Category: Beach

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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).

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)

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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)

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”.

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).

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.

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.

PUERTO CORTÉS, June 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.”

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, 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.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 25, 2025 – The American duo of Emma Donley and Portia Sherman were crowned champions of the NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour after a commanding 2-0 (21-14, 21-12) victory over Canada’s Sophie Hancock and Emma Cudmore in the final, held at the sand courts of beautiful Juan Dolio beach.

Donley/Sherman advanced to the gold medal match by defeating Nicaragua’s Nahima Silva and Norma Brenes with a dominant 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) win in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Hancock/Cudmore reached the final by taking down the Dominican team of Crismil Paniagua and Yari Cleto, also in straight sets (21-17, 21-16).

The podium was completed by Dominicans Paniagua and Cleto, who claimed the bronze medal after beating Silva/Brenes with scores of 21-15 and 21-18.

In the battle for fifth place, Guatemala’s Danna Aguilar and Naomi Monney edged Honduras’ Shanna Rivera and Reizel Bruhier in a three-set thriller (21-19, 21-13, 16-14).

Seventh place went to Costa Rica’s Aliza Aguilar and Sofía Vega, who secured a 2-0 (21-9, 21-19) win over Joanna Robinson and Luna Ebanks from the Cayman Islands.

El Salvador’s Ashley Rauda and Keiry Guzmán took ninth place by defeating the Virgin Islands’ Kirra Lambert and Sophia Peifer, 2-0 (21-13, 21-18).

Dominicans Zoe Paniagua and Steyce Turbi finished in eleventh place after a 2-0 (21-14, 21-13) win over Trinidad and Tobago’s Kristiana Richards and Adalia Badroe. Meanwhile, Canada’s Claire Neagle and Nolyn Houben placed thirteenth.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 25, 2025.– Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica were crowned champions of the first stage of the NORCECA U23 Tour, held on the spectacular beach of Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. They clinched the title in a thrilling three-set match 2-1 (19-21, 21-18, 15-12) against Americans Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst.

Araya and Varela reached the gold medal match after defeating Nicaragua’s Josué Meneses and Jesy Umaña in the semifinals in straight sets (21-15, 21-18). On the other side, Hasey and Hurst advanced to the final after beating Dominican duo Ramón De Jesús and Rolvin Maldonado 2-0 (21-12, 21-16).

Third place went to Meneses and Umaña, who claimed the bronze medal by defeating De Jesús and Maldonado 2-0 (21-19, 21-14).

Fifth place was secured by Canadians Connor Dorsey and Aiden Hilkowitz, who beat El Salvador’s Gabriel Vargas and Carlos Mejía 2-0 (21-8, 27-25).

In the battle for seventh place, fellow Canadians Aidan Labossiere and Mason Doering earned a solid 2-0 victory (21-18, 21-12) over Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee of the Cayman Islands. Ninth place went to Hondurans Jairo Gálvez and Isaac Méndez, who came from behind to defeat Barbados’ Julián Bristol and Jedediah Pencheon in three sets, 2-1 (13-21, 21-19, 17-15).

Daniel Delgado and José Guevara of Guatemala finished in eleventh place after a straight-set win over Trinidad and Tobago’s Jerome Morrison and Jahreef Miguel, 2-0 (21-16, 21-16).

Thirteenth place was claimed by Suriname’s Jamal Atman and Guy Lieveld, who defeated Kymani Greenidge and Cole Sommer of the Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-16, 21-19). Finally, Jared Brown and Kanif Wathey of the U.S. Virgin Islands finished in fifteenth place.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 24, 2025.-  The Dominican duo of Crismil Paniagua and Yari Cleto, Canada’s Sophie Hancock and Emma Cudmore, USA’s Emma Donley and Portia Sherman, and Nicaragua’s Nahima Silva and Norma Brenes have all advanced to the women’s semifinals of the 2025 NORCECA U23  Beach Volleyball Tour, taking place on the beautiful shores of Juan Dolio.

The host team, Paniagua and Cleto, will face Hancock and Cudmore from Canada in the first semifinal. In the other matchup, Donley and Sherman of the United States will go head-to-head with Nicaragua’s Silva and Brenes.

In the quarterfinals, Paniagua and Cleto cruised past Guatemala’s Danna Aguilar and Naomi Monney in straight sets, 21-8, 21-14. Hancock and Cudmore followed with a dominant 2-0 win (21-12, 21-10) over Aliza Aguilar and Sofía Vega of Costa Rica. Donley and Sherman overpowered Honduras’ Shanna Rivera and Reizel Bruhier 21-15, 21-9, while Silva and Brenes took a convincing 2-0 (21-8, 21-10) victory over Joanna Robinson and Luna Banks of the Cayman Islands.

Earlier in the competition, all four semifinalist teams topped their respective groups in pool play.

In the classification matches for 9th to 12th place, El Salvador’s Ashley Rauda and Keiry Guzmán defeated Kristiana Richards and Adalia Badroe of Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 (21-10, 21-13), while the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Kirra Lambert and Sophia Peifer beat Dominicans Zoe Paniagua and Steyce Turbi 2-0 (21-16, 21-13).

For 13th to 16th place classification, Canada’s Claire Neagle and Nolyn Houben advanced by a bye.

Semifinals and placement matches will take place on Sunday morning, with the bronze and gold medal matches scheduled for the afternoon.

Other results:

Hancock/Cudmore (CAN) d Richards/Badroe (TTO) 2-0 (21-16, 21-3); Silva/Brenes (NCA) d Aguilar/Vega (CRC) 2-0 (21-18, 21-5); Donley/Sherman (USA) d Aguilar/Monney 2-0 821-14, 21-12); Paniagua/Cleto (DOM) d Rauda/Guzmán (ESA) 2-0 (21-7, 21-9); Rivera/Bruhier (HON) d Neagle/Houben (CAN) 2-0 (21-13, 21-6).

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 24, 2025.- The men’s teams of Ramón De Jesús/Rolvin Maldonado of Dominican Republic, USA’s Gage Basey/Thomas Hurst, Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica and Josué Meneses/Jesy Umaña of Nicaragua secured their spots in the semifinals of the NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour, currently taking place on the sand courts set up along the beach in Juan Dolio.

