Asimia of SKN Elkreen Morton/Zendai Richards 2-0 (21-15, 23-21); CAN Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp of USA Derek Bradford/Zephyr Dew 2-0 (21-18, 23-21); MEX Antonio Lares/Carlos Ayala of ISV Jared Brown/Cole Sommer 2-0 (21-3, 21-10).

NORCECA/FIVB Regional Center Concludes International Beach Volleyball Coaches Course

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 25, 2025.- The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center successfully concluded the International Beach Volleyball Coaches Course, held over five days on the sand courts of the Güibia Beach recreational center in Santo Domingo.

The training brought together 15 coaches from Chile, Mexico, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, under the instruction of Venezuelan Mauro Hernández, appointed by the FIVB, with the technical assistance of Alexander Massó of Cuba, director of the Dominican Republic’s beach volleyball program.

“The group demonstrated a high level of game knowledge and was able to absorb all the guidance we provided on technical advancements,” said course director Mauro Hernández, who also praised the excellent organization that always characterizes the Dominican Republic Development Center.

The course was supported by the NORCECA Confederation, presided over by Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, reinforcing the region’s commitment to coach education and the growth of beach volleyball at the international level.

Mexico, U.S. Virgin Islands and the United States open undefeated in the women’s division

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, July 25, 2025. – The pairs from Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United States started unbeaten in the women’s division of the fifth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, held for the first time in Suriname at the Telesur Cul Complex sand courts in Paramaribo.

In Pool A, Melanie Valenciana and Cristina Almeida (U.S. Virgin Islands) defeated Suriname’s Margaret Ketura/Charis Frankel with identical scores 2-0 (21-16, 21-16). In the same pool, Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, runners-up in the previous four stops, comfortably topped Ketura/Frankel 2-0 (21-6, 21-14).

In Pool B, the United States’ Piper Perch and Erin Inskeep earned two wins: first against the home team of Janneke Tammenga/Chagnaz Frakel 2-0 (21-10, 21-5), then in a thrilling three-set battle over Canada’s Kayleen and Emma Glagau 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15-6).

Action continues Saturday with the conclusion of the preliminary round, followed by the quarterfinals and the losers’ bracket.

Other results of the day included: CAN K. Glagau/E. Glagau vs. SUR Cheyeney Soedamah/Chanice Myr 2-0 (21-5, 21-3); SUR Tammanega/Frankel vs. SUR Soedamah/Myr 2-0 (21-11, 21-15).

Mexico, Canada and the United States remain undefeated in the men’s division

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, July 25, 2025. – The pairs from Mexico, Canada and both U.S. teams opened with a perfect record in the men’s division of the fifth stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, which kicked off Friday on the sand courts at the Telesur Cul Complex in Paramaribo.

In Pool A, brothers Taylor and Trevor Crabb won both of their matches, first defeating Elkreen Morton/Zendai Richards of Saint Kitts and Nevis 2-0 (21-10, 21-17) and then easing past locals Joshua Dwarkasing/Ethan Asimia 2-0 (21-12, 21-8).

Pool B also saw U.S. dominance as Derek Bradford/Zephir Dew beat Suriname’s Dean Kasdi/Anferney Schmeltz 2-0 (21-13, 21-16). In the same pool, Canada’s Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp claimed a commanding win over Kasdi/Schmeltz 2-0 (21-12, 21-6).

The only men’s match that went to three sets was in Pool C, where Mexico’s Antonio Lares and Carlos Ayala rallied to edge Suriname’s David Pinas/Keven Sporkslede 2-1 (21-10, 10-21, 17-15).

Action continues Saturday with the conclusion of the preliminary round, followed by the quarterfinals and the losers’ bracket.

Other results of the day included: SUR David Pinas/Keven Sporkslede d ISV Jared Brown/Cole Sommer 2-0 (21-16, 21-11).

16 Duos to Compete in NORCECA Beach Tour in Suriname

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, July 24, 2025. – A total of 16 teams from 6 different countries will compete in the fifth stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, an event being held for the first time ever in Suriname, with the Telesur Cul Complex in Paramaribo serving as the venue.

Nine men’s teams and seven women’s teams confirmed their participation during the preliminary meeting held on Thursday.

All pairs will give their best in the preliminary round, which kicks off this Friday at 10:00 AM, aiming to advance from the group stage to the knockout rounds.

A total of 12 matches, six per gender, are scheduled for the opening day. The preliminary round will conclude on Saturday, along with the quarterfinals. Semifinals, the consolation round, and the grand final will take place on Sunday.

Men’s Teams: SUR Joshua Dwarkasing/Ethan Asinia, Dean Kasdi/Anferney Schmelt, David Piñas/Keven Sporkslede; USA Derek Bradford/Zephir Dew, Taylor Crab/Trevor Crab; MEX Antonio Vargas/Carlos Ayala; ISV Jared Brown/Cole Sommer; CAN Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp; SKN Elkreen Morton/Zendai Richards.

Women’s Teams: MEX Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez; CAN Kaylee Glagau/Emma Glagau; SUR Janneke Tammenga/Chagnaz Frankel, Ketura Margaret/Charise Frankel, Chanice Myr/Chelleney Soedamah; ISV Melanie Valenciana/Taylor Buckner; USA Piper Ferch/Erin Inskeep.

Suriname to Host NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour for the First Time

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, July 23, 2025. – Suriname will make history this week as it hosts the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour for the first time ever, welcoming teams from across the region to the fifth leg of the 2025 season. The competition will take place July 25-27 in Telesur Cul Complex in Paramaribo.

A total of sixteen teams have pre-registered to compete, with final participation confirmed during the preliminary inquiry scheduled for July 24.

In the women’s field, looking to break through are Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who have finished second place at all four stages so far.

In the men’s competition, Mexico’s Inés Vargas Lares and Carlos Andrés Ayala also enter the tournament with strong credentials, having won gold in Puerto Cortés and bronze in Juan Dolio.

The event also marks the 2025 debut of the American duo Taylor and Trevor Crabb, who bring a wealth of international experience. Taylor Crabb last competed on the NORCECA Tour in 2022, when he paired with Taylor Sander in the qualification tournament for the FIVB World Championship.

The 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour awards valuable points toward both the continental and world rankings. Importantly, it also marks the start of the qualification process for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, set to take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic—adding an extra layer of motivation for all participating teams.

González/Navas Strike Gold in Ciudad Madero, Third Consecutive Title on the 2025 NORCECA Tour

CIUDAD MADERO, Tamaulipas, July 13, 2025.- María González and Allanis Navas have done it again. The Puerto Rican duo captured the gold medal at the fourth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, held in Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas, securing their third straight victory of the season, all against Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez.

This time, they clinched the title with a 2-1 (21-18, 21-19) win in a tightly contested final that leaned in Puerto Rico’s favor, especially after an injury disadvantaged Atenas Gutiérrez’s performance. Torres/Gutierrez finished second place in all four stages this year.

Navas and González have dominated the season with impressive gold medal runs in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Cortés, and now on Mexican soil, firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat on the tour.

The bronze medal went to Canada’s Devin Corah and Alicia Thibodeau, who battled past Mexico’s Yeray Vidaurrazaga and María Ramírez in a thrilling 2-1 (21-18, 17-21, 15-13) match. The Mexican duo capped off a strong tournament with a fourth-place finish.

Before the final, the podium matchups were decided with authority. Torres and Gutiérrez defeated Vidaurrazaga and Ramírez in the semifinals 21-19, 21-16, while González and Navas cruised past Corah and Thibodeau with a dominant 2-0 (21-11, 21-9) win to book their place in the gold medal match.

In the battle for fifth place, Canada’s Emma Cudmore and Claire Simmonds delivered a clear 2-0 (21-10, 21-17) victory over Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez of Nicaragua. Earlier, López and Rodríguez had defeated Cristina Almeida and Amber Bennett (U.S. Virgin Islands) 2-0 (21-14, 21-10), while Cudmore and Simmonds eliminated Danna Aguilar and Ana Sofía Arévalo (Guatemala) with a convincing 2-0 (21-5, 21-10) scoreline.

The seventh-place match went to Aguilar and Arévalo, who beat Almeida and Bennett in two very different sets: 21-7 and a close 22-20. Megan Hands and Natalie Gazzard of Bermuda finished the tournament in ninth place.

Final Women’s Ranking NORCECA Ciudad Madero 2025

                1.            María González / Allanis Navas (PUERTO RICO)

                2.            Susana Torres / Atenas Gutiérrez (MÉXICO 1)

                3.            Devin Corah / Alicia Thibodeau (CANADÁ 1)

                4.            Yeray Vidaurrazaga / María Ramírez (MÉXICO 2)

                5.            Emma Cudmore / Claire Simmonds (CANADÁ 2)

                6.            Socorro López / Lolette Rodríguez (NICARAGUA)

                7.            Danna Aguilar / Ana Sofía Arévalo (GUATEMALA)

                8.            Cristina Almeida / Amber Bennett (ISLAS VÍRGENES)

                9.            Megan Hands / Natalie Gazzard (BERMUDAS)

Rivera and Rosich of Puerto Rico Win Gold in Tamaulipas

CIUDAD MADERO, Tamaulipas, July 13, 2025. – William Rivera and Diego Rosich of Puerto Rico were crowned champions of the fourth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour after defeating USA’s  Skyler Kaufman and Christopher Shaffer in the gold medal match 2-0 (21-12, 24-22).

With this victory, the Puerto Rican duo claimed the gold medal on Mexican soil following a strong and consistent performance throughout the event.

The bronze medal went to Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna, who earned a 2-0 (21-19, 22-20) win over Rubén Mora and Denis López of Nicaragua. With this result, Sarabia and Osuna secured their third medal of the 2025 NORCECA Tour season: gold in Juan Dolio (Dominican Republic), bronze in Puerto Cortés (Honduras), and now another bronze in Tamaulipas, solidifying their status as one of the most consistent pairs on the circuit.

In the semifinals, Rivera and Rosich advanced after battling past Mora and López in three intense sets (21-17, 20-22, 15-7), while Shaffer and Kaufman eliminated Sarabia and Osuna with straight sets of 21-14 and 21-19.

The fifth-place match was won by the Mexican pair Inés Lares and Carlos Andrés Vargas, who came from behind to defeat Christopher and Yoel Guardado of El Salvador 2-1 (17-21, 21-17, 18-16). Earlier, the Guardado twins had beaten Devin Van Siclen and Daniel Samuelson of the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-17, 21-18), while Lares and Vargas edged out Colin Lash and Dylan Devecseri of Canada 2-1 (21-14, 15-21, 15-11).

Van Siclen and Samuelson bounced back to claim seventh place by defeating Devecseri and Lash 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 15-12). Meanwhile, Edgar Maldonado and Santiago Penagos of Guatemala secured ninth place with a dominant 2-0 (21-10, 21-13) win over Kyle Hamilton and Connor Somerville of Bermuda, who finished the tournament in tenth place.

Men’s Final Ranking NORCECA Ciudad Madero 2025

  1. William Rivera / Diego Rosich (PUERTO RICO)
  2. Skyler Kaufman / Christopher Shaffer (ESTADOS UNIDOS)
  3. Miguel Sarabia / Jorman Osuna (MÉXICO 1)
  4. Rubén Mora / Denis López (NICARAGUA)
  5. Inés Lares / Carlos Andrés Vargas (MÉXICO 2)
  6. Christopher Guardado / Yoel Guardado (EL SALVADOR)
  7. Devin Van Siclen / Daniel Samuelson (ISLAS VÍRGENES)
  8. Colin Lash / Dylan Devecseri (CANADÁ)
  9. Edgar Maldonado / Santiago Penagos (GUATEMALA)
  10. Kyle Hamilton / Connor Somerville (BERMUDAS)

Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and USA to Battle for a Spot in the Final at the NORCECA Tour in Tamaulipas

CIUDAD MADERO, Tamaulipas, July 12, 2025.- Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna of Mexico, Rubén Mora and Denis López of Nicaragua, William Rivera and Diego Rosich of Puerto Rico, and Skyler Kaufman and Christopher Shaffer of the United States are the semifinalists of the fourth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour.

In the semifinals, Sarabia/Osuna (Mexico) will face Shaffer/Kaufman (USA), while Rivera/Rosich (Puerto Rico) will take on Mora/López (Nicaragua).

In an all-Mexican quarterfinal clash, Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna came out on top in a dramatic 2-1 victory (21-17, 14-21, 15-9) over Carlos Andrés and Jorge Lares, cheered on by a supportive Tamaulipas crowd.

Mora/Lopez (NCA)

Meanwhile, the Central American duel delivered plenty of thrills, as Rubén Mora and Denis López of Nicaragua defeated El Salvador’s’ Christopher and Yoel Guardado in straight sets 26-24, 21-18 to secure their place among the final four.

Representing the Caribbean, William Rivera and Diego Rosich of Puerto Rico dominated their quarterfinal match against Devin Van Siclen and Daniel Clements of the U.S. Virgin Islands, earning a 2-0 win (21-10, 21-13). On their part, Americans Skyler Kaufman and Christopher Shaffer eliminated Canada’s Dylan Devecseri and Colin Lash in straight sets (24-22, 21-17).

The day began with the last pool-play matches, where Rivera/Rosich topped Pool A after defeating Sarabia/Osuna 2-0 (21-13, 21-17), pushing the Mexican duo into second place.

In Pool B, Shaffer/Kaufman (USA) started strong with a 2-0 win over Clements/Van Siclen (21-14, 21-14). Later, the Guardado brothers also defeated the Caribbean pair 2-0 (21-19, 21-13). In the group’s final match, the Americans edged out the Salvadorans in a close contest, 2-0 (21-19, 21-19), claiming the top spot. El Salvador finished second, with U.S. Virgin Islands in third.

Pool C saw Lares/Carlos Andrés take first place after sweeping Hamilton/Somerville of Bermuda (21-5, 21-10). However, Mora/López shook up the group by defeating Devecseri/Lash form Canada 21-15, 21-11, earning second place in the pool.

Mexican Pairs, Puerto Rico, and one from Canada Advance to Women’s Semifinals at 4th Stop of the NORCECA Tour

CIUDAD MADERO, Tamaulipas, July 12, 2025.- The women’s semifinals are set at the fourth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, currently taking place at Playa Miramar in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The qualified pairs are Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez (MEX1), Yeray Vidaurrazaga and María Ramírez (MEX2), Devin Corah and Alicia Thibodeau (CAN1), and María González with Allanis Navas (PUR).

Sunday’s matchups promise intense action, with an all-Mexican semifinal between Torres/Gutiérrez and Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez. The other semifinal will feature Canada’s Corah/Thibodeau against Puerto Rico’s González/Navas for a spot in the final.

TorresGutierrez (MEX1)

In the quarterfinals, Torres and Gutiérrez dominated Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez with a commanding 21-11, 21-12 win. Similarly, Vidaurrazaga and Ramírez advanced after defeating Cristina Almeida and Amber Bennett from the U.S. Virgin Islands (21-12, 21-6).

In an all-Canadian clash, Corah and Thibodeau overcame Emma Cudmore and Claire Simmonds 21-18, 21-13. Meanwhile, González and Navas of Puerto Rico cruised past Guatemala’s Danna Aguilar and Ana Sofía Arévalo with scores of 21-07 and 21-10.

Earlier in pool-play, home favorites Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX1) got off to a strong start, also defeating Aguilar and Arévalo (GUA) 21-11, 21-07 to top Pool A.

In Pool B, González/Navas (PUR) were dominant against López and Rodríguez (NCA), winning 21-12, 21-9. Over in Pool C, Corah/Thibodeau (CAN1) took control with a 21-15, 21-9 victory over Almeida/Bennett (ISV).

With the level of play seen so far, the semifinals are expected to deliver high-stakes, tightly contested battles. Mexico is guaranteed to compete for the gold medal, while Puerto Rico and Canada arrive with experience, consistency, and podium ambitions.

The semifinals, finals, and classification matches will be played this Sunday, July 13, starting at 10:00 a.m. at Playa Miramar.

Torres/Gutiérrez and González/Navas Start Strong at NORCECA Tour in Tamaulipas

CIUDAD MADERO, Tamaulipas, July 11, 2025.- Mexico’s Torres/Gutiérrez and Puerto Rico’s González/Navas delivered commanding performances on the opening day of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Ciudad Madero.

In Pool A, Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez (MEX1) dominated from start to finish, defeating Canada’s Emma Cudmore and Claire Simmonds (CAN2) 21-14, 21-16. Earlier, Cudmore and Simmonds had opened pool play with a solid win over Guatemala’s Danna Aguilar and Ana Sofía Arévalo, with scores of 21-18 and 21-10. While the first set was closely contested, the gap widened significantly in the second.

Torres – Gutierrez (MEX1) vs Simmonds – Cudmore (CAN2)

In Pool B, Puerto Rico’s María González and Allanis Navas made a strong statement with a straight-sets victory over Mexico’s Yeray Vidaurrazaga and María Ramírez (MEX2), 21-19, 21-14, in one of the most thrilling matches of the day. The Puerto Ricans held their nerve in a tightly contested first set before pulling away in the second, showcasing their experience and composure. Earlier, the Mexican duo had opened with a dominant 21-16, 21-9 win over Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez, adding even more weight to Puerto Rico’s impressive performance.

Pool C also delivered excitement. Amber Bennett and Cristina Almeida of the U.S. Virgin Islands defeated Bermuda’s Megan Hands and Natalie Gazzard in straight sets (21-14, 21-17), displaying solid court control. Later, Canada’s Devin Corah and Alicia Thibodeau (CAN1) made quick work of Hands/Gazzard, winning 21-8, 21-12 in a match that posed little challenge for the Canadians.

The women’s opening day made it clear: both local and Caribbean teams have serious podium ambitions.

WOMEN’S RESULTS

POOL A: SIMMONDS/CUDMORE (CAN2) 2-0 AGUILAR/ARÉVALO (GUA) (21-18/21-10); TORRES/GUTIÉRREZ (MEX1) 2-0 SIMMONDS/CUDMORE (CAN2) (21-14/21-16)

POOL B: VIDAURRAZAGA/RAMÍREZ (MEX2) 2-0 LÓPEZ/LOLETTE (NCA) (21-16/21-9); GONZÁLEZ/NAVAS (PUR) 2-0 VIDAURRAZAGA/RAMÍREZ (MEX2) (21-19/21-14)

POOL C: BENNETT/ALMEIDA-ANZ (ISV) 2-0 HANDS/GAZZARD (BER) (21-14/21-17); CORAH/THIBODEAU (CAN1) 2-0 HANDS/GAZZARD (BER) (21-8/21-12)

Mexican Men Duos Shine in Opening Day at Tamaulipas NORCECA Tour

CIUDAD MADERO, Tamaulipas, July 11, 2025.-Mexican duos Lares/Carlos Andrés and Sarabia/Osuna kicked off the fourth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas with thrilling performances and a clear message: as tournament favorites, they are here to compete, not speculate.

In Pool C, where the most exciting match of the day took place, Carlos Andrés and Miguel Lares (MEX2) defeated Canada’s Colin Lash and Dylan Devecseri in three sets (21-12, 19-21, 15-8), showing composure and resilience. Earlier, they had already edged Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora and Denis López in two intense sets (27-25, 21-13), with a nail-biting first set.

Lash/Devecseri had previously defeated Bermuda’s Kyle Hamilton and Connor Somerville 2-0 (21-7, 21-14). The Bermudans couldn’t bounce back in their second match either, falling to Nicaragua 2-0 (21-11, 21-8).

Guardado C. – Guardado Y. (ESA)

Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna (MEX1), placed in Pool A, dominated Guatemala’s Edgar Maldonado and Santiago Penagos with a smooth and precise performance, winning 2-0 (21-13, 21-11) to solidify their presence in the tournament. Puerto Rico’s William Rivera and Diego Rosich also defeated the Guatemalan duo 2-0 (21-15, 21-14).

Pool B featured the tightest matches of the day. El Salvador’s Christopher and Yoel Guardado beat Devin Van Siclen and Daniel Samuelson of the U.S. Virgin Islands with scores of 21-19 and 21-13, in a match that began neck and neck. The Guardado twins later faced Americans Skyler Kaufman and Christopher Shaffer, who emerged victorious in a thrilling battle, taking both sets 21-19 and proving that every point was hard-fought.

On this opening day, the teams from Mexico, the United States, and Canada showed power and poise, making it clear that it won’t be easy to take group leadership away from them. The competition is just getting started and promises even more excitement ahead.

MEN’S RESULTS

POOL A: Rivera/Rosich (PUR) 2-0 Maldonado/Penagos (GUA) (21-15/21-14); Sarabia/Osuna (MEX1) 2-0 Maldonado/Penagos (GUA) (21-13/21-11)

POOL B: Guardado/Guardado (ESA) 2-0 Clements/Van Siclen (ISV) (21-19/21-13);

Shaffer/Kaufman (USA) 2-0 Guardado/Guardado (ESA) (21-19/21-19)

POOL C: Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX2) 2-0 Mora/López (NCA) (27-25/21-13); Devecseri/Lash (CAN) 2-0 Hamilton/Somerville (BER) (21-7/21-14); Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX2) 2-1 Devecseri/Lash (CAN) (21-12/19-21/15-08); Mora/López (NCA) 2-0 Hamilton/Somerville (BER) (21-11/21-08)

Tamaulipas Joins the Global Beach Volleyball Map with the Fourth Stop of the 2025 NORCECA Tour

CIUDAD MADERO, Tamaulipas, July 9, 2025.– The sands of Playa Miramar will host a historic moment for Mexican sports: for the first time ever, Tamaulipas will stage an international beach volleyball competition. The fourth stop of the 2025 NORCECA Tour will take place from July 11 to 14 in Ciudad Madero, featuring top teams from North, Central America, and the Caribbean.

This event marks the beginning of the 2025 NORCECA circuit in Mexico, which is set to host four stops this year. After Ciudad Madero, the tour will continue in Manzanillo (August 29–31), Guadalajara (September 5–7), and Ciudad del Carmen (October 10–12).

The tournament will bring together 19 teams—10 men’s and 9 women’s—representing nine countries.

The Mexican pairs arrive highly motivated with strong performances in the 2025 circuit. In the women’s division, Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez—winners of three silver medals—will be aiming for gold in front of their home crowd. In the men’s division, Inés Vargas and Carlos Andrés Ayala, champions in Puerto Cortés, along with Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna, gold medalists in Juan Dolio and bronze medalists in Puerto Cortés, will look to dominate on home soil.

POOL DISTRIBUTION

WOMEN

POOL A: CAN1: Simmonds/Cudmore; MEX1: Torres/Gutiérrez; GUA: Aguilar/Arevalo

POOL B: MEX2: Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez; PUR: Nieves/Musignac; NIC: López/Lolette

POOL C: BER: Hands/Gazzard; CAN2: Corah/Thibodeau; ISV: Bennett/Almeida-Anz

MEN

POOL A: GUA: Maldonado/García; MEX2: Sarabia/Osuna; PUR: Rivera/Rosich

POOL B: ESA: Guardado/Guardado; USA: Shaffer/Kaufman; ISV: Clements/Van Siclen

POOL C: MEX1: Lares/Carlos Andrés; CAN: Devecseri/Lash; NIC: Mora/López; BER: Hamilton/Somerville

TEAMS

WOMEN GUA: Danna Aguilar /Ana Sofía Arevalo; MEX1: Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez; MEX2: Yeray Vidaurrazaga / María Ramírez; NIC: Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez; ISV: Cristina Almeida/Amber Bennet; PUR: María González/Allanis Navas; CAN1: Emma Cudmore/Claire Simmonds; CAN2: Devin Corah/Alicia Thibodeau; BER: Megan Hands/Natalie Gazzard

MEN BER: Kyle Hamilton/Connor Somerville; CAN: Colin Lash/Dylan Devecseri; ISV: Devin Van Siclen/Daniel Samuelson; GUA: Edgar Maldonado/Luis García; MEX1: Inés Vargas/Carlos Ayala; MEX2: Miguel Sarabia/Jorman Osuna; USA: Skyler Kaufman/Christopher Shaffer; NIC: Rubén Mora/Denis López; PUR: William Rivera/Diego Rosich; ESA: Christopher Guardado/Yoel Guardado

Tamaulipas to Host a NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Stop for the First Time

CIUDAD MADERO, Tamaulipas, July 9, 2025. – For the first time ever, the state of Tamaulipas in Mexico will host an international beach volleyball competition with the arrival of the Fourth Stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, set to take place from July 11 to 14 at the Playa Miramar Sports Complex in Ciudad Madero.

The Tamaulipas event marks the first stop of the 2025 NORCECA Tour in Mexico, a country that will host four stages this season: Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas – July 11–14; Manzanillo, Colima – August 29–31; Guadalajara, Jalisco – September 5–7; Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche – October 10–12

The tournament will welcome teams from nine countries in the region, with a preliminary registration of nine women’s pairs and ten men’s pairs, whose participation will be officially confirmed during the preliminary meeting held the day before the start of the competition.

Mexican teams arrive highly motivated, aiming to reach the podium in front of their home crowd.

In the women’s division, Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who have claimed three silver medals so far in the 2025 tour, are hoping to strike gold on home soil and break past the silver barrier.

On the men’s side, Inés Vargas and Carlos Andrés Ayala, champions of the third stop in Puerto Cortés, are aiming to repeat their success in Madero. Meanwhile, the duo of Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna, who took gold in Juan Dolio and bronze in Puerto Cortés, are also setting their sights on the top of the podium.

With the sands of Playa Miramar as the stage and the enthusiasm of the local fans as fuel, Ciudad Madero is getting ready to welcome the region’s top beach volleyball pairs for what promises to be an exciting competition.

USA’s Scribner/Grimes Claim Women’s Gold at NORCECA U18 Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 9, 2025.- The American duo of Jordyn Scribner and Ella Grimes captured the women’s gold medal at the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, defeating Mexico’s Angela Pérez and Melina Román in straight sets 2-0 (22-20, 21-17) in the final held on the sands of Juan Dolio.

The bronze medal went to Canada’s Ruby Cochrane and Sophie Hancock, who battled through a three-set victory over Puerto Rico’s Itzamar Arana and Yamila González, winning 2-1 (21-10, 15-21, 15-10).

The final available berth to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship 2025 was claimed by Nicaragua’s Yulimar Alvarado and Brisa Bermúdez, who defeated El Salvador’s Fátima Rendón and Devora Medina in a thrilling match 2-0 (23-21, 21-16).

Winners

The five teams qualified for the FIVB World Championship are: United States, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua.

In other results, Guatemala’s Harumi Monney and Mónica Cano finished seventh after a 2-0 (21-8, 21-16) win over the Dominican Republic’s Zoe Paniagua and Steyce Turbi.

Costa Rica’s Mariana Vindas and Luciana Soto took ninth place by defeating Bermuda’s Olivia Gazzard and Sophie Weikl 2-0 (22-20, 21-19).

Luna Ebanks and Krisi Smith of the Cayman Islands secured 11th place with a 2-0 (21-9, 21-8) victory over Antigua’s Philisha Burnette and Nevaeh Robertson.

Finally, Anguilla’s duo of Cynne’ Liburd and Cayla Jno-Baptiste placed 13th after beating Sarah Mohammed and Jenissa Morrison of Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 (21-10, 21-11).

Other results of the day were: ESA Rendon/Medina d GUA Monney/Cano 2-0 (21-17, 21-14), NCA Alvarado/Bermúdez d DOM Paniagua/Turbi 2-0 (21-9, 21-18), USA Scribner/Grimes d CAN Cochrane/Hancock 2-1 (23-25, 21-12, 15-11), MEX Pérez/Román d PUR Arana/González 2-0 (21-16, 21-10).

USA’s Williams/Mortensen Capture Men’s Gold at NORCECA U18

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 9, 2025.- The American duo of Matix Williams and Colten Mortensen claimed the gold medal at the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, defeating Canada’s Misha Panasiouk and Bryce Kim in straight sets 2-0 (21-15, 21-15) on the sands of Juan Dolio.

The bronze medal went to Mexico’s Eduardo Escoto and José Bojórquez, who overcame Nicaragua’s Justin Barrios and Edgar Holmann 2-0 (21-15, 21-19).

The fifth and final berth to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship 2025 was secured by Guatemala’s Fredy Luna and Robin Oliva, who beat Dylan Lynee and William Duty of the Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-10, 21-16).

The Winners

The five teams qualified for the FIVB World Championship are: United States, Mexico, Canada, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.

In other results, Dominican Republic’s Wayner Comprés and Franklin Segura finished in seventh place after Costa Rica withdrew due to injury.

Mauro Morales and Rocco Figueroa took ninth place after a hard-fought three-set victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Darion Sparks and Josie Cedeño 2-1 (21-11, 20-22, 15-12).

Meanwhile, Kymani Greenidge and Merchant A’Jahnai of the U.S. Virgin Islands secured 11th place with a 2-0 (21-10, 21-14) win over Julien Simon and Kaiden Smith of Grenada.

Finally, Dominica’s Anthony Caisto and Kailo Robinson placed 13th via bye.

Other results of the day were: CAY Lynee/Duty d CRC Josué Durán/Angel Carranza 2-1 (21-12, 19-21, 15-11), GUA Luna/Oliva d DOM Comprés/Segura 2-0 (21-17, 23-21), CAN Panasiouk/Kim d MEX Escoto/Bojorquez 2-1 (14-21, 21-18, 15-12), USA Williams/Mortensen d NCA Barrios/Holmann 2-0 (21-11, 21-10).

USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico Women advance to NORCECA U18 Semifinals

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 8, 2025.- The pairs from the United States (Jordyn Scribes/Ella Grimes), Canada (Ruby Cochrane/Sophie Hancock), Puerto Rico (Itzamar Arana/Yamila González), and Mexico (Angela Pérez/Melina Román) advanced to the semifinals of the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, securing their spots at the FIVB World Championship to be held October 7-11 in Doha, Qatar.

The U.S. duo Scribes/Grimes reached the semifinals by defeating Guatemala’s Harumi Monney/Mónica Cano in straight sets 2-0 (21-16, 21-8). They will face Canada’s Cochrane/Hancock, who earned their spot with a 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) victory over El Salvador’s Fátima Rendon/Devora Medina.

Angela Perez of Mexico

In the other quarterfinal matches, Puerto Rico’s Arana/González cruised past the local team of Zoe Paniagua/Steyce Turbi 2-0 (21-12, 21-10) and will meet Mexico’s Pérez/Román in the semifinals. The Mexican duo defeated Nicaragua’s Yulimar Alvarado/Brisa Bermúdez 2-0 (21-18, 21-11).

In the classification matches for 9th to 12th place, Bermuda’s Olivia Gazzard/Sophie Weikl defeated Antigua’s Philisha Burnette/Nevaeh Robertson 2-0 (21-14, 21-17), while Costa Rica’s Mariana Vindas/Luciana Soto swept Cayman Islands’ Luna Ebanks/Krisi Smith 2-0 (21-13, 21-15).

The semifinals and placement matches will be held on Wednesday morning, followed by the bronze and gold medal matches in the afternoon.

Other day results included: DOM Paniagua/Turbi d ANT Burnette/Robertson 2-0 (21-5, 21-6), CRC Vindas/Soto d TTO Sarah Mohammed/Jenissa Morrison 2-0 (21-4, 21-7), PUR Arana/González d ESA Rendon/Medina 2-1 (21-17, 19-21, 15-12), NCA Alvarado/Bermúdez d CAY Ebanks/Smith 2-0 (21-9, 21-13), USA Scribner/Grimes d BER Gazzard/Weikl 2-0 (21-3, 21-10), MEX Pérez/Román d AGU Cynne´ Liburd/Cayla Jno-Baptiste 2-0 (21-4, 21-5).