In Sunday’s semifinals, De Jesús and Maldonado (DOM) will face Basey and Hurst (USA), while Meneses and Umaña (NCA) will meet Araya and Varela (CRC).

In the quarterfinals, the Dominican duo De Jesús/Maldonado won a thrilling match against Canada’s Aidan Labossiere and Mason Doering in three sets, 2-1 (21-18, 18-21, 15-12). Meanwhile, Americans Basey and Hurst claimed a convincing 2-0 victory (21-12, 21-14) over Canadians Connor Dorsey and Aiden Hilkowitz. Costa Rica’s Araya and Varela were dominant over  Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee of the Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-8, 21-10), while Nicaragua’s Meneses and Umaña earned a solid 2-0 win (21-17, 21-14) over El Salvador’s Gabriel Vargas and Carlos Mejía.

Just like in the women’s competition, the four men’s semifinalist duos also topped their respective pools in the preliminary round.

In classification matches for 9th to 12th place, Honduras’ Jairo Gálvez and Isaac Méndez defeated Daniel Delgado and José Guevara of Guatemala 2-0 (21-11, 21-12).

In the battle for 13th to 16th place, Suriname’s Jamal Atman and Guy Lieveld advanced via bye, while Kymani Greenidge and Cole Sommer of the U.S. Virgin Islands defeated compatriots Jared Brown and Kanif Wathey 2-0 (21-15, 21-12).

The semifinals and placement matches will be played Sunday morning, followed by the bronze and gold medal matches in the afternoon.

Other results:

De Jesús/Maldonado (DOM) d Delgado/Guevara (GUA) 2-0 (21-10, 21-11); Araya/Varela (CRC) d Julián Bristol/Jedediah Pencheon (SKN) 2-0 )21-11, 21-8); Labossiere/Doering (CAN) d Brown/Wathey (ISV) 2-0 (21-5, 21-7); Meneses/Umaña (NCA) d Dorsey/Hilkowitz (CAN) 2-1 (11-21, 21-13, 15-11); Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel (TTO) d Greenidge/Sommer (ISV) 2-0 (21-16, 21-6); Basey Hurst (USA) d Vargas/Mejía (ESA) 2-0 (21-19, 22-20); Gálvez/Méndez (HON) d Atman/Lieveld (SUR) 2-0 (21-8, 21-5).

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 23, 2025.- Six women’s pairs finished undefeated on the opening day of the NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour, which kicked off Friday at the beautiful Juan Dolio Beach in the Dominican Republic.

In Pool A, the Canadian duo of Sophie Hancock and Emma Cudmore earned a win over Joanna Robinson and Luna Ebanks of Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-10, 21-11), while their second match was a bye.

Costa Rica’s Aliza Aguilar and Sofia Vega, along with Nicaragua’s Nahima Silva and Norma Brenes, ended the day undefeated in Pool B. Both teams defeated Kirra Lambert and Sofia Peifer from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Aguilar and Vega dominated Lambert/Peifer 2-0 (21-10, 21-5), while Silva and Brenes also secured a straight-sets victory (21-11, 21-12).

In Pool C, the U.S. pair of Emma Donley and Portia Sherman defeated Dominican duo Zoe Paniagua and Steyce Turbi 2-0 (21-6, 21-8). Guatemala’s Danna Aguilar and Naomi Monney also triumphed over Paniagua/Turbi, winning 2-0 (21-5, 21-4).

Dominicans Crismil Paniagua and Yari Cleto, in Pool D, beat Honduras’ Shanna Rivera and Reizel Bruhier 2-0 (21-14, 25-23). Canada’s Claire Neagle and Nolyn Houben also defeated the Honduran team 2-0 (21-17, 21-9).

Other results:

Joanna Robinson/Luna Ebanks (CAY) d TTO Kristiana Richards/Adalia Badroe 2-1 (21-9, 22-24, 15-8), Ashley Rauda/Keiry Guzmán (ESA) d Claier Neagle/Nolyn Houben 2-0 (21-14, 21-9), and Shanna Rivera/Reizel Bruhier (HON) d Rauda/Guzmán (ESA) 2-1 (21-6, 19-21, 15-10).

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 23, 2025.- The teams from Costa Rica, Canada, Nicaragua, the United States, and El Salvador had a strong start at the NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour in Juan Dolio, each closing the opening day of the men’s competition with two wins in as many matches.

In Pool B, Costa Rica’s duo of Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela delivered commanding performances in their two outings. They first defeated Canada’s Aidan Labossiere and Mason Doering 2-0 (21-10, 21-13), then followed up with a convincing 2-0 victory (21-5, 21-9) over Jared Brown and Kanif Wathey of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In Pool C, Canadians Connor Dorsey and Aiden Hilkowitz claimed two straight-set victories; 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) against Kymani Greenidge and Cole Sommer of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 2-0 (21-18, 21-14) over Trinidad and Tobago’s Jerome Morrison and Jahreef Miguel.

Nicaragua’s team, Josué Meneses and Jesy Umaña, also enjoyed a strong start in the same pool. They defeated Morrison/Miguel (TTO) 2-0 (21-12, 21-11) and then Greenidge/Sommer (ISV) 2-0 (21-10, 21-6).

In Pool D, Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst of the United States dominated their two matches, first against Honduras’ Jairo Gálvez and Isaac Méndez (2-0, 21-10, 21-7), and then against Suriname’s Atman and Guy Lieveld (2-0, 21-8, 21-12).

Likewise, El Salvador’s Gabriel Vargas and Carlos Mejía had a successful debut, defeating Gálvez/Méndez (HON) 2-0 (21-13, 21-13) and then overcoming Suriname’s Atman/Lieveld 2-0 (21-18, 21-8).

In Pool A, the Dominican duo of Ramón De Jesús and Rolvin Maldonado secured a victory over Cayman Islands’ Stephen Watson and Dylan Lynee with a score of 2-0 (21-10, 21-17).

Other results:

Stephen Watson/Dylan Lynee (CAY) d Daniel Delgado/José Guevara (GUA) 2-1 (18-21, 21-13, 15-9), Julián Bristo/Jedediah Pencheon (SKN) d Jared Brown/Kanif Wathey (ISV) 2-0 (21-10, 21-11), Aidan Labossiere/Mason Doering (CAN) d Bristol/Pencheon (SKN) 2-0 (22-20, 21-16).

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 22, 2025.- The opening event of the 2025 NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Tour will feature 28 teams from 13 countries. The competition will take place from May 23 to 25 on the beautiful sand courts of Juan Dolio Beach, Dominican Republic.

The NORCECA U23 Tour is a great opportunity to watch the beach volleyball rising stars in action and enjoy a tournament full of talent and energy. It also serves as preparation for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción.

Fifteen men’s teams and thirteen women’s teams registered during Thursday’s preliminary inspections, all aiming to advance from the group stage, which begins this Friday at 8:00 a.m. local time.

A total of 24 matches are scheduled for Friday, 14 in the men’s division and 10 in the women’s. The preliminary round will conclude Saturday morning, followed by the quarterfinals and the losers’ bracket in the afternoon. Semifinals and medal matches will be played on Sunday, along with classification matches.

Men’s Teams: DOM Ramón De Jesús/Rolvin Maldonad; CRC Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela; USA Gage Basey/Thomas Hurst; NCA Josue Meneses/Jesy Umaña; SKN Julián Bristol/Jedediah Pencheon; CAY Stephen Watson/Dylan Lynee; ISV Jared Brown/Kanif Wathey, Kymani Greenidge/Cole Sommer; TTO Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel; HON Jairo Galvez/Isaac Villalobos; SUR Joshua Dwarkasing/Dean Kasdi; ESA Gabriel Vargas/Carlos Mejía; GUA Daniel Delgado/José Guevara; CAN Connor Dorsey/Aiden Holkowitz, Aidan Labossiere/Mason Doering.

Women’s Teams: CRC Aliza Aguilar/Sofía Vega; USA Emma Donley/Portia Sherman; DOM Crismil Paniagua/Yari Cleto, Zoe Paniagua/Steyce Turbi ; ESA Ashley Rauda/Keiry Guzmán; NCA Nahima Silva/Norma Brenes; TTO Kristianna Richards/Adalia Badroe; CAY Joanna Robinson/Luna Ebanks; ISV Kirra Lambert/Sophia Peifer; HON Shanna Rivera/Reizel Bruhier; GUA Danna Aguilar/Naomi Monney; CAN Sophie Hancock/Emma-Joy Cudmore, Claire Neagle/Nolyn Houben.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 18, 2025.- Puerto Ricans Allanis Navas and María González claimed the gold medal after defeating Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Rodríguez in a thrilling match 2-0 (21-19, 21-19) in the second stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour, held on the beach of Juan Dolio in the Dominican Republic.

The bronze medal went to Mexico’s Yeray Vidaurruzaga and María Ramírez, who bounced back after dropping the first set to defeat Corine Quiggle and Megan Rice from the United States 2-1 (18-21, 21-19, 15-12).

Fifth place was claimed by Canada’s Maya McNabney and Emma Kunaus, who needed three sets to overcome Dominicans Yari Cleto and Crismil Paniagua 2-1 (21-12, 20-22, 15-13).

In the match for seventh place, Americans Kelly Kool and Tiffany Svenssohn outlasted Dominican duo Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanzar 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 15-8), while Canada’s Emily Anderson and Amanda Harnett secured ninth place by defeating Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez 2-0 (21-13, 21-7).

Eleventh place went to Melanie Valenciana and T’ara Austin of the U.S. Virgin Islands, who beat Cayman Islands’ Deajra Tulloch and Maryn McCoombs 2-0 (21-17, 21-12). Venezuela’s Oriana Granadilla and Reibeth Artigas claimed 13th place after a 2-0 (21-19, 21-13) victory over Costa Rica’s Aliza Aguilar and Sofía Vega.

El Salvador’s Donnina Argueta and Keiry Guzmán finished in 15th place with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-4) win over Trinidad and Tobago’s Meeka Johnson and Paige Alexander, while Guatemala’s Laura Quiñones and Naomi Monney took 17th place.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 18, 2025.- The Mexican duo of Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna claimed top honors in the second stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Tour after outlasting Americans Timothy Brewster and Ryan Ierna in a hard-fought three-set battle, 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 15-12).

The bronze medal went to fellow Mexicans Antonio Lares and Carlos Ayala, who came from behind to defeat Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora and Dany López 2-1 (16-21, 21-15, 15-13).

Fifth place was secured by Americans Lev Priima and Brian Miller, who beat U.S. Virgin Islands’ Garrett Bucklin and Devin Van Siclen 2-0 (25-23, 21-14).

Canada’s Dylan Devecseri and Rouzbeh Rahnavard took seventh place after a 2-1 (21-12, 18-21, 15-11) win over Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela. In ninth place were Puerto Ricans Richard Timm and Diego Rosich, who topped Dominican duo Hayerlin De Jesús and Rolvin Maldonado 2-0 (21-15, 21-17).

Guatemala’s Luis García and Edgar Maldonado finished in 11th place due to a withdrawal by the team from Trinidad and Tobago. Canada’s Cameron Chadwick and Robert Kemp claimed 13th place by defeating Dominicans R. De Jesús and Alexander Wilmore 2-0 (21-12, 21-15).

El Salvador’s Gabriel Vargas and Carlos Mejía earned 15th place with a 2-0 (21-13, 21-12) win over Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Julián Bristol and Jedediah Pencheon. Venezuela’s Harrison Riveros and Luis Méndez took 17th place by defeating Cayman Islands’ Stephen Watson and Ricardas Kazinec 2-0 (21-13, 21-19), while Guy Lieveld and Jamal Atman of Suriname finished in 19th place.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 17, 2025.- The duos of Corine Quiggle and Megan Rice from the United States, Allanis Navas and María González of Puerto Rico, and Mexico’s Susana Torres with Atenas Gutiérrez, along with Yeray Vidaurruzaga and María Ramírez, have all advanced to the semifinals of the second stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour. The event is taking place on the beautiful sandy courts of Juan Dolio Beach in the Dominican Republic.