Men’s Semifinals Set at NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 8, 2025.- The men’s pairs from Nicaragua, Canada, Mexico, and the United States advanced on Tuesday to the semifinals of the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, securing their spots at the FIVB World Championship to be held October 7-11 in Doa, Qatar.

Nicaragua’s duo Justin Barrios/Edgar Holmann cruised past Dominican Republic’ s Wayner Comprés/Franklin Segura in straight sets 2-0 (21-10, 21-10). They will face the U.S. team of Matix Williams and Colten Mortensen in the semifinals, after the Americans defeated Guatemala’s Fredy Luna/Robin Oliva 2-0 (21-17, 21-6).

Edgar Holmann of Nicaraua

Canada’s Misha Panasiouk/Bryce Kyim earned their semifinal spot with a 2-0 (21-17, 21-13) quarterfinal win over Costa Rica’s Josué Durán/Angel Carranza. They will meet Mexico’s Eduardo Escoto and José Bojorquez, who needed just two sets to overpower Dylan Lynee/William Duty of the Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-9, 21-7).

In the classification matches for 9th to 12th place, Darion Sparks/Josie Cedeno of Trinidad and Tobago beat the U.S. Virgin Islands team of Kymani Greeidge/Merchant A’jahani 2-0 (21-6, 21-19), while Puerto Rico’s Mauro Morales/Rocco Figueroa defeated Julien Simon/Kaiden Smith of Grenada in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-12).

Semifinals and placement matches will take place Wednesday morning, followed by the bronze and gold medal matches in the afternoon.

Other results of the day were: DOM Comprés/Segura d GRN Simon/Smith 2-0 (21-5, 21-11), NCA Barrios/Holmann d ISV Greenidge/Merchant 2-0 (21-17, 21-14), GUA Luna/Oliva d TTO Sparks/Cedeno 2-0 (21-5, 21-13), USA Williams/Mortensen d DMA Anthony Caiston/Kailo Robinson 2-0 (21-3, 21-8), MEX Escoto/Bojorquez d PUR Morales/Figueroa 2-0 (21-6, 21-14).

Women’s Teams from Canada, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and USA  Start Strong and Undefeated at NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 7, 2025.- The women’s pairs from Canada (Ruby Cochrane/Sophie Hancock), El Salvador (Fátima Rendón/Devora Medina), Puerto Rico (Itzamar Martínez/Yamila González), Nicaragua (Yulimar Alvarado/Brisa Bermúdez), and the United States (Jordyn Scribner/Ella Grimes) kicked off the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier with strong, undefeated performances on the first day of competition. The event is being held on the sands of Juan Dolio Beach in the Dominican Republic and serves as a qualifier for the FIVB U18 World Championship.

Canada’s Cochrane/Hancock were unstoppable in Pool A, winning both of their matches in straight sets. They defeated Philisha Brunette/Nevae Robertson of Antigua 2-0 (21-7, 21-2), and then Dominican Republic’s Zoe Paniagua/Steyce Turbi 2-0 (21-4, 21-11).

El Salvador

In Pool B, El Salvador’s Rendón/Medina secured two wins, first over Sarah Mohammed/Jenissa Morrison of Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 (21-3, 21-8), and then against Costa Rica’s Mariana Jiménez/Luciana Soto 2-0 (21-19, 21-16). In the same pool, Puerto Rico’s Martínez/González matched their success, defeating Jiménez/Soto (CRC) 2-0 (21-11, 21-18) and Mohammed/Morrison (TTO) 2-0 (21-7, 21-9).

In Pool C, Nicaragua’s Alvarado/Bermúdez beat Vernecia Caines/Verneeci Caines of the U.S. Virgin Islands in straight sets, 2-0 (21-16, 21-16), and then won a hard-fought three-setter against Guatemala’s Harumi Monney/Mónica Cano 2-1 (21-14, 19-21, 15-8).

Finally, in Pool D, the U.S. team of Scribner/Grimes earned a dominant 2-0 (21-5, 21-3) win over Cynne’ Liburd/Cayla Jno-Baptiste of Anguilla and followed up with a 2-0 (21-18, 21-15) victory over Mexico’s Ángela Pérez/Melina Román.

This tournament awards five qualification spots per gender to the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championship, scheduled for October 7–11 in Doha, Qatar.

Other results of the day were: GUA Monney/Cano and CAY Luna Ebanks/Krisi Smith 2-0 (21-16, 21-9); MEX Pérez/Román and BER Olivia Gazzard/Sophie Weikl 2-0 (21-8, 21-4); BER Gazzard/Weikl and AGU Liburd/Jno-Baptiste 2-0 (21-14, 21-11).

Five Men’s Teams Remain Undefeated at NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 7, 2025.– Five men’s pairs delivered strong performances to remain undefeated on the opening day of the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, being held on the stunning sands of Juan Dolio Beach in the Dominican Republic.

The unbeaten duos are Misha Panasiouk/Bryce Kim (CAN), Justin Barrios/Edgar Holman (NCA), Fredy Luna/Robin Oliva (GUA), Darion Sparks/Josie Cedeno (TTO), and Eduardo Escoto/José Bojorques (MEX).

In Pool A, Canada’s Panasiouk/Kim easily defeated Julien Simon/Kaiden Smith of Grenada in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-4), followed by another 2-0 win over Dominican Republic’s home team Wayner Comprés/Franklin Segura (21-13, 21-14).

Mexico

Nicaragua’s Barrios/Holman opened Pool B with a solid 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) victory over Costa Rica’s Josué Durán/Ángel Carranza. They had a bye in their second match of the day.

In Pool C, Guatemala’s Luna/Oliva battled past Cayman Islands’ Dylan Lynee/William Duty in three sets, 2-1 (21-17, 12-21, 15-7). Their second match was a bye. In the same pool, Trinidad and Tobago’s Sparks/Cedeno also defeated Lynee/Duty in straight sets, 2-0 (24-22, 21-13), and had a bye as well.

In Pool D, Mexico’s Escoto/Bojorques opened with a comfortable 2-0 (21-15, 21-14) win over Dominica’s Anthony Caiston/Robinson Kailo. They then had to dig deep to overcome the U.S. duo Matix Williams/Colten Mortensen in three sets, 2-1 (14-21, 21-17, 19-17).

This tournament awards five spots per gender to the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championship, set to take place October 7-11 in Doha, Qatar.

Other results of the day were: CRC Durán/Carranza d ISV Kymani Greenidge/Merchant A’jahnai 2-0 (21-16, 21-9); PUR Mauro Morales/Rocco Figueroa d DMA Caiston/Kailo 2-1 (20-22, 21-18, 15-13); USA Williams/Mortensen d PUR Morales/Figueroa 2-0 (21-12, 21-11).

17 Countries to Compete in NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 6, 2025.- A total of 17 countries will compete in the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, the official event to secure spots at the 2025 FIVB U18 World Championship. The tournament kicks off this Monday on the sand courts set up along the beach of Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

During Sunday’s preliminary inspections, 15 women’s teams and 13 men’s teams were registered, all aiming to advance from the group stage, which begins Monday at 8:00 a.m. local time.

The opening day will feature 24 matches: 10 in the men’s division and 14 in the women’s. The group stage will conclude Tuesday morning, followed by quarterfinals and the loser’s bracket matches in the afternoon. Semifinals, medal matches, and placement games will be played on Wednesday.

The top five teams per gender will earn direct qualification to the FIVB U18 World Championship, set to take place October 7-11 in Doha, Qatar.

Men’s Teams: CAN Misha Panasiouk/Bryce Kim; CAY Dylan Lynee/William Duty; CRC Josué Durán/Angel Carranza; DMA Caiston Anthony/Kailo Robinson; DOM Wayner Comprés/Franklin Segura; GRN Julien Simon/Kaiden Smith; GUA Fredy Luna/Robin Oliva; ISV Kymani Greenidge/Cole Sommer; MEX Eduardo Escoto/José Bojorquez; NCA Justin Barrios/Edgar Holmann; PUR Mauro Morales/Rocco Figueroa; TTO Darion Sparks/Josie Cedeno; USA Matix Williams/Colten Mortensen.

Women’s Teams: AGU Cynnee´Liburd/Cayla Jno-Baptiste; ANT Philisha Burnette/Nevaeh Robertson; BER Olivia Gazzard/Sophie Weikl; CAN Ruby Cochrane/Sophie Hancock; CAY Luna Ebanks/Krisi Smith; CRC Mariana Jimenez/Luciana Soto; DOM Zoe Paniagua/Steyce Turbi; ESA Fatima Rendon/Devora Medina; GUA Harumi Monney/Monica Cano; ISV Vernecia Caines/Verneeci Caines; MEX Angela Perez/Melina Roman; NCA Yulimar Alvarado/Brisa Bermudez; PUR Itzamar Martinez/Yamila Gonzalez; TTO Sarah Mohammed/Jenissa Morrison; USA Jordyn Scribner/Ella Grimes.

USA’s Brewington/Lance Capture Men’s Gold at NORCECA U21 Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 6, 2025.- The American duo of Malachi Brewington and Titus Lance claimed the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, defeating Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Esteban González in straight sets (21-14, 21-14) in the final held on the sands of Juan Dolio.

The bronze medal went to the host team from the Dominican Republic, as Melvin de Jesús and Ramón de Jesús delivered a solid performance to beat Louis Charbonneau and Henry Heider of Canada 2-0 (21-18, 21-12).

The final berth to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship 2025 was secured by Rafael Vargas and Fernando Ortíz of El Salvador, who won a thrilling three-set battle against Julián Bristol and Jedediah Pencheon of Saint Kitts and Nevis 2-1 (21-17, 18-21, 15-10).

Award

The five men’s teams qualified to the FIVB World Championship are: United States, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Canada, and El Salvador.

In other results, Justin Barrios and Deyner López of Nicaragua finished in seventh place after defeating Jerome Morrison and Jahreef Miguel of Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 (21-16, 21-6).

Mervin Mingo and Bill Frederic of Dominica placed ninth, overcoming Nkoya Williams and Aaron Taylor of Barbados 2-0 (23-21, 21-18).

Ignacio Peraza and Reyko Figueroa of Puerto Rico finished 11th, defeating Fredy Luna and José Guevara of Guatemala 2-0 (21-14, 21-19).

Meanwhile, Jaden Victor and Peter Emmanuel of Saint Lucia closed out in 13th place with a hard-fought 2-1 (21-17, 14-21, 15-12) win over Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee of the Cayman Islands.

Finally, Zerick Walcott and Kibose Hamilton of Grenada also placed 13th, advancing by bye.

Other results of the day were: ESA Rafael Vargas/Fernando Ortiz d TTO Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel 2-0 (21-17, 21-17), SKN Julian Bristol/Jedediah Pencheon d NCA Justin Barrios/Deyner Lopez 2-1 (15-21, 22-20, 15-11), USA Malachi Brewington/Titus Lance d CAN Louis Charbonneau/Henry Heider 2-1 (20-22, 21-10, 15-11), CRC Julian Araya/Victorio Gonzalez d DOM Melvin de Jesus/Ramon de Jesus 2-0 (21-17, 21-14).

USA’s Henson/Wood Win Women’s Gold at NORCECA U21

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 6, 2025.- The American duo of Zoey Henson and Sarah Wood claimed the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, defeating Puerto Rico’s Miabella Musignac and Alanis Nieves in straight sets 2-0 (21-13, 21-11) on the sands of Juan Dolio.

The bronze went to Canada’s Ofure Odigie and Ruby Sorra, who beat Laura Molina and Sofía Vega of Costa Rica in straight sets 21-15, 21-18.

The fifth and final ticket to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship 2025 was secured by Guatemala’s Danna Aguilar and Naomi Monney, who overcame Nicaragua’s Yuliana Chávez and Ella Resau in a tight battle, winning 2-0 (24-22, 21-16).

United States

The five women’s teams qualified to the World Championship are: United States, Costa Rica, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala.

In other results, Daniela Vigil and Ashley Rauda of El Salvador finished seventh, edging out Dominican Republic’s Crismil Paniagua and Daneyi Arias in three sets, 2-1 (21-9, 8-21, 15-12).

Isabelle Phillip and Ericka Gaspard of Saint Lucia claimed ninth place, defeating Destiny Lane and Sierra Rayside of Barbados 2-0 (21-19, 21-19).

In 11th place, Joanna Robinson and Brianna Delapenha of the Cayman Islands beat Jassania Joseph and Jaya Carr from Antigua and Barbuda 2-0 (21-6, 21-10).

Deandra Fleming and Lavesha Richardson of Anguilla took 13th place after a 2-1 (21-14, 18-21, 15-10) win over Brookling Donovan and D’Keisha Jordan of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Finally, Sarah Mohammed and Bianca Perkins of Trinidad and Tobago also placed 13th, advancing via bye.

Other results of the day were: NCA Yuliana Chavezz/Ella Resau d ESA Daniela Vigil/Ashley Rauda 2-0 (21-19, 21-15), GUA Danna Aguilar/Naomi Monney d DOM Crismil Paniagua/Daneyi Arias 2-0 (21-12, 21-14), USA Zoey Henson/Sarah Wood d CAN Ofure Odigie/Ruby Sorra 2-0 (22-20, 25-23), PUR Miabella Musignac/Alanis Nieves d CRC Laura Molina/Sofia Vega 2-0 (21-13, 21-19).

USA, Canada, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico Advance to Women’s Semifinals at NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 5, 2025.- The women’s duos from the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico have secured their spots in the semifinals of the NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier, also earning qualification to the FIVB World Championship, set to take place from October 15 to 19 in Puebla, Mexico.

The U.S. team of Zoey Henson and Sarah Wood claimed a dominant win over Nicaragua’s Yuliana Chávez and Ella Resau with set scores of 21-5 and 21-12. In the semifinals, they will face the Canadian pair Ofure Odigie and Ruby Sorra, who advanced by defeating El Salvador’s Daniela Vigil and Ashley Rauda 2-0 (21-17, 21-16).

Miabella Musignac of Puerto Rico

Laura Molina and Sofía Vega of Costa Rica advanced with authority, defeating Dominicans  Crismil Paniagua and Daneyi Arias 2-0 (21-5, 21-6). They will meet Puerto Rico’s Miabella Musignac and Alanis Nieves in the other semifinal after the Puerto Rican duo beat Danna Aguilar and Naomi Monney of Guatemala 2-0 (21-18, 21-19).

In the classification round for 9th to 12th place, Isabelle Phillip and Ericka Gaspard of Saint Lucia topped Jassania López and Jaya Carr of Antigua 2-0 (21-17, 21-17), while Destiny Layne and Sierra Rayside of Barbados edged past the Cayman Islands’ Joanna Robinson and Brianna Delapenha in a tight 2-1 battle (21-19, 18-21, 19-17).

For 13th to 16th place, Brooklyn Donovan and D’Keisha Jordan of the U.S. Virgin Islands defeated Sarah Mohammed and Bianca Perkins of Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 (21-16, 21-16). Deandra Fleming and Lavesha Jordan of Anguilla advanced via bye.

Semifinals and classification matches will take place on Sunday morning, followed by the bronze and gold medal matches in the afternoon.