The American pair Quiggle/Rice, champions of the first stage held in Varadero, secured their semifinal berth by defeating the Dominican duo of Julibeth Payano and Bethania Ramírez in straight sets 2-0 (21-14, 21-13).

Puerto Rico’s Allanis Navas and María González, playing their first event of the 2025 NORCECA Tour, cruised past the U.S. team of Kelly Kool and Tiffany Svenssohn with a dominant 2-0 (21-7, 21-9) win.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez comfortably overcame Canada’s Maya McNabney and Emma Kunaus 2-0 (21-15, 21-10), and their compatriots Yeray Vidaurruzaga and María Ramírez defeated the Dominican pair Yari Cleto and Crismil Paniagua 2-0 (21-13, 21-11) to reach the next round.

In the semifinals, Quiggle/Rice from the United States will face Puerto Rico’s Navas/González, while the other semifinal will feature a repeat of the all-Mexican clash from Varadero between Torres/Gutiérrez and Vidaurruzaga/Ramírez.

The tournament concludes this Sunday with placement matches, the semifinals, and the grand finale.

Other results of the day were:

DOM Payano/Almanzar d GUA Quiñones/Monney 2-0 (21-16, 21-8), MEX Vidaurrazaga/María d VEN Granadilla/Artigas 2-0 (21-13, 21-16), DOM Payano/Almanzar d VEN Granadilla/Artigas 2-0 (21-15, 21-13), CAN Anderson/Harnett d GUA Quiñones/Monney 2-0 (21-7, 21-15), USA Quiggle/Rice d ISV Valenciana/Austin 2-0 (21-12, 21-16), USA Quiggle/Rice d TTO Johnson/Alexander 2-0 (21-3, 21-7), DOM Cleto/Paniagua d ISV Valenciana/Austin 2-0 (21-18, 21-17), MEX Torres/Gutierrez d CRC Aguilar/Vega 2-0 (21-7, 21-15), USA Kool/Svenssohn d CRC Aguilar/Vega 2-0 (21-14, 21-9), MEX Torres/Gutierrez d NCA López/Rodríguez 2-0 (21-6, 21-12), CAN McNabney/Kunaus d ESA Argueta/Guzmán 2-0 (21-11, 21-8), PUR Navas/González d CAN McNabney/Kunaus 2-0 (21-10, 21-15), CAY Tulloch/McCoombs d Argueta/Guzmán 2-0 (21-12, 21-19).

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 17, 2025.- Teams from the United States, Nicaragua, and Mexico have secured their spots in the semifinals of the second stop of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, after claiming victory in their respective quarterfinal matches on Saturday. The event takes place on the sandy courts set up along the beach in Juan Dolio.

The U.S. duo of Timothy Brewster and Ryan Ierna advanced to the next round with a dominant straight set win over Garrett Bucklin and Devin Van Siclen of the U.S. Virgin Islands, 2-0 (21-14, 21-18).

In a tightly contested Central American battle, Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora and Dany López emerged victorious over Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Jhostin Varela, rallying for a 2-1 win with scores of 19-21, 21-17, 15-11.

Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna moved on to the next round after staging an impressive comeback against Americans Lev Priima and Brian Miller, taking the match in three exciting sets, 2-1 (16-21, 21-18, 15-11).

Meanwhile, the other Mexican pair, Antonio Lares and Carlos Ayala, booked their place in the semifinals with a determined performance, defeating Canada’s Dylan Devecseri and Rouzbeh Rahnavard in another three-set battle, 2-1 (17-21, 21-18, 15-12).

The first semifinal will be an all-Mexican showdown, as Sarabia and Osuna face their compatriots Lares and Ayala, guaranteeing a spot in the final for Mexico.

In the second semifinal, the United States duo Timothy Brewster and Ryan Ierna will face Nicaragua´s Rubén Mora and Dany López, who will be aiming to reach the final once again, just as they did in the first stage of the NORCECA Tour held in Varadero.

Sunday’s schedule includes placement matches, the semifinals, and the tournament final.

Other results of the day:

DOM H. De Jesús/Maldonado d VEN Riveros/Méndez 2-0 (21-19, 21-19), CRC Araya/Varela d CAN Chadwick/Kemp 2-1 (19-21, 21-19, 15-9), USA Priima/Miller d VEN Riveros/Méndez 2-0 (21-17, 21-16), CRC Araya Varela d SUN H. De Jesús/Maldonado 2-1 (21-17, 18-21, 15-11), NCA Mora/López d TTO Theodore/Enile 2-0 (21-14, 21-14), MEX Sarabia/Osuna d NCA Mora/López 2-1 (21-15, 16-21, 16-14), TTO Theodore/Enile d CAY Watson/Kazinec 2-0 (21-19, 21-17), MEX Sarabia/Osuna d DOM R. De Jesús/Wilmore 2-0 (21-14, 21-14), PUR Tiim/ Rosich d SUR Lieveld/Atman 2-0 (21-6, 21-9), MEX Lares/Ayala d ISV Bucklin/Van Siclen 2-0 (21-8, 21-15), SKN Bristol/Pencheon d SUR Lieveld/Atman 2-0 (21-9, 21-18), ISV Bucklin/Van Siclen d PUR Tiim/Rosich 2-0 (21-16, 21.15), USA Brewster/Ierna d GUA García/Maldonado 2-0 (21-13, 21-16), USA Brewster/Ierna d CAN Devecseri/Rahnavard 2-0 (21-15, 21-15), GuUA García/Maldonado d ESA Vargas/Mejía 2-0 (21-13, 21-18).

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 16, 2025.- Women’s duos from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Mexico remained undefeated on the first day of competition in the second stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour. Their performances showcased the high level of competition and talent present at the tournament, which is taking place on the beautiful sand courts set up at Juan Dolio beach in the Dominican Republic, a setting that surely adds a special touch to the event.

In Pool A, Mexico’s Yeray Vidaurrazaga and María Ramírez defeated the Dominican duo Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar 2-1 (16-21, 21-14, 15-12), Guatemala’s Laura Quiñones/Naomi Monney 2-0 (21-13, 21-12), and Canada’s Emily Anderson/Amanda Harnett 2-0 (21-16, 21-17).

Winners of the first stage in Varadero, Americans Corine Quiggle and Megan Rice, topped Pool B by beating Dominican pair Yari Cleto/Crismil Paniagua 2-0 (21-13, 21-12). Their second scheduled match was a bye. Meanwhile, Melanie Valenciana and Austin T’ara of the U.S. Virgin Islands defeated Trinidad and Tobago’s Meeka Johnson/Paige Alexander 2-0 (21-9, 21-5), with their other match also a bye.

In Pool C, Mexicans Susana Torres and Atenas Rodríguez, silver medalists in the Varadero stop,  overcame Americans Kelly Kool and Tiffany Svenssohn 2-0 (21-17, 21-12), while their second match was a bye.

Puerto Rico’s Allanis Navas and María González, gold medalists at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador, earned two dominant victories in Pool D. They first beat Deajra Tulloch and Joanna Robinson of the Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-8, 21-7), then took down El Salvador’s Donnina Argueta and Keiry Guzmán 2-0 (21-7, 21-7). Additionally, Canada’s Maya McNabney and Emma Kunaus defeated Tulloch/Robinson 2-0 (21-9, 21-11), with their second match resulting in a bye.

The competition continues Saturday at 8:00 a.m. (local time) with the remainder of the preliminary round, followed by the quarterfinals and the loser’s bracket.

Other results from the opening day are:

CAN Emily Anderson/Amanda Harnett d VEN Oriana Granadilla/Reibeth Artigas 2-1 (17-21, 21-12, 15-12), DOM Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar d CAN Anderson/Harnett 2-1 (23-21, 17-21, 15-13), VEN Granadilla/Artigas d GUA Laura Quiñones/Naomi Monney 2-0 (21-8, 21-16), DOM Yari Cleto/Crismil Paniagua d TTO Meeka Johnson/Paige Alexander 2-0 (21-8, 21-7), USA Kelly Kool/Tiffany Svenssohn d NCA Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez 2-0 (21-7, 21-7), NCA López/Rodríguez d CRC Aliza Aguilar/Sofía Vega 2-0 (21-16, 21-8).

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 16, 2025.- Teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica remain undefeated in the preliminary round of the second stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour. This highlights the strength and talent of these squads, who are giving it their all to advance in the tournament being held at the beautiful Juan Dolio beach in the Dominican Republic, a perfect setting for this thrilling event.

Timothy Brewster/Ryan Ierna of the United States easily defeated El Salvador’s Gabriel Vargas/Carlos Mejía 2-0 (21-11, 21-13), while their second match was a bye. Meanwhile, Canada’s Dylan Devecseri/Rouzbeh Rahnavard beat Guatemala’s Luis García/Edgar Maldonado 2-0 (21-13, 21-16) and also overcame Vargas/Mejía from El Salvador 2-1 (21-14, 14-21, 17-15).

Mexico’s Antonio Lares/Carlos Ayala secured victories over Puerto Rico’s Richard Timm/Diego Rosich 2-0 (21-15, 21-17), Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Julián Bristol/Jedediah Pencheon 2-0 (21-11, 21-14), and Suriname’s Guy Lieveld/Jamal Atman 2-0 (21-10, 21-6). The other Mexican duo, Miguel Sarabia/Jorman Osuna, defeated Stephen Watson/Ricardas Kazinec of the Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-11, 21-12) and also beat Trinidad and Tobago’s Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile 2-0 (21-12, 21-13).

Garrett Bucklin/Devin Van Siclen of the U.S. Virgin Islands won their matches against Bristol/Pencheon 2-0 (21-17, 21-8) and Lieveld/Atman 2-0 (21-12, 21-10). Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora/Dany López triumphed over the Dominican pair Ramón De Jesús/Alexander Wilmore 2-0 (21-17, 21-6) and beat Watson/Kazinec 2-0 (21-13, 21-11).

Another undefeated team was Costa Rica’s Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela, who prevailed over Lev Priima/Brian Miller of the United States 2-1 (21-14, 16-21, 15-9), and defeated Venezuela’s Harrison Riveros/Luis Méndez 2-0 (21-18, 27-25).

The preliminary round continues Saturday, followed by the quarterfinals and the loser’s bracket.

Other results of the day were:

DOM Hayerlin De Jesús/Rolvin Maldonado d CAN Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-13), USA Lev Priima/Brian Miller d DOM H. De Jesús/Maldonado 2-0 (21-16, 21-18), CAN Chadwick/Kemp d VEN Harrison Rivers/Luis Méndez 2-1 (21-19, 25-27, 15-8), TTO Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile d DOM R. De Jesús/Wilmore 2-1 (20-22, 21-19, 15-12), DOM R. De Jesús/Wilmore d CAY Stephen Watson/Ricardas Kazinec 2-0 (21-11, 21-14), PUR Richard Timm/Diego Rosich d SKN Julián Bristol/Jedediah Pencheon 2-0 (21-12, 21-15).

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 15, 2025.- A total of 36 duos from 19 different countries will compete in the second stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, set to take place from May 16 to 18 on the beautiful beach of Juan Dolio in the Dominican Republic.

Undoubtedly, it will be an event full of talent, energy, and excitement in a paradisiacal setting, featuring 19 men’s teams and 17 women’s teams that confirmed their participation during Thursday’s preliminary meeting.

All teams will give their best in the preliminary round, which kicks off Friday at 8:00 AM, as they aim to advance from the group stage to the knockout round.

On the opening day, 36 group matches will be played, 21 in the men’s division and 15 in the women’s. The preliminary round will conclude on Saturday, along with the quarterfinal matches. Sunday promises to be a spectacular day, featuring the semifinals, the consolation matches, and the grand finale to crown the champions.