Other results of the day: DOM Crismil Paniagua/Daneyi Arias d ANT Jassania Jospeh/Jaya Carr 2-0 (21-8, 21-19), CRC Laura Molina/Sofía Vigil d ISV Brooklin Donovan/D’Keisha Jordan 2-0 (21-10, 21-6), ESA Daniela Vigil/Ashley Rauda d CAY Joanna Robinson/Brianna Delapenha 2-0 (21-14, 21-18), GUA Danna Aguilar/Naomi Monney d BAR Destiny Layne/Sierra Rayside 2-0 (21-12, 21-13), NCA Yuliana Chávez/Ella Resau d TTO Sarah Mohammed/Bianca Perkins 2-0 (21-4, 21-2), USA Zoey Henson/Sarah Wood d LCA Isabelle Phillip/Ericka Gaspard 2-0 (21-6, 21-7), PUR Miabella Musignac/Alanis Nieves d AGU Deandra Fleming/Lavesha Richardson 2-0 (21-10, 21-7).

Men’s Duos from Dominican Republic, USA, Canada, and Costa Rica Advance to Semifinals at NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 5, 2025.- The men’s pairs from the Dominican Republic, United States, Canada, and Costa Rica secured spots in the semifinals of the NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier on Saturday, earning their qualification to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, scheduled for October 15-19 in Puebla, Mexico.

In a thrilling quarterfinal match, Dominican duo Melvin de Jesús and Ramón de Jesús defeated Nicaragua’s Justin Barrios and Deyner López in three sets, 2-1 (21-18, 19-21, 15-13). They will face Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Victorio González, who earned a convincing 2-0 (21-16, 21-11) win over Julián Bristol and Jedediah Pencheon of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Malachi Brewington of United States

Meanwhile, the American team of Malachi Brewington and Titus Lance overcame Jerome Morrison and Jahreef Miguel of Trinidad and Tobago with set scores of 24-22 and 21-7. In the semifinals, they will go up against Canada’s Louis Charbonneau and Henry Heider, who came from behind to defeat Rafael Vargas and Fernando Ortiz of El Salvador in a hard-fought 2-1 match (13-21, 22-20, 15-13).

In the 9th-12th place bracket, Mervin Mingo and Bill Frederic defeated Puerto Rico’s Ignacio Pedraza and Reyko Figueroa 2-1 (16-21, 21-15, 15-11), while Nkoya Williams and Aaron Taylor of Barbados outlasted Guatemala’s Fredy Luna and José Guevara in another three-set battle (21-17, 19-21, 15-13).

For the 13th-16th classification, Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee of the Cayman Islands comfortably beat Zerick Walcott and Kibose Hamilton of Grenada 2-0 (21-9, 21-10). The pair Jaden Victor and Peter Emmanuel of Saint Lucia advanced via bye.

Semifinals and classification matches will be played on Sunday morning, followed by the bronze and gold medal matches in the afternoon.

Other results were: DOM Melvin de Jesus/Ramon de Jesus d DMA Mervin Mingo/Bill Frederic 2-0 (21-13, 21-12), NCA Justin Barrios/Deyner Lopez d BAR Nkoya Williams/Aaron Taylor 2-0 (21-13, 21-11), ESA Rafael Vargas/Fernando Ortiz d GRN Zerick Walcott/Kibose Hamilton 2-0 (21-14, 21-16), TTO Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel d GUA Fredy Luna/Jose Guevara 2-0 (21-18, 21-11), CRC Julian Araya/Victorio Gonzalez d CAY Stephen Watson/Dylan Lynee 2-0 (21-9, 21-12), USA Malachi Brewington/Titus Lance d SKN Julian Bristol/Jedediah Pencheon 2-0 (21-13, 21-14), PUR Ignacio Pedraza/Reyko Figueroa d LCA Jaden Victor/Peter Emmanuel 2-1 (15-21, 21-15, 15-13).

USA, Canada, Costa Rica, and Guatemala Women’s Duos Start Undefeated at NORCECA U21 Qualifier for the FIVB World Championship

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 4, 2025.- The women’s pairs from USA (Zoey Henson/Sarah Wood), Canada (Ofure Odigie/Ruby Sorra), Costa Rica (Laura Molina/Sofía Vigil), and Guatemala (Danna Aguilar/Naomi Monney) had a strong and undefeated start on the opening day of the NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier for the FIVB World Championship, taking place on the sands of Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

The U.S. duo Henson/Wood dominated Pool D easily, defeating Deandra Fleming/Lavesha Richardson of Anguilla 2-0 (21-5, 21-4) and Miabella Musignac/Alanis Nieves of Puerto Rico 2-0 (21-10, 21-11).

In Pool A, Canada’s Odigie/Sorra also picked up two wins, first over Jassania Joseph/Jaya Carr of Antigua 2-0 (21-9, 21-11), and then against Dominican duo Crismil Paniagua/Daneyi Arias 2-0 (21-5, 21-19).

CRC

Costa Ricans Molina/Vega claimed two victories in Pool B, beating Joanna Robinson/Briana Delapenha of the Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-18, 21-10) and El Salvador’s Daniela Vigil/Ashley Rauda 2-0 (21-17, 21-12).

Finally, in Pool C, Guatemala’s Aguilar/Monney opened with a dominant 2-0 win (21-4, 21-4) against Sarah Mohammed/Bianca Perkins of Trinidad and Tobago, followed by a 2-0 victory (21-18, 21-17) over Yuliana Chávez/Ella Resau of Nicaragua.

This event awards five spots per gender to the FIVB U21 World Championship, scheduled to take place from October 15 to 19 in Puebla, Mexico.

Other results of the day were: ESA Vigil/Rauda d ISV Brooklin Donovan/D’Keisha Jordan 2-0 (21-10, 21-10), CAY Robinson/Delapenha d ISV Donovan/Jordan 2-0 (21-10, 21-12), NCA Chávez/Resau d BAR Destiny Layne/Sierra Rayside 2-0 (21-16, 21-16), BAR Layne/Rayside d TTO Mohammed/Perkins 2-0 (21-11, 21-17), PUR Musignac/Nieves d LCA Isabelle Phillip/Ericka Gaspard 2-0 (21-14, 21-8) and LCA Phillip/Gaspard d AGU Deandra Fleming/Lavesha Richardson 2-0 (21-13, 21-12).

Five Men’s Teams Remain Unbeaten on Opening Day of NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 4, 2025.- Five men’s teams wrapped up the opening day of the NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Qualifier for the FIVB World Championship, with perfect records on the sand courts of Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

The unbeaten duos were: Malachi Brewington/Titus Lance (USA), Louis Charbonneau/Henry Heider (CAN), Justin Barrios/Deyner López (NCA), Julián Araya/Victorio González (CRC), and Julián Bristol/Jedediah Pencheon (SKN).

In Pool D, USA’s Brewington/Lance defeated Jaden Victor/Peter Emmanuel of Saint Lucia 2-0 (21-11, 21-17) and Puerto Rico’s Ignacio Pedraza/Reyko Figueroa 2-0 (21-15, 21-11). In the same group, Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Bristol/Pencheon edged out Pedraza/Figueroa 2-1 (22-24, 21-16, 15-12) and also beat Victor/Emmanuel 2-0 (21-10, 21-16).

CAN

In Pool A, Canadians Charbonneau/Heider overcame Mervin Mingo/Bill Frederic of Dominica 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) and outlasted Dominicans Melvin De Jesús/Ramón De Jesús 2-1 (21-13, 19-21, 15-12).

In Pool B, Nicaragua’s Barrios/López swept Zerik Walcott/Kibose Hamilton of Grenada 2-0 (21-12, 21-16) and El Salvador’s Rafael Vargas/Fernando Ortiz also in two sets (21-13, 21-16).

Finally, in Pool C, Costa Rica’s Araya/González dominated Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel of Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 (23-21, 21-7) and Fredy Luna/José Guevara of Guatemala 2-0 (21-15, 21-12).

This tournament awards five spots per gender for the FIVB U21 World Championship, set to take place from October 15 to 19 in Puebla, Mexico.

Other results of the day were: ESA Vargas/Ortiz d BAR Nkoya Williams/Aaron Taylor 2-0 (21-16, 21-7), BAR Williams/Taylor d GRN Walcott/Hamilton 2-0 (21-14, 21-15), GUA Luna/Guevara d CAY Stephen Watson/Dylan Lynee 2-1 (14-21, 21-17, 15-9), TTO Morrison/Miguel d CAY Watson/Lynee 2-0 (21-19, 21-16).

FIVB President visits the Philippines as country gears up to host its first ever Volleyball Men’s World Championship

July 4, 2025.- FIVB President Fabio Azevedo today stopped in the Philippines on his way to Palau for the Mini Pacific Games for meetings with various local authorities and stakeholders in the lead-up to a historic moment for the country

The visit comes as the Philippines prepares to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship from 12 to 28 September, the first time the tournament will be held in the country and only the second time ever in Asia. With just 71 days to go, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark edition of volleyball’s premier global event.

This year’s Volleyball Men’s World Championship will debut an expanded format, increasing from 24 to 32 teams, and marks the first edition under a new biennial cycle. Matches will be held at two major venues in the heart of Manila: the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

While in the region, President Azevedo, joined by Volleyball World Chief Business Officer Guido Betti, took the opportunity to connect with local stakeholders and check on preparations for the milestone event. AVC President Ramon Suzara also joined President Azevedo during the visit.

President Fabio Azevedo commented:

“It is a pleasure to be here in the beautiful city of Manila, where the passion for volleyball is truly inspiring. With preparations in full swing, it’s clear the Philippines is ready to make history as it hosts the Volleyball World Championship for the very first time.

“This edition will officially be the largest and most globally inclusive edition in the tournament’s history. Better yet, we will be making history in a country that lives and breathes our sport. I am delighted to meet with local authorities and see firsthand the energy going into delivering an exceptional event at two world-class venues.”

Awarded the hosting rights in 2024, the Philippines has shown strong commitment and enthusiasm at all levels, including strong government support, to delivering an unforgettable tournament.

18 Countries to Compete in NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Championship

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, July 3, 2025. – A total of 18 countries will compete in the NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball Championship, the official qualification tournament for the 2025 FIVB Age-Group World Championships, which begins this Friday on the beautiful sand courts of Juan Dolio Beach in the Dominican Republic. This event offers a great opportunity to witness the region’s rising beach volleyball stars showcasing their talent and passion.

Fifteen teams per gender were registered during Thursday’s preliminary inspections, all aiming to advance from the preliminary pool play, which starts Friday at 8:00 a.m. local time.

A total of 28 matches are scheduled for Friday, 14 in the men’s division and 14 in the women’s. The preliminary round will conclude on Saturday morning, followed by the quarterfinals and the losers’ bracket in the afternoon. Semifinals, medal matches, and placement matches will be played on Sunday.

El Salvador

The top four teams per gender will earn direct qualification to the FIVB U21 World Championship, set to take place from October 15 to 19 in Puebla, Mexico.

Men’s Teams: DOM Melvin De Jesús/Ramón De Jesús; NCA Justin Barrios/Deyner López; TTO Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel; SKN Julián Bristol/Jedediah Pencheon; USA Malachi Brewington/Titus Lance; GUA Fredy Luna/José Guevara; BAR Nkoya Williams/Aaron Taylor; DMA Mervin Mingo/Bill Frederick; CAN Louis Charbonneau/Henry Heider; ESA Rafael Vargas/Fernando Ortiz; CAY Stephen Watson/Dylan Lynee; LCA Jaden Victor/Peter Emmanuel; PUR Ignacio Pedraza/Reyko Figueroa; CRC Julián Araya/Victorio González; GRN Zerick Walcott/Kibose Hamilton.

Women’s Teams: DOM Crismil Paniagua/Daneyi Arias; CRC Laura Molina/Sofía Vega; BAR Destiny Layne/Sierra Rayside; LCA Isaballe Phillip/Ericka Gaspard; USA Zoey Henson/Sarah Wood; GUA Danna Aguilar/Naomi Monney; ISV Brooklyn Donovan/D’Keisha Jordan; ANT Jassania Joseph/Jaya Carr; CAN Ofure Odigie/Ruby Sorra; ESA Daniela Vigil/Ashley Rauda; TTO Sarah Mohammed/Bianca Perkins; AGU Deandra Fleming/Lavesha Richardson; PUR Miabella Musignac/Alanys Nieves; NCA Yuliana Chávez/Ella Resau; CAY Joanna Robinson/Brianna Delapenha.

FIVB welcome delegation from India to Volleyball House 

July 3, 2025.- The FIVB recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to the Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland, for productive discussions on the exciting future of volleyball in India.   

The delegation was led by Mr. Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary Sports, Government of India, and legendary Olympian and IOA President, Ms. PT Usha. The group also included IOA CEO Mr. Raghuram Iyer; Hon. Minister of Sports, Government of Gujarat, Mr. Harsh Rameshbhai Sanghavi; Principal Secretary, Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities, Government of Gujarat, Shri Ashwani Kumar; Principal Secretary, Urban Development & Urban Housing, Shri M. Thennarasan; Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, Mr. Banchhanidhi Pani, and Reliance Industries Limited President and Chief of Staff, Srinivasan B.  

FIVB President Fabio Azevedo took the opportunity to share his vision for the global development of volleyball, as outlined in the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032. This vision is focused around four key pillars: professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation. 

The delegation was also updated on the FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment programme, which supports National Federations to reach their full potential. Since 2017, India has received a total investment of USD 420,000 through four coach support projects for its men’s national volleyball team. A new 12-month coaching project is currently underway. The impact of Volleyball Empowerment support has been positive, with India’s national team claiming silver last month at the CAVA Nations Volleyball League. 

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of both parties to harness India’s enormous volleyball potential and continue fostering stronger ties in the years ahead.

Allan Sharp elected as President of Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association

BELIZE CITY, Belize, July 3, 2025.-Belize Volleyball Association President Allan Sharp has been elected President of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (BOCGA), following elections held during the National Olympic Committee’s Annual General Meeting on June 28, succeeding Hilberto Martinez, who had served in the role since 2013.

Sharp has served as BOCGA’s Secretary General since 2017 and has led the Belize Volleyball Association since 2008.

The new Executive Board will serve a four-year term through 2029. Elected alongside Sharp were Herman Pastor as Vice President, Giovanni Alamilla as Secretary General, Sharon Hardwick as Assistant Secretary General, and Arturo Vasquez as Treasurer.

Three Executive Members were also elected, namely Kaya Cattouse, Raul Rosado and Leticia Westby.

The new Executive Board begins its term with a mandate to promote excellence, strengthen unity across the sporting community, and support the continued development of sport in Belize.

The leadership group is expected to build on recent progress made both nationally and through Belize’s participation in regional and international competitions.

Future Stars to Shine in Juan Dolio at NORCECA U21 and U18 Beach Volleyball World Qualifiers

Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, July 2025. – The shores of Juan Dolio Beach in the Dominican Republic are set to take center stage as the region’s most promising young athletes compete in the NORCECA U21 and U18 Beach Volleyball Championships, official qualification tournaments on the road to the 2025 FIVB Age-Group World Championships.

The vibrant coastal setting will serve as the backdrop for intense competition and rising talent, marking a key milestone in the journey of future stars aiming for global success.

Both tournaments will bring together national teams from across the NORCECA Zonal Associations, including AFECAVOL, CAZOVA, ECVA, and the Central Zone, all vying for a place on the world stage.

The competition will begin with the U21 tournament, taking place from July 3 to 7, with official matches scheduled from July 4 to 6. This will be followed immediately by the U18 championship from July 7 to 9.

The top four teams per gender in each event will earn direct qualification to the main draw of the respective world tournaments.

The FIVB U18 World Championship is scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from October 7 to 11, while the FIVB U21 World Championship will be held in Puebla, Mexico, from October 15 to 19.

With the eyes on Juan Dolio, these tournaments represent a key milestone in the development of young talent and a unique chance for teams to secure their place among the world’s best.

FIVB meet with French Guyana National Federation at Volleyball House

July 1, 2025.- The FIVB this week welcomed Marc Olivier Anatole, the President of the French Guyana National Federation (NF), a Regional Member of the FIVB, to the Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland, where discussions focused on the Volleyball Empowerment programme and future collaboration opportunities. 

The FIVB was represented by FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, General Sports Director Steve Tutton, Head of Empowerment and NF Relations Hitesh Malhotra and Head of Development and Sustainability Paulo Barone. 

A key topic of discussion was the Volleyball Empowerment programme. To date, the NF has received USD 130,000 in support across eight projects, ranging from volleyball equipment, knowledge transfer and coach support. Currently, a 12-month coach support project, approved for two years, with French coach Baptiste Barberon is underway for the French Guyana national volleyball team. The meeting explored both the impact of these initiatives and potential future projects. 

FIVB President Fabio Azevedo also took the opportunity to present the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, an ambitious yet realistic roadmap designed to take volleyball to the next level globally. It focuses on four key pillars: professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation.  

NORCECA-FIVB Regional Development Center Announces Upcoming International Courses in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 1, 2025. – The NORCECA-FIVB Volleyball Development Center announces two important international coaching courses, aimed at continuing to strengthen technical skills and the development of volleyball in the region.

From July 21 to 25, the FIVB Beach Volleyball Coaches Course Level 1 will take place, led by FIVB Instructor Mauro Hernández, who is widely recognized for his extensive experience in teaching and developing beach volleyball at the international level.

Later, from September 17 to 21, the FIVB Volleyball Coaches Course Level 2 will be held, designed for experienced coaches looking to advance their knowledge and skills in indoor volleyball. The instructor for this course will be announced soon.

Both courses will be held at the NORCECA-FIVB Volleyball Development Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and are officially certified by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

For more information and registration, interested participants can contact the Center directly via email: centrofivb_rdom@yahoo.es.

Navas and González from Puerto Rico, Undefeated Champions in Puerto Cortés

PUERTO CORTÉS, Honduras, June 29, 2025.- Puerto Rico’s women’s duo, Allanis Navas and María González, were crowned undefeated champions of the third stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, held from June 27 to 29 at Playa Municipal El Porvenir in Puerto Cortés, Honduras.

The Puerto Ricans delivered an impeccable performance, dropping only one set throughout the entire tournament. That lone setback came in the semifinals against the U.S. pair of Emma Donley and Portia Sherman, whom they defeated in three sets 2-1 (21-8, 18-21, 15-11). They won all their other matches in straight sets.

In the final, Navas and González showcased their strength, defeating Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez 2-0 (21-16, 21-17). The Mexican duo had advanced to the gold medal match after beating Canada’s Maya McNabney and Emma Kunaus in straight sets 2-0 (21-15, 21-19).

Meanwhile, the bronze medal match was one of the most competitive of the day. Donley and Sherman from the United States claimed the podium after defeating Canada’s McNabney and Kunaus in three sets (21-18, 16-21, 15-9).

Final placement matches:

5/6: Vidaurrazaga/Ramirez MEX vs Valenciana/Buckner ISV (21-12, 21-16)

7/8: Rivera/Bruhier HON vs Vigil/Rauda ESA (21-12, 21-16)

9/10: Ramírez/Quesada CRC vs Silva/N. Brenes NCA (21-13, 21-19)

11/12: Molina/Sofi V CRC vs Murillo/Clarke HON (21-12, 21-5)

13/14: Simmonds/Cudmore CAN vs Aguilar/Arevalo GUA (21-7, 21-9)

15/16: Smith/Lumsden JAM vs Villegas/Rodriguez HON (21-18, 21-13)

Final Positions

1.Allanis Navas/María Claudia González PUR 2. Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez MEX 3. Emma Donley/Portia Sherman USA 4. Maya McNabney/Emma Kunaus CAN 5. Yamilet Vidaurrazaga/María Jimena Ramírez MEX 6. Melanie Valenciana/Taylor Buckner ISV 7. Shanna Rivera/Reizel Bruhier HON 8. Daniela Vigil/Fabiola Rauda ESA 9. Eugenia Ramírez/Kianny Quesada CRC 10. Nahima Silva/Norma Brenes NCA 11. Laura Molina/Sofia Vega CRC 12. Nicolle Murillo/Shanttle Siliezar HON 13. Claire Simmonds/Emma Cudmore CAN 14. Mariela Aguilar/Ana Sofia Arévalo GUA 15. Petal Smith/Kristina Lumsden JAM 16. Ruth Villegas/Alejandra Rodríguez HON 17. Fátima Rendon/Devora Medina ESA

Lares and Carlos Andrés Lead Mexico to the Title at the Third Stop of the NORCECA Beach Tour

PUERTO CORTÉS, June 29, 2025. – Antonio Vargas Lares and Carlos Andrés Ayala clinched the title for Mexico at the third stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, held at Playa Municipal El Porvenir in Puerto Cortés, Honduras, from June 27 to 29.

The Mexican duo delivered a solid and efficient performance in the final, defeating the American pair Troy Field and Ryan Wilcox in straight sets, 21-17 and 21-18, with no major difficulties.

Mexico also claimed the bronze medal thanks to Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna, who came from behind to defeat Americans James Drost and Robert Harrison in an exciting match that ended 16-21, 21-18, 15-13.

The all-Mexican semifinal was grueling, leaving Sarabia and Osuna physically drained after falling to Lares and Ayala in a hard-fought battle that extended to three sets, 29-27, 25-27, 15-7.

Meanwhile, the semifinal between the two U.S. pairs was also closely contested, with Field and Wilcox prevailing over Drost and Harrison in straight but competitive sets, 21-16 and 21-18.

Final placement matches:

5/6: Rahnavard/Gannett CAN vs Mora/López NCA (21-19, 21-15)

7/8: Araya/Varela CRC vs Ratter/Van Siclen ISV (21-14, 21-17)

9/10: Encarnación/Rivera PUR vs Cascante/López NCA (21-15, 18-21, 15-6)

11/12: Licht/de Greeff CAN vs Morton/Nage SKN (21-15, 21-13)

13/14: Leonardo/Maldonado GUA vs Izaguirre/Penagos GUA (21-11, 21-18)

15/16: Reyes/Serrano HON vs R Vargas/Ponce ESA (21-17, 21-15)

17/18: Esteban/Solano CRC vs Theodore/Enile TTO (21-14, 21-19)

Final Positions

1. Antonio Vargas Lares/Carlos Andrés Ayala MEX 2. Troy Field/Ryan Wilcox USA 3. Miguel Sarabia/Jorman Osuna MEX 4. James Drost/Robert Harrison USA 5. Rouzbeh Rohnavard/Tynan Gannett CAN 6. Rubén Mora/Danny López NCA 7. Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela CRC 8. Kendall Ratter/Devin Van Siclen ISV 9. Cristian Encarnacion/William Rivera PUR 10. Jefferson Cascante/Denis López NCA 11. Martin Lich/Luke de Greeff CAN 12. Elkreen Morton/Nage Hendrickson SKN 13. Andy Leonardo/Edgar Maldonado GUA 14. Jose Miguel Izaguirre/Santiago Penagos GUA 15. Armando Reyes/Manuel Serrano HON 16. Rafael Vargas/Fernando Ortiz ESA 17. Esteban González/Justin Solano CRC 18. Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile TTO 19. Kevin Herrera/Isaac Méndez HON

Puerto Rico, USA, Canada, and Mexico Advance to Women’s Semifinals

PUERTO CORTÉS, Honduras, June 28, 2025.- Women’s teams from Puerto Rico, United States, Canada, and Mexico advanced to the semifinals of the third stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, taking place at Playa Municipal El Porvenir in Puerto Cortés, Honduras.

In the quarterfinals, the Puerto Rican duo of Allanis Navas and María González had no major difficulties defeating Melanie Valenciana and Taylor Buckner from the U.S. Virgin Islands with dominant scores of 21-5 and 21-12.

McNabney-kanaus CAN (9)

Similarly, the American pair Emma Donley and Portia Sherman controlled their match against Daniela Vigil and Ashley Rauda of El Salvador, winning comfortably 21-7 and 21-16.

Later in the afternoon, Canada’s Maya McNabney and Emma Kunaus overcame the home team, Shanna Rivera and Reizel Bruhier, with straight sets 21-11 and 21-12. In the evening, the all-Mexican showdown went to Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who defeated Yeray Vidaurrazaga and María Jimena Ramírez with scores of 21-13 and 21-14.

The women’s semifinals on Sunday will feature: Navas/González (PUR) vs Donley/Sherman (USA) and McNabney/Kunaus (CAN) vs Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX)

Action kicks off Sunday at 8:00 a.m. (local time), with the medal matches scheduled for the afternoon.

Torres-Gutierrez MEX

Final positions group phase

Group A: 1. Navas/González PUR, 2. Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez MEX, 3. Molina/Sofi V CRC, 4.  Simmonds/Cudmore CAN, 5. Rendon/Medina ESA

Group B: 1. Torres/Gutiérrez MEX, 2. Valenciana/Buckner ISV, 3. Murillo/Clarke HON, 4.  Aguilar/Arévalo GUA

Group C: 1. Rivera/Bruhier HON, 2.  Vigil/Rauda ESA, 3.  Silva/N. Brenes NCA, 4. Smith/Lumsden JAM      

Group D: 1. Donley/Sherman USA, 2. McNabney/Kunaus CAN, 3.  Ramírez/Quesada CRC, 4. Villegas/Rodríguez HON.

Results position matches:

Classification 13-16: Aguilar/Arévalo GUA vs Smith/Lumsden JAM 2-0 (21-8, 21-12) y Simmonds/Cudmore CAN vs Villegas/Rodríguez HON 2-0 (21-11, 21-6).

Classification 9-12: Silva/N. Brenes NCA vs Murillo/Clarke HON 2-0 (21-13, 21-7) y Ramírez/Quesada CRC vs Molina/Sofi V CRC 2-1 (18-21, 21-9, 15-6).

USA and Mexico Double Up in Men’s Semifinals

PUERTO CORTÉS, Honduras, June 28, 2025.-  Both duos from the United States and both duos from Mexico advanced to the men’s semifinals at the third stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour on Saturday in Puerto Cortés, Honduras.

The American duo of James Drost and Robert Harrison battled their way to a hard-fought quarterfinal victory over Rouzbeh Rahnavard and Tynan Gannett of Canada in a thrilling three-set match, winning 21-18, 19-21, 18-16.

Meanwhile, the other U.S. pair, Troy Field and Ryan Wilcox, eliminated defending champions Rubén Mora and Dany López of Nicaragua with a dominant performance, posting scores of 21-12 and 21-11.

The Mexican teams also secured their spots in the semifinals. Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna overcame Costa Rica’s Julian Araya and Jhostin Varela in a tight match, winning 21-18, 21-18. On the other side, Inés Lares and Carlos Andrés had little trouble defeating Kendall Ratter and Devin Van Siclen from the U.S. Virgin Islands in straight sets, 21-12, 21-14.

Miguel Sarabia MEX

The semifinals between compatriots: Drost/Harrison (USA) vs Field/Wilcox (USA) and Sarabia/Osuna (MEX) vs Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX)

The final day of the competition starts Sunday at 8:00 a.m. (local time), with the medal matches scheduled for the afternoon.

Final positions group phase:

Group A: 1. Sarabia/Osuna MEX, 2.  Rahnavard/Gannett CAN, 3. Encarnación/Rivera PUR, 4.  Leonardo/Maldonado GUA, 5. Esteban/Solano CRC

Group B: 1.  Drost/Harrison USA, 2. lugar Araya/Varela CRC, 3. Cascante/Lopez NCA, 4. Izaguirre/Penagos GUA, 5. Theodore/Enile TTO

Group  C: 1. Lares/Carlos Andres MEX, 2. Mora/Lopez NCA, 3. Licht/de Greeff CAN, 4. R Vargas/Ponce ESA, 5. Herrera/Mendez HON.

Group  D: 1. Field/Wilcox USA, 2.  Ratter/Van Siclen ISV, 3. Morton/Nage SKN, 4.  Reyes/Serrano HON

Results position matches:

Clasification pos. 17-20: Esteban/Solano CRC vs Herrera/Méndez HON 2-0 (21-14, 21-11)

Clasification pos. 13-16: Izaguirre/Penagos GUA vs R Vargas/Ponce ESA 2-0 (21-17, 21-12); Leonardo/Maldonado GUA vs Reyes/Serrano HON 2-0 (21-17, 21-17).

Clasification pos. 9-12: Cascante/Lopez NCA vs Licht/de Greeff CAN  2-0 (21-12, 21-12).

Six Women’s Teams Remain Undefeated on Day One in Puerto Cortés

PUERTO CORTÉS, Honduras, June 27, 2025. –The teams from Puerto Rico (Navas/González), U.S. Virgin Islands (Valenciana/Buckner), Mexico 1 (Torres/Gutiérrez), Honduras 1 (Rivera/Bruhier), Canada (McNabney/Kunaus), and the United States (Donley/Sherman) remain unbeaten after day one of the third stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Puerto Cortés, Honduras.

Allanis Navas and María González of Puerto Rico went undefeated in Pool A. However, the pool is currently led by Yamilet Vidaurrazaga and María Jimena Ramírez of Mexico. Puerto Rico holds 4 points from two wins, while Mexico leads with 5 points after earning two wins and one loss.

Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico said, “This is our first time in Honduras. The stadium is amazing; there are three courts, which makes the schedule move faster. We have a pretty long pool phase since we’re in the only group with five teams. We are taking it match by match and always aiming for the maximum, chasing that gold medal once again. The Puerto Rican duo comes off winning the second stop of the NORCECA Tour held in Juan Dolio.

Donley-Sherman USA

In Pool B, Melanie Valenciana and Taylor Buckner from the U.S. Virgin Islands remain undefeated with three wins, while Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez finished the day with two victories. The two teams will battle for the top spot in the final pool match scheduled for 12:40 p.m. (local time) on Saturday.

In Pool C, Honduras’ Shanna Rivera and Reizel Bruhier also finished undefeated with two wins but sit in third place in the standings. This is due to Nicaragua’s Silva/N. Brenes and El Salvador’s Vigil/Rauda playing three matches (one more than Honduras), both finishing with two wins and one loss for a total of 5 points.

Pool D is set for an exciting North American showdown on Saturday. Canada’s Maya McNabney and Emma Kunaus lead with three wins, followed by the U.S. team of Emma Donley and Portia Sherman with two victories. Canada and the United States will face each other on Saturday, no earlier than 1:20 p.m. (local time).

Complete results from Friday, June 27

Group A:Navas/González PUR vs Simmonds/Cudmore CAN (21-6, 21-8); Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez MEX vs Molina/Sofi V CRC (18-21, 21-7, 15-5); Navas/González PUR vs Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez MEX (21-15, 21-13); Simmonds/Cudmore CAN vs Rendon/Medina ESA (22-20, 21-11); Molina/Sofi V CRC vs Rendon/Medina ESA (17-21, 21-14, 15-10); Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez MEX vs Simmonds/Cudmore CAN (21-19, 21-13)

Group B: Torres/Gutiérrez MEX vs Bye (21-0, 21-0); Valenciana/Buckner ISV vs Murillo/Clarke HON (21-16, 21-4); Torres/Gutiérrez MEX vs Murillo/Clarke HON (21-8, 21-11); Aguilar/Arévalo GUA vs Bye (21-0, 21-0); Valenciana/Buckner ISV vs Aguilar/Arévalo GUA (21-18, 21-10); Murillo/Clarke HON vs Bye (21-0, 21-0)

Group C: Rivera/Bruhier HON vs Bye (21-0, 21-0); Vigil/RAUDA ESA vs Silva/N. Brenes NCA (21-18, 22-20); Rivera/Bruhier HON vs Vigil/Rauda ESA (21-17, 20-22, 15-10); Smith/Lumsden JAM vs Bye (21-0, 21-0); Silva/N. Brenes NCA vs Smith/Lumsden JAM (21-6, 21-16); Vigil/Rauda ESA vs Bye (21-0, 21-0)

Group D: Donley/Sherman USA vs Bye (21-0, 21-0); McNabney/Kunaus CAN vs Ramírez/Quesada CRC (21-17, 12-21, 15-11); Donley/Sherman USA vs Ramírez/Quesada CRC (21-14, 21-9); Villegas/Rodríguez HON vs Bye (21-0, 21-0); McNabney/Kunaus CAN vs Villegas/Rodríguez HON (21-6, 21-7); Ramírez/Quesada CRC vs Bye (21-0, 21-0)

Costa Rica, both teams from USA, and both from Mexico lead their groups in the men’s division

PUERTO CORTÉS, June 27, 2025.– After a long day due to the large number of registered teams at the third stop of the NORCECA Tour, at Playa Municipal El Porvenir in Puerto Cortés, the dominant teams on the first day were Costa Rica, both United States pairs, and both Mexican pairs.