Teams:

Men’s Teams: DOM Hayerling De Jesús/Rolvin Maldonado, Ramón De Jesús/Alexander Wilmore; NCA Ruben Mora/Dany López; PUR William Rivera/Cristian Encarnación; USA Timothy Brewster/Ryan Ierna, Lev Priima/Bryan Miller; CAN Dylan Devecseri/Rouzbeh Rahnavard, Cameron Chadwick/Robert Kemp; ISV Garrett Buckling/Devin Van Siclen; MEX Miguel Sarabia/Jorman Osuna, Ines Vargas/Carlos Ayala; CRC Julian Araya/Jhostin Varela; VEN Harrison Riveros/Luis Mendez; TTO Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile; SUR Joshua Dwarkasing/Dean Kasdi; GUA Edgar Maldonado/Luis Garcia; ESA Gabriel Vargas/Carlos Mejia; SKN Julian Bristol/Jededia Pencheon; CAY Stephen Watson/Ricardas Kaziznec.

Women’s Teams: DOM Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar, Yari Cleto/Crismil Paniagua; USA Terese Cannon/Megan Kraft, Hailey Harward/Kelley Kolinske; MEX Susana Torres/Atenas Gutierrez, Yeray Vidaurrazaga, Maria Ramirez; CAN Maya McNabney/Emma Kunaus, Emily Anderson/Amanda Harnett; PUR Allanis Navas/Maria Gonzalez; NCA Socorro Lopez/Lolette Rodriguez; TTO Apphia Glasgow/La Teisha Joseph; VEN Oriana Granadilla/Luisiana Linares; GUA Laura Quiñones/Naomi Monney; ISV Melanie Valenciana/T’ara Austin; CRC Aliza Aguilar/Sofía Vega; ESA Donnina Argueta/Keiry Guzmán; CAY Deajra Tulloch/Maryn McCoombs.

VARADERO, Cuba, May 4, 2025.- Corinne Quiggle and Megan Rice of the United States earned their first international podium finish by winning the women’s tournament of the opening stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, held in this renowned resort destination.

The American duo accomplished the goal they had set for themselves by convincingly defeating Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez in straight sets, 21-12 and 21-18, to return home with the desirable top prize.

“We’re very happy because this is only our second international event. We set this goal, and we achieved it. I first came to Varadero in 2016 with a different partner and we finished fifth. I’m thrilled,” said Corinne.

Her partner, Megan, added, “We’ve felt great here. The beaches are beautiful, and so are the people. There’s a strong culture and Cuban athletes are very professional and full of warmth.”

The bronze medal went to local favorites Kailin Garrido and Maykelin Drik, who battled hard against Mexico’s Yeray Vidaurrazaga and María Ramírez in a match that went to a tie-break, finishing 21-18, 12-21, 15-8.

Earlier on Sunday in the semifinals, Corinne and Megan defeated Kailin and Maykelin 2-0 (21-15, 21-18), showcasing a level of play that confirmed their title chances at a venue where Quiggle placed fifth back in 2016.

In the all-Mexican semifinal, Susana and Atenas beat Yeray and María in straight sets (21-16, 26-24). A foot injury briefly paused the match in the second set, but Atenas recovered and helped seal the win.

Canada’s Amy Ozee and Darby Dunn took fifth place after an injury forced a withdrawal by one of their compatriots, Dana Roskic or Katarina Pantovic, from the opposing team.

Seventh place went to Puerto Rico’s Camila Nazario and Karla Sánchez after a 2-1 victory (18-21, 21-12, 15-12) over Honduras’ Zoe Ebanks and Shanna Rivera, one of only five matches in the tournament to go to three sets.

Cuba’s second team, Amanda Armenteros and Selena Spek, finished ninth after defeating Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez in straight sets (21-12, 21-13).

Rounding out the standings were Suriname’s Chagnaz Frankel and Sharon Balkaran in 11th place after defeating Trinidad and Tobago’s Apphia Glasgow and La Teisha Joseph 2-0 (21-12, 22-20), and Venezuela’s Oriana Bermúdez and Luisiana Linares in 13th, after dominating Dominican Republic’s Crismil Paniagua and Yari Cleto 2-0 (21-16, 21-12).

VARADERO, Cuba, May 4, 2025.- Cubans Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo were crowned kings of the first stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit, successfully held at this traditional venue since 2011.

Díaz and Alayo, ranked in the FIVB world top ten, claimed their first gold on home soil by convincingly defeating the experienced Nicaraguan duo of Rubén Mora and Dany López in two easy sets, 21-10 and 21-12.

“For us, this medal carries a tremendous sense of honor, pride, and sacrifice, it’s a gift to the Cuban people, and we’re incredibly happy. Playing here is very motivating; it’s a chance to be seen in our homeland and have our family and friends cheering nearby,” said an passionate Alayo to the press.

His towering partner added, “This means a lot to us. We’ve wanted to win gold here for four years. We’ve earned five medals on the world tour, but never in Varadero. This is our gift to the people and all who support us. We’ll keep fighting to bring more victories, and we’re thrilled that the final stage of this circuit is scheduled to be held right here on this wonderful beach.”

The bronze medal went to their compatriots Damián Gómez and Eblis Veranes, who dominated Puerto Rico’s Arnaldo Y. Torres and Cristian Encarnación in straight sets, 21-10 and 21-9, a remarkable achievement considering they debuted in Varadero just a year ago with a ninth-place finish.

In the semifinals, Noslen and Jorge Luis defeated Damián and Eblis 2-0 (21-16, 21-10), while the Nicaraguans Rubén and Dany edged out the Puerto Ricans Torres and Encarnación in a hard-fought 2-1 (21-16, 19-21, 17-15) battle, with the Caribbean pair pushing them to the limit in a thrilling tie-break that could have gone either way.

Fifth place went to Americans Troy Field and Ryan Wilcox, who outplayed Canada’s Steven Abrams and Tynan Gannett 2-0 (21-15, 21-19).

Seventh place was secured by fellow Americans Charles Siragusa and Dexter Campbell after defeating William Clements and Devin Van Siclen of the U.S. Virgin Islands in straight sets, 21-15 and 21-16.

Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna finished ninth by nonattendance after one of the players of the Canadian duo, Martin Licht and Luke de Greeff, was injured and unable to compete. The eleventh position went to Costa Rica’s Justin Solano and Jevan Coronado, who overcame Honduras’ Jairo Gálvez and Irvin Reyes 2-0 (21-18, 21-10).