Group A was led by the Mexican duo of Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna, who won both of their matches, defeating Esteban/Solano from Costa Rica 21-15, 21-16 and Rahnavard/Gannett from Canada 22-20, 21-13.

Jorman Osuna of Mexico said, This is my first time in Honduras, and the organization, the courts, and the level are very good and beautiful. This is our fourth adventure on the NORCECA Tour. We’ve won two stops, and we hope to win gold again at this one.”

Miguel Sarabia added, “The quality of players at this tournament is exactly what we expected. Strong pairs like the ones from the United States, Canada, and Nicaragua raise the level. We won the last stop of last year in Costa Rica and the one in Juan Dolio this year, and we hope to repeat here in Puerto Cortés”.

Osuna MEX

In Group B, Araya/Varela from Costa Rica and Drost/Harrison from the United States both finished with a 2-0 record. These two teams will face each other on Saturday at 10:40 a.m.

The Mexican pair of Antonio Vargas and Carlos Andrés Ayala dominated with two victories, including a surprise win over last year’s champions at this stop, Mora/López from Nicaragua, defeating them 2-0 (21-18, 21-13).

The United States team of Troy Field and Ryan Wilcox also finished undefeated in Group D of the tournament.

Results of Friday, June 27

Group A: Sarabia/Osuna MEX vs Esteban/Solano CRC (21-15, 21-16); Rahnavard/Gannett CAN vs Encarnación/Rivera PUR (12-21, 21-13, 15-6); Sarabia/Osuna MEX vs Rahnavard/Gannett CAN (22-20, 21-13); Leonardo/Maldonado GUA vs Esteban/Solano CRC (21-18, 21-15); Encarnación/Rivera PUR vs Leonardo/Maldonado GUA (21-8, 21-19); Rahnavard/Gannett CAN vs Esteban/Solano CRC (21-0, 21-0)

Group B: Drost/Harrison USA vs Izaguirre/Penagos GUA (21-13, 21-9); Araya/Varela CRC vs Cascante/López NCA (21-19, 21-16); Drost/Harrison USA vs Cascante/López NCA (19-21, 21-15, 15-13); Izaguirre/Penagos GUA vs Theodore/Enile TTO (21-19, 21-19); Araya/Varela CRC vs Theodore/Enile TTO (21-14, 21-7); Cascante/Lopez NCA vs Izaguirre/Penagos GUA (21-6, 21-16)

Group C: Mora/López NCA vs Herrera/Méndez HON (21-7, 21-3); Lares/Carlos Andrés Ayala MEX vs Licht/de Greeff CAN (21-19, 17-21, 15-11); Lares/Carlos Andrés MEX vs Mora/López NCA (21-18, 21-13); R Vargas/Ponce ESA vs Herrera/Méndez HON (21-18, 17-21, 15-7); Licht/de Greeff CAN vs R Vargas/Ponce ESA (21-15, 21-5); Lares/Carlos Andrés MEX vs Herrera/Méndez HON (21-12, 21-12)             

Group D: Reyes/Serrano HON vs Bye (21-0, 21-0); Field/Wilcox USA vs Ratter/Van Siclen ISV (21-18, 21-14); Field/Wilcox USA vs Reyes/Serrano HON (21-13, 21-17); Morton/Nage SKN vs Bye (21-0, 21-0); Ratter/Van Siclen ISV vs Morton/Nage SKN (21-19, 21-17).

Rubén Mora and Dany López from Nicaragua Aim to Repeat Last Year’s Title

PUERTO CORTÉS, June 26, 2025. – The Nicaraguan duo of Rubén Mora and Dany López arrives at the third stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour hoping to repeat the feat they achieved in 2024, when they were crowned champions in Puerto Cortés.

Dany López commented, “We are participating in this third stop of the NORCECA Tour, which is very special for us because last year we won the gold medal here. We hope we can once again achieve a satisfying result.”

Rubén Mora added, “Last year I think it was a bit easier since there were only about 10 teams. This year the competition has nearly doubled, with around 20 teams. It’s going to be a very tough tournament. In fact, this entire season has been challenging from the very first stop, since every event has had more than 15 teams,” he pointed out.

Control committee

This year, the groups are divided as follows:

Pool A: Andy Blanco/Edgar Maldonado (GUA), Rouzbeh Rahnavard/Tynan Gannett (CAN), Miguel Sarabia/Jorman Osuna (MEX), Sarabia is the Central American and Caribbean champion and the pair won gold at the second stop in Juan Dolio, Cristian Encarnación/Diego Rosich (PUR), and Esteban González/Justin Solano (CRC).

Pool B: Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile (TTO), Jefferson Cascante/Denis López (NCA), James Drost/Harrison (USA) – Drost is a veteran of the world tour, having competed in FIVB and NORCECA tournaments since 2011, Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela (CRC), and José Izaguirre/Santiago Penagos (GUA).

Pool C: Rafael Vargas/Ponce (ESA), Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX), Rubén Mora/Dany López (NCA), Martin Licht/Luke de Greeff (CAN), and Herrera/Méndez (HON).

Pool D: Elkreen Morton/Nage Hendrickson (SKN), Troy Field/Ryan Wilcox (USA), Irvin Reyes/Manuel Serrano (HON), and Kendall Ratter/Devin Van Siclen (ISV).

Just like the women’s competition, the men’s event will start at 8:00 a.m. (local time) with the opening match between Mexico’s Sarabia/Osuna and Costa Rica’s Esteban/Solano.

High Expectations for the Third Stop of the NORCECA Women’s Beach Volleyball Tour

PUERTO CORTÉSJune 26, 2025.– The third stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour kicks off this Friday at the El Porvenir Municipal Beach in Puerto Cortés, featuring 17 women’s teams divided into four pools, one with five teams and three with four teams each.

Canada’s number 1 duo, Emma Kunaus and Maya MacNabney, are feeling confident and hope to improve on their previous fifth-place finish. Emma shared, “I’m really excited for this tournament because there’s strong international competition. My partner (Maya) and I are looking to reach the podium after having a good tournament last time in Juan Dolio, where we finished fifth. Puerto Rico and Mexico are definitely the teams to beat, they give  great competition, and we’re very excited to face them again this weekend.”

Canada

Puerto Rico’s Allanis Navas and María González, reigning Central American and Caribbean champions and gold medalists at the second stop in Juan Dolio, will lead Pool A, which also includes Laura Molina/Sofía Vega from Costa Rica, Fátima Rendón/Devora Medina from El Salvador, Yeray Vidaurrazaga/María Jimena Ramírez from Mexico, and Claire Simmonds/Emma Cudmore from Canada.

The Mexican duo of Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who earned silver medals at both the first stop in Varadero and the second in Juan Dolio, aim to dominate Pool B. Joining them are Melanie Valenciana/Taylor Buckner from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Danna Aguilar/Ana Sofía Arévalo from Guatemala, and Xue Murillo/Clark from Honduras.

Pools C and D are set as follows: Pool C: HON (Shanna Rivera/Reizel Bruhier), NCA (Nahima Silva/Norma Brenes), JAM (Petal Smith/Kristina Lumsden), ESA 2 (Daniela Vigil/Ashley Rauda) and Pool D: USA (Emma Donley/Portia Sherman), CAN (Maya MacNabney/Emma Kunaus), HON 2 (Ruth Villegas/Valery Rodríguez), CRC 2 (Eugenia Ramírez/Quezada)

Matches begin at 8:00 a.m. (local time).

Puerto Cortés to Host the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour for Second Year in a Row

PUERTO CORTÉS, Honduras, June 25, 2025.– The heart of the Honduran Caribbean will once again come alive with world-class beach volleyball. For the second consecutive year, Puerto Cortés will host a stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, welcoming the third leg of the 2025 circuit, set to take place from June 27 to 29 at El Porvenir Municipal Beach.

There is high anticipation for the event, with 37 teams from 13 pre-registered countries, all aiming to collect crucial ranking points. The final list of participating teams and pool distribution will be officially confirmed during the preliminary meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 26.

The list is highlighted by Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora and Danny López, current champions of Puerto Cortés and silver medalists at the first stop of the 2025 season in Varadero, Cuba. Also, Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna, along with Inés Vargas Lares and Carlos Andrés Ayala, who captured gold and silver medals, respectively, at the second stop of the Tour in Juan Dolio.

On the women’s side, standouts include Puerto Rico’s Allanis Navas and María González, gold medalists at the second stop of the Tour in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, as well as Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who have reached the podium with silver medals at both of the first two stops of the 2025 NORCECA Tour.

Puerto Cortés continues to establish itself as one of the key destinations for the growth and development of beach volleyball in the region, offering a splendid venue on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. The event promises a top-level sporting spectacle for both the athletes and the local and visiting fans.

The competition will feature the best men’s and women’s pairs from the NORCECA region, who will not only battle for a place on the podium but also strive to earn points towards major international competitions, including the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.

USA’s Durish and Koenig Crowned NORCECA U23 Champions at Seven Mile Beach

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 22, 2025. – Alexis Durish and Audrey Koenig of the United States claimed the gold medal at the NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour with a commanding straight-sets victory over Costa Rica’s Sofia Vega and Laura Molina, 2-0 (21-10, 21-14), at the stunning Seven Mile Beach.

The American duo delivered a flawless performance throughout the tournament, going undefeated and not dropping a single set in route to the top of the podium.

In the bronze medal match, El Salvador’s Karla Tovar and Daniela Vigil defeated Barbados’ Sierra Rayside and Destiny Layne 2-0 (21-16, 21-10) to secure third place.

Tovar and Vigil had previously fallen to Durish and Koenig in the semifinals 2-0 (21-11, 21-8), while Vega and Molina earned their place in the final by overpowering Rayside/Layne of Barbados (2-0: 21-7, 21-5).

male and female winners

In the battle for fifth place, Anjia Delapenha and Joanna Robinson of the Cayman Islands delivered a strong performance to defeat Guatemala’s Ana Sofía Arévalo and Danna Aguilar in straight sets, 2-0 (21-16, 21-12).

Canada’s Ariel Forgarty and Bailey Royston secured seventh place after a thrilling three-set match against Bermuda’s Megan Hands and Hailey Moss. The Canadians came from behind to win 2-1 (19-21, 21-19, 15-11).

For ninth place, fellow Canadians Claire Neagle and Nolyn Houben cruised past the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Brooklyn Donovan and D’Keisha Jordan with a dominant 2-0 (21-11, 21-9) win.

Trinidad and Tobago’s L’fe Robers and Meeka Johnson earned 11th place after defeating Cayman Islands’ Luna Ebanks and Brianna Delapenha in straight sets, 2-0 (21-17, 21-14).

In the 13th-place match, Hensley Philip and Alwani of St. Kitts and Nevis claimed a 2-0 (21-17, 21-18) victory over Jamaica’s Sibblies and Brandy.

Results for Classification 5/8: A. Delapenha/J. Robinson CAY d Forgarty/Royston CAN 2-0 (22-20, 21-14); Arevalo/Aguilar GUA d Hands/Moss BER 2-1 (21-5, 22-24, 15-4)

Costa Rica’s Araya and Varela Capture Back-to-Back NORCECA U23 Gold at Seven Mile Beach

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 22, 2025.-  Costa Rica’s Julian Araya and Jhostin Varela successfully defended their title, claiming back-to-back gold medals at the NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour with a decisive 2-0 (21-19, 21-15) win over El Salvador’s Christopher and Yoel Guardado in Sunday’s final at the iconic Seven Mile Beach.

Araya and Varela showed composure throughout the competition, overcoming a thrilling semifinal against the USA’s Ayden Keeter and Carson Barnes. After dropping the first set and facing two set points in the second, the Costa Rican duo rallied for a remarkable comeback, winning 2-1 (15-21, 26-24, 15-10) to advance to the gold medal match.

CRC Gold

Asking what it took to get to the final and win, Jhostin remarked “It was hard work, after winning a couple of weeks ago in the Dominican Republic, we trained for this”.

“It’s been many days and hours of practice, training hard to be in good condition is difficult and we are very proud of winning another gold medal” Julian added.

The Guardado twins of El Salvador also earned their place in the final with a gritty 2-1 (18-21, 21-15, 15-12) victory over Canada’s Brandon Burnside and Reed Venning, staying calm under pressure to force and win a decisive third set.

ESA Silver

In one of the most exciting matches of the tournament, Keeter and Barnes bounced back from their semifinal disappointment to take the bronze medal with a hard-fought 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15-12) win over the Canadian pair Burnside/Venning. The match was packed with momentum swings and drew strong applause from the local crowd.

In the battle for fifth place, Canada’s Charles Ellinas and Colin Lash delivered a dominant performance, defeating Julian Briston and Clarique Ward of St. Kitts and Nevis in straight sets, 2-0 (21-9, 21-16).

Seventh place went to the Cayman Islands’ Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee, who secured a close victory over Daniel Delgado and José Guevara of Guatemala. The local pair held on in the second set to win 2-0 (21-13, 23-21).

USA BRONZE

For ninth place, Miguel and Morrison of Trinidad and Tobago staged an impressive comeback to defeat Nkoya and Taylor of Barbados in three sets, 2-1 (17-21, 21-17, 15-13).

Jamaica’s Blake and Softley claimed eleventh place with a solid 2-0 (21-16, 21-17) win over the Aruban duo of Coutinho and Kock.

The U.S. Virgin Islands’ Anderson and Rojas finished in thirteenth place after defeating Van Dam and Chisholm of the Cayman Islands in straight sets, 2-0 (21-15, 21-17).In the final placement match, Cayman Islands’ Duty and Cardenas closed the tournament with a 2-0 (21-19, 21-15) win against Brown and Wathey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to secure fifteenth place.

Results Classification 5/8: Ellinas/Lash CAN d Watson/Lynee CAY 2-0 (22-20, 21-15); Bristol/Ward SKN 2-0 d Delgado/Guevara GUA (21-19, 12-21, 15-8)

Tandems from Barbados, Costa Rica, USA & El Salvador Reach Semifinals at Seven Mile Beach

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 21, 2025.- The semifinal women’s lineup is set at the U23 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in the Cayman Islands, with teams from Barbados, Costa Rica, the United States, and El Salvador earning their places after standout performances in Saturday’s quarterfinal action.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd on the iconic sands of Seven Mile Beach, the Barbadian duo of Sierra Rayside and Destiny Layne booked their semifinal ticket after a hard-fought 2-1 victory (21-15, 18-21, 15-10) over Cayman Islands’ Anjia Delapenha and Joanna Robinson.

Costa Rica’s Sofia Vega and Laura Molina delivered a commanding performance against Canada’s Ariel Forgarty and Bailey Royston, winning in straight sets (21-8, 21-7) to secure their place in the final four.

Americans Alexis Durish and Audrey Koenig continued their dominant form with a swift 2-0 (21-3, 21-4) triumph over Bermuda’s Megan Hands and Hailey Moss, advancing with authority to the semifinals.

USA

Completing the semifinal quartet are El Salvador’s Karla Tovar and Daniela Vigil, who earned a 2-0 (21-17, 21-11) win over Guatemala’s Ana Sofía Arévalo and Danna Aguilar.

Earlier in pool play, the Cayman Islands’ duo A. Delapenha/J. Robinson mounted a strong comeback to defeat L’fe Roberts and Meeka Johnson of Trinidad and Tobago in a three-set thriller (19-21, 21-8, 15-10).

In Pool B, the American pair Durish/Koenig delivered a dominant performance, sweeping Brooklyn Donovan and D’Keisha Jordan of the U.S. Virgin Islands with a commanding 21-4, 21-0.

El Salvador’s Tovar and Vigil, featured a key win over Canada’s Ariel Forgarty and Bailey Royston in straight sets (21-15, 21-18) in Pool C. Meanwhile, Cayman Islands’ Luna Ebanks and Brianna Delapenha secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Jamaica’s Brandy McCarthy and Damia Sibblies (17-21, 21-8, 15-8).

In Pool D, Costa Rica’s Sofi V/Molina opened the day with a thrillin 2-1 win (21-10, 18-21, 15-8) over Ana Sofía Arévalo and Danna Aguilar of Guatemala. Canada’s Claire Neagle and Nolyn Houben also picked up a straight-sets win, defeating Celina Alwani and Jontelle Hensley Philip of St. Kitts and Nevis (21-11, 21-9).

Sunday’s action will begin with placement matches before the semifinal clashes take center stage. The winners will face off later in the day in the gold medal match.

Position matches:

9/12: Jordan/Donovan ISV d L. Ebanks /B Delapenha CAY (forfeit); Neagle/Houben CAN d Johnson/Roberts TTO 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 15-12)

North Americans Face Central Americans in Seven Mile Beach Semifinals

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 21, 2025.- The semifinal matchups are set at the U23 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in the Cayman Islands, and they will see North America take on Central America as teams from the USA and Canada go head-to-head with El Salvador and Costa Rica on the stunning shores of Seven Mile Beach.

Following a competitive round of quarterfinals on Saturday, El Salvador’s twin brothers Christopher and Yoel Guardado continued their undefeated run, dispatching St. Kitts and Nevis’ Julian Bristol and Clerique Ward in straight sets, 21-11, 21-16.

The Salvadoran duo will now take on the American team of Ayden Keeter and Carson Barnes, who maintained their dominance with a 2-0 (21-19, 21-15) win over Canada’s Charles Ellinas and Colin Lash.

On the other side of the bracket, Canada’s Brandon Burnside and Reed Venning battled past Guatemala’s Daniel Delgado and Jose Guevara in a thrilling three-setter, 2-1 (21-16, 19-21, 15-8).

The Canadians now face Julian Araya and Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica, who put in a convincing 2-0 (21-15, 21-14) victory over local favorites Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee of the Cayman Islands.

Costa Rica

In pool play, all four semifinalist teams showed early signs of strength. The Guardado brothers of El Salvador overcame Canada’s Ellinas/Lash in a tough Pool D battle (21-13, 18-21, 15-13), while Araya/Varela of Costa Rica earned a solid win over Guatemala’s Delgado/Guevara in Pool B (21-17, 21-15). Keeter/Barnes of USA breezed past St. Kitts and Nevis (21-17, 21-15) in Pool C, and Canada’s Burnside/Venning dominated U.S. Virgin Islands of Anderson/Rojas 2-0 (21-2, 21-10) in Pool A.

Also standing out in earlier matches were Aruba’s Jeandre Kock and Thelion Coutinho, who beat the Cayman Islands’ D. Van Dam/Chisholm in Pool B 2-0 (21-15, 21-16), and Barbados’ Nkoya Williams-Bailey and Aaron Taylor, who secured a strong 2-0 (21-11, 21-13) win in Pool C over Brown/Wathey of the U.S. Virgin Islands . Jamaica’s Love-Let Blake and Ithran Softley were victorious in Pool D, defeating Duty/Cardenas of Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-10, 21-15).  

Sunday’s schedule starts with position matchups, followed by the semifinals. The semifinal winners will meet later in the day to battle for gold on the iconic sands of Seven Mile Beach.

Position Matches:

13/16: Anderson/Rojas ISV d Duty/Cardenas CAY 2-1 (12-21, 21-19, 15-11); D. Van Dam/Chisholm CAY d Brown/Wathey ISV 2-0 (21-16, 21-13)

9/12: Miguel/Morrison TTO d Blake/Softley JAM 2-0 (21-10, 21-12); Nkoya/Taylor BAR d Kock/Coutinho ARU 2-0 (21-17, 23-21)

Central American Teams and Canada-1 Off to Winning Start at Women’s NORCECA U23 in Cayman Islands

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 20, 2025. – Women’s duos from El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala along with Canada-1 enjoyed a perfect start at the 2025 NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour, each securing two victories on opening day at the picturesque Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands.

El Salvador’s Karla Tovar and Daniela Vigil, Costa Rica’s Sofia Vega and Laura Molina, Guatemala’s Ana Sofía Arévalo and Danna Aguilar, along with Ariel Forgarty and Bailey Royston of Canada-1, all remained unbeaten with two wins in as many matches.

El Salvador’s Tovar/Vigil were in top form in Pool C, winning both of their matches in straight sets. First against Jamaica’s Brandy McCarthy and Damia Sibblies (21-11, 21-4), and then against Cayman Islands’ Luna Ebanks and Brianna Delapenha (21-9, 21-7). Canada’s Forgarty/Royston edged out Ebanks/Delapenha in a tight 2-1 (20-22, 21-19, 18-16) thriller and later defeated McCarthy/Sibblies 2-0 (21-11, 21-8).

BER #2 Moss In defense

In Pool D, Costa Rica’s Sofia V/Molina overpowered with convincing victories, starting with a 2-0 (21-7, 21-7) over St. Kitts and Nevis’ Celina Alwani and Jontelle Hensley Philip, and then a 2-0 (21-17, 21-8) over Canada’s Claire Neagle and Nolyn Houben. Guatemala’s Arévalo/Aguilar were equally dominant, defeating Neagle/Houben in a highly-competitive 2-0 (21-12, 23-21) and then taking down Alwani/Hensley Philip 2-0 (21-18, 21-7).

In other results, Cayman Islands’ Anjia Delapenha and Joanna Robinson claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory (17-21, 21-17, 15-5) over Bermuda’s Megan Hands and Hailey Moss in Pool A. Earlier in the day, the Bermudian duo had opened with a straight-set win, 2-0 (21-7, 21-15), against L’fe Roberts and Meeka Johnson of Trinidad and Tobago.

In Pool B, Americans Alexis Durish and Audrey Koenig delivered a commanding 2-0 (21-4, 21-3) win over Barbados’ Sierra Rayside and Destiny Layne. Earlier, the Rayside/Layne had opened strong with a 2-0 (21-11, 21-5) victory against Brooklyn Donovan and D’Keisha Jordan of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Pool play continues Saturday morning, followed by the quarterfinal round and classification matchups for positions.

Costa Rica’s Araya and Varela Lead U23 NORCECA Tour in Cayman Islands Stage

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 19, 2025.– After claiming gold in the opening stop of the 2025 NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour, Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela arrive in the Cayman Islands as the team to watch for the second leg of the tour, which will take place from June 20 to 22 on the iconic shores of Seven Mile Beach.

Araya and Varela were crowned men’s champions in the first stage of the tour held in May at Juan Dolio beach, Dominican Republic. They triumphed in a thrilling three-set final against the United States’ Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst, winning 2-1 (19-21, 21-18, 15-12).

All eyes now turn to the second stage of the tour, where 14 women’s teams and 16 men’s teams representing 13 countries will compete over three days. A total of 28 matches are expected on the opening day alone.

The tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone for rising beach volleyball athletes aiming to compete at major international events, including the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay.

The competition begins at 9:00 a.m. (local time) on Friday with pool play and continues Saturday with the quarterfinals and classification matches. The event concludes on Sunday with semifinals and medal matches, promising a weekend full of high-level action and emerging talent on the sand.

Pool distribution

WOMEN

POOL A: Anjia Delapenha/Joanna Robinson CAY-1, Meeka Johnson/L’fe Roberts TTO, Megan Hands/Hailey Moss BER

POOL B: Alexis Durish/Audrey Koenig USA, Brooklyn Donovan/D’Keisha Jordan ISV, Destiny Layne/Sierra Rayside BAR

POOL C: Ariel Forgarty/Bailey Royston CAN-1, Karla Tovar/Daniela Vigil ESA, Brandy McCarthy/Damia Sibblies JAM, Brianna Delapenha/Luna Ebanks CAY2

POOL D: Ana Sofía Arevalo/Danna Aguilar GUA, Sofia Vega/Laura Molina CRC, Celina Alwani Jontelle Hensley Philip  SKN, Claire Neagle/Nolyn Houben CAN2

MEN

POOL A: Stephen Watson/Dylan Lynee CAY, Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel TTO, Armani Anderson/Aden Rojas ISV-1, Brandon Burnside/Reed Venning CAN-2

POOL B: Julian Araya/Jhostin Varela CRC, Daniel Delgado/Jose Guevara GUA, Jeandre Kock/ Thelion Coutinho ARU, Liam Chisholm/Declan Van Dam CAY-3

POOL C: Ayden Keeter/Carson Barnes USA, Julian Bristol/Clerique Ward SKN, Nkoya Williams-Bailey/Aaron Taylor BAR, Armani Anderson/Aden Rojas ISV-2

POOL D: Charles Ellinas/Colin Lash CAN, Christopher Guardado/Yoel Guardado ESA, Love-Let Blake/Ithran Softley JAM, William Duty/Dimitri Cardenas CAY-2 

Cayman’s Delapenha and Ebanks Capture CAZOVA U21 Women’s Beach Volleyball Gold at Home

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 19, 2025. – In a thrilling display of skill and resilience on home sand, Brianna Delapenha and Luna Ebanks clinched the women’s gold medal at the inaugural CAZOVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championship.

The Cayman Islands duo edged out Barbados’ Destiny Layne and Sierra Rayside in a hard-fought three-set final, sealed dramatically with a service ace by Brianna for a 2-1 victory (21-10, 14-21, 15-9).

In the bronze medal match, Anjia Delapenha and Joanna Robinson gave the Cayman Islands a double podium finish, defeating Trinidad and Tobago’s L’fe Roberts and Meeka Johnson in straight sets, 21-18, 21-6.

The top three ranked countries in the event, Cayman Islands, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, earned a berth to compete in the NORCECA Qualifier Tournament for the World Championship.

Brianna Delapenha and Luna Ebanks triumphed in the all-Cayman Islands semifinal showdown, rallying past Anjia Delapenha and Joanna Robinson 2-1 (18-21, 21-19, 15-5).

Meanwhile, Barbados’ Destiny Layne and Sierra Rayside secured their spot in the final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago’s L’fe Roberts and Meeka Johnson (21-9, 17-21, 15-9).

top 3 Qualifiers

Sibblies/Brandy of Jamaica finished fifth place with a 2-0 (21-11, 21-15) victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Jordan/Donovan.

In pool play action, both Cayman Islands’ teams delivered dominant performances to top their respective groups and advance with confidence.

In Pool A, Anjia Delapenha/Joanna Robinson overcame a strong challenge from Barbados’ Destiny Layne/Sierra Rayside in a tight 2-1 win (21-15, 18-21, 15-10), before cruising past Jamaica’s Brandy McCarthy/Damia Sibblies in straight sets (21-5, 21-9). Meanwhile, in Pool B, Brianna Delapenha and Luna Ebanks were equally impressive, defeating the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Brooklyn Donovan and D’Keisha Jordan (21-9, 21-9), and following up with another straight sets win over Trinidad and Tobago’s Lfe Roberts and Meeka Johnson (21-19, 21-13).

Barbados’ Williams and Taylor Crowned CAZOVA U21 Men’s Beach Volleyball Champions

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 19, 2025. – Nkoya Williams and Aaron Taylor of Barbados claimed the men’s gold medal at the inaugural CAZOVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championship, prevailing in the final over Cayman Islands’ Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee.

Williams/Taylor bounced back after dropping the first set, winning the second and then sealing the match when an injury forced their opponents to withdraw, with a final score of 2-1 (19-21, 21-13, 15-0).

In the bronze medal match, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jerome Morrison and Jahreef Miguel delivered a strong performance to defeat Jamaica’s Love-Let Blake and Ithran Softley in straight sets, 21-15, 21-12.

BAR Champions

The top three ranked countries in the event, Barbados, Cayman Islands, and Trinidad and Tobago, earned a berth to compete in the NORCECA Qualifier Tournament for the World Championship.

In the semifinals, Nkoya Williamsand Aaron Taylor of Barbados staged a comeback to defeat Jamaica’s Love-Let Blake and Ithran Softley in a thrilling three-set match, 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-6).

While Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee from the Cayman Islands also rallied after dropping the first set, overcoming Trinidad and Tobago’s Jerome Morrison and Jahreef Miguel 2-1 (21-23, 21-15, 15-8) to advance to the final.

Anderson/Rojas of the U.S. Virgin Islands overcame a three-set battle 2-1 (17-21, 21-16, 15-8) against Duty/Cardenas of Cayman Islands for fifth place.

all awardees

Pool play featured intense matchups, with all teams battling for a spot in the knockout rounds.

Cayman Islands’ Stephen Watson/Dylan Lynee secured two victories in Pool A, defeating the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Armani Anderson/Aden Rojas in straight sets (21-14, 21-6) before edging out Barbados’ Nkoya Williams and Aaron Taylor in a thrilling three-setter (15-21, 21-19, 15-12). Barbados bounced back with a 2-0 win over the U.S. Virgin Islands (21-13, 22-20) to finish second in the group.

In Pool B, Cayman Islands’ William Duty/Dimitri Cardenas opened with a straight-sets win over Jamaica’s Love-Let Blake/Ithran Softley (21-15, 21-17) but fell to Trinidad and Tobago’s Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel (21-13, 21-15), who went on to top the group after also defeating Jamaica 2-0 (21-19, 21-14).

Panam Sports Confirms Indoor and Beach Volleyball for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games

SANTIAGO, CHILE, June 19, 2025 .– With just over two years to go until the start of the 20th Pan American Games, Panam Sports has officially announced the 36 sports that will be included in the Lima 2027 Sports Program. Among the confirmed disciplines are Indoor Volleyball and Beach Volleyball, both of which have gained significant popularity and prestige across the continent.

The decision was made by the Panam Sports Executive Committee based on a participatory process that considered the preferences of the organization’s 41 member National Olympic Committees. Of the 36 sports, 33 were selected by the National Olympic Committees, while the remaining three were proposed by the Lima 2027 Organizing Committee.

“As Panam Sports, we have taken a very important step with the approval of the 36 sports for Lima 2027. We carried out a highly democratic process among all the National Olympic Committees, and today, the Executive Committee has confirmed the sports included in the Sports Program of our Pan American Games,” emphasized Panam Sports President Neven Ilic.

The Lima 2027 Pan American Games will be held from July 16 to August 1, bringing together more than 7,000 athletes from 41 countries across the continent.

The Pan American Volleyball Union (UPV), the body that brings together the NORCECA Confederation and the South American Volleyball Confederation (CSV), confirmed the qualification system for Lima 2027, which must be completed no later than December 31, 2026.

In indoor volleyball, each gender (men and women) will feature eight national teams, according to the following criteria:

  • Peru, as the host country, qualifies automatically.
  • 1 team per confederation (NORCECA and CSV): the highest-ranked team at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games.
  • NORCECA: the top three teams at the 2026 Senior Pan American Cups.
  • CSV: the top two teams at the 2026 Senior Pan American Cups.

In beach volleyball, each gender (men and women) will feature 16 national teams. The qualification system includes:

  • Peru, as the host, qualifies automatically.
  • 1 team per confederation (NORCECA and CSV): the highest-ranked team at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games.
  • NORCECA: the top seven non-qualified teams based on the final standings of the 2026 NORCECA Tour.
  • CSV: the top six non-qualified teams based on the final standings of the 2026 CSV Beach Tour.