Mexico’s Antonio Vargas and Carlos Andrés Ayala defeated Venezuela’s Enyenser Delgado and Juliangel Zaid in a tight 2-1 match (21-23, 21-19, 20-18) to claim 13th place.

They were followed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Stephen Enile and Joel Theodore, who beat Suriname’s Joshua Dwarkasing and Dean Kasdi 2-0 (21-15, 21-11), and the Dominican Republic duo Hayerling De Jesús and Rolvin Maldonado, who won over Guatemala’s Andy Blanco and Luis García 2-0 (21-15, 21-18) to round out the standings from 15th to 18th place.

VARADERO, Cuba, May 3, 2025.- Both Cuban duos, along with teams from Nicaragua and Puerto Rico, secured their spots in the men’s semifinal round of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, taking place on the courts near the Barceló Arenas Blancas Hotel.

The highest-ranked team in the tournament, Cubans Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo, will face fellow countrymen Damián Gómez and Eblis Veranes, young, energetic players who have made remarkable progress since their debut last year at this same venue.

The other semifinal will feature Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora and Dany López against Puerto Rico’s Arnaldo Y. Torres and Cristian Encarnación.

For Olympians Díaz and Alayo, this semifinal is particularly meaningful, as they have yet to claim the top spot on the podium in the last two Varadero editions, settling for bronze in 2023 and silver last year.

In Saturday’s quarterfinals, Díaz and Alayo dominated Americans Charles Siragusa and Dexter Campbell, cruising to a convincing 2-0 victory with scores of 21-7 and 21-11.

Gómez and Veranes had a tougher challenge in the first set but found their rhythm in the second, defeating U.S. Virgin Islands’ Williams Clements and Devin Van Siclen 2-0 (28-26, 21-13).

Meanwhile, Puerto Ricans Torres and Encarnación overcame a rough second set to edge Americans Troy Field and Ryan Wilcox in three sets (21-16, 14-21, 15-10).

The final ticket to the penultimate round went to Nicaragua’s Mora and López, who won the tournament’s longest and most hard-fought match so far. After one hour and eight minutes, they triumphed over Canadians Steven Abrams and Tynan Gannett in three sets (22-24, 28-26, 15-12).

Day’s Results (pool-play):

A: Diaz/Alayo (CUB) a Sarabia/Osuna (MEX) 2-0 (21-15, 21-9) y a De Jesús/Maldonado (DOM) 2-0 (21-16, 21-12), Field/Wilcox (USA) a Sarabia/Osuna (MEX) 2-0  (21-17, 21-14),  Esyenser/Juliangel (VEN) a De Jesus/Maldonado (DOM) 2-0 (21-16, 21-21)

B: Torres/Encarnación (PUR) a Licht/de Greeff (CAN) 2-0 (21-15, 21-19), Blanco/García (GUA) a Siragusa/Campbell (USA) 2-0 (24-22, 24-22), Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX) a Blanco/Garcia (GUA) 2-0 (21-17, 21-13), Siragusa/Campbell (USA) a Torres/Encarnación (PUR) 2-1 (21-19, 17-21, 15-8)          

C:  Gómez/Veranes (CUB) a Enile/Theodore (TTO) 2-0 (21-18, 21-6), Abrams/Gannett  (CAN) a Solano/Coronado (CRC) 2-0 (21-9, 21-17), Abrams/Gannett (CAN) a  Enile/Theodore  (TTO) 2-0 (21-11, 21-10)

D: Clements/Van Siclen (ISV) a Gálvez/Reyes (HON) 2-0 (21-17, 21-14), Mora/López (NCA) a Clements/Van Siclen (ISV) 2-0 (21-18, 25-23), Gálvez/Reyes (HON) a Dwarkasing/Kasdi (SUR) 2-1 (21-17, 18-21, 15-7)

MEN’S RESULTS VARADERO

VARADERO, Cuba, May 3, 2025.- Two teams from Mexico, one from Cuba, and one from the United States have advanced to the women’s semifinals of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit, which concludes this Sunday on the sands of the renowned tourist resort.

The Mexican duos of Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez and Yamilet Vidaurrazaga/María Jimena Ramírez, the Cuban pair of Kailin Garrido/Maykelín Drik, and the American team of Corinne Quiggle/Megan Rice were victorious in their respective quarterfinal matches.

This Sunday morning, the two Mexican teams will face off across the net semifinals, while the representatives from the United States and Cuba will clash in the other.

In the quarterfinals, Kailin and Maykelín advanced by defeating Puerto Ricans Camila Nazario and Karla Sánchez in straight sets (21-15, 21-11), marking their third win of the tournament, which is part of their preparation for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción.

Next, Corinne Quiggle and Megan Rice of the United States cruised over Varadero’s soft white sands against Honduras’ Jeanette Ebanks and Shanna Rivera, winning comfortably with set scores of 21-5 and 21-7.

Meanwhile, the two Mexican and two Canadian teams faced each other, with the first win going to Latin Americans Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, who claimed a 2-0 (21-15, 21-19) victory over Canadians Dana Roskic and Katarina Pantovic.

The women’s day concluded with a hard-fought win by Yamilet Vidaurrazaga and María Jimena Ramírez over Amy Ozee and Darby Dunn in the closest match of the round, finishing 21-18 and 26-24.

Among these semifinalists, the only team without World Beach Pro Tour experience is the Cuban pair, while the Mexican and American players have competed in both Elite and Challenge level events.

In addition to the semifinals, Sunday’s schedule includes classification matches from fifth place onward and will end with the gold and bronze medal matches.

Results from Day Two (pool-play):

A: Ebanks/Rivera (HON) Bye, Kailin/Drik (CUB) a Glasgow/Joseph (TTO) 2-0 (21-6, 21-12).