NORCECA and the Cuban Volleyball Federation Strengthen Regional Cooperation

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 18, 2025.- A productive working meeting was held this week at the headquarters of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA between the new leadership of the Cuban Volleyball Federation (FCV) and NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz.

The Cuban delegation was led by MSc. Osvaldo Idel Martínez Arias, President of the FCV; Mireya Luis, OLY, Vice President; and Lorenzo Martínez Cordero, Treasurer. This marked the new administration’s first official visit to NORCECA’s offices in Santo Domingo following their election.

The meeting addressed a range of topics of mutual interest related to the development of volleyball in the region. Discussions focused on designing joint programs between NORCECA and the Cuban Volleyball Federation aimed at strengthening institutional and technical collaboration.

Projects centered on the training of referees and coaches through courses and seminars were also reviewed, along with Cuba’s active participation in NORCECA’s competitive calendar, including Confederation qualifying tournaments.

Both parties highlighted the strength and stability of the bonds between NORCECA and the Cuban Volleyball Federation and agreed on the importance of maintaining the necessary support for Cuba to regain its historic prominence in international volleyball.

They also welcomed the possibility of a future meeting between the FIVB, NORCECA, and the FCV, with the goal of enhancing institutional cohesion and addressing key issues for the development of Cuban and regional volleyball.

The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation and shared vision for the growth of volleyball in the region.

Inaugural CAZOVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championship Begins at Seven Mile Beach

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 16, 2025.– The inaugural Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Under-21 Beach Volleyball Championship is set to take place on June 19 at the iconic Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

This one-day tournament will feature 12 teams representing Barbados, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Host nation Cayman Islands will field two teams per gender.

Teams are divided into two pools per gender, competing in round-robin play, followed by semifinals and finals, all packed into a single day of high-energy action.

Team Cayman Ladies

The top three teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions will qualify for NORCECA World Championship Qualifier Tournament in Juan Dolio, advancing on the international stage.

“This championship is not just a qualifier, it’s a celebration of youth beach volleyball in our region,” said CAZOVA President Mushtaque Mohammed.

The competition begins at 9:00 a.m.

Pool distribution

WOMEN

Pool A:Anjia Delapenha/Joanna Robinson (Cayman Islands-1), Brandy McCarthy/ Damia Sibblies (Jamaica), Destiny Layne/Sierra Rayside (Barbados)

Pool B:Lfe Roberts/Meeka Johnson(Trinidad and Tobago), Brianna Delapenha/Luna Ebanks (Cayman Islands-2), Brooklyn Donovan/D’Keisha Jordan (U.S. Virgin Islands)

MEN

Pool A:Stephen Watson/Dylan Lynee (Cayman Islands-1), Nkoya Williams-Bailey/Aaron Taylor (Barbados), Armani Anderson/Aden Rojas (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Pool B:Jahreef Miguel/Jerome Morrison (Trinidad and Tobago), William Duty/Dimitri Cardenas (Cayman Islands-2), Love-Let Blake/Ithran Softley (Jamaica)

Seven Mile Beach Set for Double Dose of International Beach Volleyball

SEVEN MILE BEACH, Cayman Islands, June 17, 2025. – The famous shores of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, are set to become the epicenter of regional beach volleyball this week, as two important international competitions take place back-to-back.

Kicking off the action on June 19 is the CAZOVA Under-21 Beach Volleyball Championship, a one-day event organized by the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association. This high-stakes tournament serves as CAZOVA qualifier for the 2025 NORCECA U21 Championships, a key step towards qualification for the FIVB U21 World Championships later this year.

The top three teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions will compete at the NORCECA World Championship Qualifier, which will be held from 3 to 7 July in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. 

This event reflects CAZOVA’s dedication to developing young beach volleyball talent and expanding competitive opportunities for athletes across the Caribbean.

Immediately following, from June 20 to 23, the spotlight remains on Seven Mile Beach as it hosts the second stage of the 2025 NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour. Aimed at up-and-coming players, this developmental tournament offers crucial international experience and ranking points. The competition also plays a key role in preparing athletes for future events, such as the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay.

The back-to-back tournaments not only showcase Seven Mile Beach as a prime venue for elite beach volleyball but also reinforce NORCECA’s commitment to athlete growth and the sport’s continued expansion across the North, Central America and the Caribbean region.

Spectacular Coastal Venue Elevates 2025 ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championships in St. Kitts & Nevis

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis, June 9, 2025.- The 2025 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) U21 Beach Volleyball Championships came to a thrilling conclusion after three days of intense action, excitement, and competition on one of the most beautiful venues. Held from June 6 to 8 on the scenic shores of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the event featured a magnificent court layout with four competition courts and two warm-up courts, perfectly blending sport with scenery.

The championship brought together 24 teams from 10 countries, all showcasing the best of U21 beach volleyball talent in a setting that wowed both athletes and fans alike. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and golden sands, two teams emerged victorious with standout performances.

In the men’s division, Dominica’s Mervin Mingo and Bill Frederick successfully defended their crown, becoming back-to-back ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball Champions. Their chemistry and tactical execution powered them through a competitive field, solidifying their status as one of the region’s premier pairs.

In the women’s division, St. Lucia’s Ericka Gaspard and Clio Phillip turned in a flawless 5-0 run, capturing gold without dropping a single set. Their dominance, paired with remarkable composure, set the tone for an unforgettable tournament.

“This year’s championship was more than just a tournament—it was a celebration of youth, excellence, and the unmatched beauty of the Caribbean,” said the ECVA President, Glenn Quinlan. “The court setup along the Saint Kitts and Nevis coastline was truly spectacular and raised the bar for future ECVA events.”

The top three teams in each gender category, Dominica, St. Lucia and Grenada in men, and St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica in women, will now move forward to represent ECVA at the NORCECA World Championship Qualifier Tournament, taking the next step on their international journey.

St. Lucia’s Phillip and Ericka Crowned Undefeated ECVA U21 Women’s Champions

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts & Nevis, June 8, 2025.- St. Lucia’s Ericka Gaspard and Clio Phillip delivered a flawless performance at the ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championship, capturing the women’s gold medal with an undefeated 5-0 record and without dropping a single set.

In the final, Phillip and Ericka overpowered Antigua and Barbuda’s Jassania Joseph and Jaya Carr in straight sets, 2-0 (21-11, 23-21), sealing their championship run in dominant fashion on the sands of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The St. Lucian duo controlled the opening set with authority but had to dig deep in the second after trailing 19-20. With calm under pressure and sharp execution, Phillip and Ericka rallied to close the match 23-21, completing their perfect tournament and claiming the gold medal.

ALL MEDALLISTS U21 ECVA BEACH

In an interview after the victory, Phillip said “We feel great, we are excited, we are happy. This is what we came to do, win the Gold!”

Speaking about the match, Ericka said “We really had to work hard in the last set. Our confidence allowed us to push through the last points”.

Dominica’s Alyssa Bully and Joyan Pascal secured an exciting bronze medal victory in three sets over Anguilla’s Deandra Fleming and Lavesha Richardson. Bully/Pascal came out strong to take the first set 21-14, but Fleming/Richardson fought back in a tight second set, edging it 22-20 to force a decider. In the third, Bully and Pascal regained control with a dominant 15-7 finish to clinch the 2-1 win and a spot on the podium.

The top three finishers of the event move on to represent the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) at the NORCECA World Championships Qualifier Tournament.

St. Lucia’s Ericka/Phillip advanced to the championship match, with consistent play, to earn a straight-set 2-0 (21-16, 21-17) victory over Deandra Fleming and Lavesha Richardson of Anguilla.

In a hard-fought semifinal, Joseph and Carr edged Dominica’s Bully and Pascal 2-1 (21-12, 15-21, 15-12). After splitting the first two sets, Joseph and Carr led 13-9 in the decider before withstanding a late Dominican rally to secure their spot in the final.

Positioning matches:

POS 11-12: Drayton/Farrington IVB vs. Andrew/Campbell SKN 2-0 (21-7, 21-16)

POS 9-10: Gibson/Matthews VIN vs. Amritt/Pinney SKN 2-0 (21-13, 21-19)

POS 5-8: Hamilton/Moss BER vs. Teasia/Collins GRN 2-0 (21-17, 21-10); Alwani/Hensly Phillip SKN vs. Spanner/Brown EUX 2-0 (21-14, 21-15)

POS 7-8: Spanner/Brown EUX vs. Teasia/Collins GRN 2-1 (21-16, 16-21, 15-13)

POS 5-6: Hamilton/Moss BER vs. Alwani/Hensly Phillip SKN 2-0 (21-8, 21-13)


Results U21 ECVA Women’s Beach Championship

Watch the event on: Twitch.TV

Dominica’s Mingo and Frederick Defend ECVA U21 Men’s Title with Back-to-Back Gold

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts & Nevis, June 8, 2025.- Dominica’s Mervin Mingo and Bill Frederick were crowned ECVA U21 Men’s Beach Volleyball Champions for the second year in a row, delivering a confident 2-0 win (21-17, 21-15) over St. Lucia’s Victor Rio and Peter Emmanuel in Sunday’s gold medal match at the scenic shores of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Dominican duo reaffirmed their dominance in the region with another stellar performance, despite going through the round of 12 after finishing second in Pool A of the preliminary round, coincidently losing to St. Lucia’s duo Rio/Emmanuel.

In the championship match, Mingo and Frederick displayed control, keeping their composure under pressure and dictating the pace of the match. Their consistency and experience proved too much for the St. Lucian team, who fought hard but couldn’t break through.

ALL PLAYERS U23 ECVA BEACH

Speaking after winning the gold medal, Frederick said “We feel very excited, because it’s another accomplishment in our books and I can’t even explain it, I am flabbergasted”.

Mervin Mingo added a warm thank you to their parents, coaches and fans “their support was very important for us”.

In an exciting bronze medal match, Grenada’s Walcott Zerick and Kibose Hamilton battled past home favorites Jedediah Pencheon and Vikash Sundar of St. Kitts and Nevis in a thrilling 2-1 victory (21-17, 12-21, 15-11). After taking the opening set, Zerick and Hamilton faced a fierce response in the second but regrouped with determination to seal the deciding set and claim the bronze medal.

The top three finishers of the event move on to represent the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) at the NORCECA World Championships Qualifier Tournament.

Mervin Mingo and Bill Frederick of Dominica took a confident step toward back-to-back titles with a straight-sets semifinal victory 2-0 (21-18, 21-15) against  Grenada’s Walcott Zerick and Kibose Hamilton. The Dominican pair showcased their experience and composure in key moments.

St. Lucia’s duo, Rio/Emmanuel, secured a swift and convincing 2-0 (21-11, 21-11) victory in their semifinal match against the home team of Sundar and Puncheon. They took both sets by comfortable margins, while Rio was particularly effective at the net, consistently shutting down St. Kitts’ scoring efforts.

Positioning matches:

POS 11-12: Dos Santos Martin/Mello BER vs. Hassel/De Jesus EUX 2-0 (21-19, 21-15)

POS 9-10: Smith/Reid AGU vs. Alexander/Stephen VIN 2-1 (21-18, 16-21, 15-12)

POS 5-8: Bristol/Fraites SKN vs. Lugo/Joseph ANT 2-0 (21-14, 21-8); Lall/Walters SKN vs. Wheatley/Dunkley IVB 2-0 (21-10, 21-17)

POS 7-8: Lugo/Joseph ANT vs. Wheatley/Dunkley IVB 2-0 (21-18, 21-16)

POS 5-6: Bristol/Fraites SKN vs. Lall/Walters SKN 2-0 (28-26, 21-12)


Results U21 ECVA Men’s Beach Championship

Watch the event on: Twitch.TV

FIVB and Qatar Foundation explore new opportunities for collaboration

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 8, 2025.- Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and a member of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation Board, visited Volleyball House this week.

During the visit, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo presented the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 and shared the organisation’s plans for the future of volleyball over the next eight years.

The Strategic Vision 2032 is an ambitious but realistic roadmap designed to take volleyball to the next level globally. It focuses on four key pillars: professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation. Together, these pillars aim to make the sport more accessible and impactful – bringing people together, inspiring social change, and helping to ensure a bright future for volleyball.

After extensive consultation with National Federations and stakeholders across the Global Volleyball Movement, the FIVB identified 15 main areas of focus for the years ahead. One of the major elements is the Volleyball Foundation, launched in May 2024, which uses the global reach and power of volleyball to support projects around the world that have a positive impact.

The Volleyball Foundation was one of the key topics discussed at Volleyball House during the meeting with Her Excellency Sheikha Hind, who plays an active role on its Board.

There were also discussions around future collaboration between the FIVB, Volleyball Foundation and Qatar Foundation, especially in areas such as sport promotion, coach education and women’s empowerment.

This partnership was first launched in December 2024 and is focused on growing and promoting volleyball in Qatar. It aims to support athletes, develop leadership in sport and facilitate the development of volleyball at all levels.

One of the first activations between the organisations was the ‘Women in Sports: Creating Pathways’ event, held at Education City Stadium. The event brought together international sports administrators, Olympians and Olympic medallists to explore the role of sport – in particular, volleyball – in empowering women. The panels were hosted by the FIVB and Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA), in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.

Read more about the Women in Sports event here.

Antigua, Anguilla, St. Lucia, and Dominica Reach Women’s Final Four at ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts & Nevis, June 7, 2025.- The duos of Jassania Joseph/Jaya Carr of Antigua and Barbuda, Deandra Fleming/Lavesha Richardson of Anguilla, St. Lucia’s Ericka Gaspard/Clio Phillip and Dominica’s Alyssa Bully/Joyan Pascal are the final four women’s teams at the 2025 ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championship being held in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Sunday’s semifinal matchups will see Jassania Joseph and Jaya Carr of Antigua and Barbuda go head-to-head with Dominica’s Alyssa Bully and Joyan Pascal, while St. Lucia’s Ericka Gaspard and Clio Phillip will clash with Deandra Fleming and Lavesha Richardson of Anguilla for a place in the championship final.

Joseph/Carr of Antigua and Barbuda overcame a slow start and battled through rain and strong winds to claim a hard-fought 2-1 (18-21, 21-15, 15-12) victory over Bermuda’s Kayley Hamilton and Hailey Moss. Despite losing the opening set, the Antiguan pair adjusted their game and showed resilience under the challenging weather conditions to secure the win.

Richardson and Fleming of Anguilla advanced to the semifinals with a straight-sets victory over Gereliva Spanner and Gercia Brown of St. Eustatius, winning 2-0 (21-14, 21-11) in the quarterfinals

St. Lucia’s Phillip/Ericka delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinals, displaying confidence to overpower  the home team of Celina Awlani and Hensley Phillip 2-0 (21-12, 21-6).

Dominica’s Bully and Pascal  delivered a solid performance in the final quarterfinal match of the day. The duo secured a straight-set victory over Grenada’s Xenia Collins and Teasia Jones, winning 2-0 (21-14, 21-12) to punch their ticket to the semifinals.

In the Round of 12, Awlani/Hensley Phillip of St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) claimed a straight-set victory over Dryaton/Farington of the British Virgin Islands  2-0 (21-19, 21-11). Teasia and Collins of Grenada edged out Amritt/Pinney from SKN in a tightly contested match, winning 2-1 (21-9, 18-21, 16-14). Spanner and Brown of Sint Eustatius cruised past Andrew/Campbell, also from SKN, with a convincing 2-0 (21-7, 21-15). Meanwhile, Joseph/Carr from Antigua and Barbuda bounced back after dropping the first set to defeat Gibson/Matthews of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  2-1 (21-23, 21-6, 15-10).

Results U21 ECVA Women’s Beach Championship

Watch the event on: Twitch.TV

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