B: Frankel/Balkaran (SUR), Quiggle/Rice (USA) a Nazario/Sánchez (PUR) 2-0 (23-21, 21-9)

C: Amanda/Spek (CUB) a Ori/Luisiana (VEN) 2-1 (21-19, 20-22, 15-10), Ozee/Dunn (CAN) a Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX) 2-0 (21-14, 21-11)

D: Roskic/Pantovic (CAN) a Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez (MEX) 2-0 (21-13, 21-18), López/Lolette (NCA) a Paniagua/Cleto (DOM)  2-1 (19-21, 21-11, 15-11)

WOMEN’S RESULTS VARADERO

VARADERO, Cuba, May 2, 2025.- Pairs from five countries remain undefeated and have strong chances of advancing this Saturday to the quarterfinals of the first phase of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit, taking place on four courts set up near the Barceló Arenas Blancas hotel.

The host duo Kailin Garrido/Maykelin Drik in Pool A, Puerto Ricans Camila Nazario/Karla Sánchez and Americans Corinne Quiggle/Megan Rice in Pool B, and Canadians Amy Ozee/Darby Dunn along with Mexicans Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez in Pool C all won their first two matches.

Also, the pair of Dana Roskic/Katarina Pantovic from Canada and the Mexican duo Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez in Pool D secured victories and have equal chances to advance on Saturday when the preliminary round concludes.

First day results:

Grupo A: Ebanks/Rivera (HON) a Glasgow/Joseph (TTO) 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) , Kailin/Drik (CUB) a Ebanks/Rivera (HON) 2-0 (21-9, 21-16),

Grupo B: Nazario/Sanchez (PUR) a Frankel/Balkaran (SUR) 2-0 (21-3, 21-8), Quiggle/Rice (USA) a Frankel/Balkaran (SUR)    2-0 (21-8, 21-4) .                             

Grupo C: Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX) a Ori/Luisiana (VEN) 2-1 (21-11, 25-27, 15-8), Ozee/Dunn (CAN) a Amanda/Spek (CUB) 2-0 (21-17, 21-13), Ozee/Dunn (CAN) a Ori/Luisiana (VEN) 2-0 (21-15, 21-14), Torres/Gutiérrez (MEX) a Amanda/Spek (CUB) 2-0 (21-11, 21-19).

Grupo D: Roskic/Pantovic (CAN) a Paniagua/Cleto (DOM) 2-0 (21-6, 21-16), Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez (MEX) a López/Lolette (NCA) 2-0 (21-13, 21-13), Roskic/Pantovic (CAN) a López/Lolette (NCA) 2-0 (21-15, 21-16), Vidaurrazaga/Ramírez (MEX) a Paniagua/Cleto (DOM) 2-0 (21-11, 22-20).

VARADERO, Cuba, May 1, 2025.- Both Cuban teams and Nicaragua’s duo were the only undefeated squads in the opening of pool play at the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, which kicked off its season in this tourist hotspot.

Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo lived up to their status as tournament favorites, defeating Venezuela’s Enyenser Delgado and Juliangel Zaid 2-0 (21-19, 21-16), and the U.S. team of Troy Field and Ryan Wilcox, also in straight sets (21-17, 21-19) in Pool A.

Their fellow Cubans, Damián Gómez and Eblis Veranes, also picked up two victories, this time in Pool C, beating Costa Rica’s Justin Solano and Jevan Coronado 2-0 (21-12, 21-14), and Canada’s Steven Abrams and Tynan Gannett 2-0 (21-18, 21-15). They had a bye in their third match.

Also undefeated on this sunny day were Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora and Dany López, who dominated Suriname’s Joshua Dwarkasing and Dean Kasdi 2-0 (21-11, 21-4), and Honduras’ Jairo Gálvez and Irvin Reyes 2-0 (21-7, 21-11) in Pool D.

Pool play will conclude Saturday morning, followed by the quarterfinals. Semifinals and medal matches are scheduled for Sunday at the beautiful venue near the Barceló Arenas Blancas hotel.

Results first day:

Pool A: Díaz/Alayo (CUB) a Esyenser/Juliangel (VEN) 2-0 (21-19, 21-16), Field/Wilcox (USA) a De Jesús/Maldonado (DOM] 2-0 (21-17, 21-11), Diaz/Alayo (CUB) a    Field/Wilcox (USA) 2-0 (21-17, 21-19), Esyenser/Juliangel (VEN) a Sarabia/Osuna (MEX) 2-0 (21-17, 21-19), Sarabia/Osuna (MEX) a De Jesús-Maldonado 2-0 (21-18, 21-10), Field/Wilcox (USA) a Esyenser/Juliangel (VEN) No Show.       

Pool B: Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX) a Siragusa/Campbell (USA) 2-0 (21-16, 21-16), Licht/de Greeff (CAN) a Blanco/García (GUA) 2-0 (21-13, 21-15), Siragusa/Campbell (USA) a Licht/de Greeff (CAN) 2-1 (21-15, 19-21, 15-8), Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX) a Torres/Encarnacion (PUR) 2-0 (21-17, 21-16), Torres/Encarnación (PUR) a Blanco/García (GUA) 2-1 (18-21, 21-13, 15-11), Licht/de Greeff (CAN) a Lares/Carlos Andrés (MEX) No Show.

Pool C: Gómez/Veranes (CUB) a Solano/Coronado (CRC) 2-0 (21-12, 21-14) y a Abrams/Gannett (CAN) 2-0 (21-18, 21-15), Solano/Coronado (CRC) a Enile/Theodore (TTO) 2-0 (21-17, 21-9).

Pool D: Mora/López (NCA) a Dwarkasing/Kasdi (SUR) 2-0 (21-11, 21-4) y a Galvez/Reyes (HON) 2-0 (21-7, 21-11), Clements/Van Siclen (ISV) a Dwarkasing/Kasdi (SUR) 2-0 (21-15, 21-18).

VARADERO, Cuba, April 25, 2025.- Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba are seen as the countries with the strongest podium chances, as each will have two teams competing in the men’s tournament of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit in Varadero.

The host nation is counting on the strong form of its top duo, Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo, thanks to their impressive start this year on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. However, despite playing at home, they have yet to claim the top spot in Varadero, settling for bronze in 2023 and silver in 2024.

“I think third time’s the charm, but we respect all our opponents, no one comes to a tournament to lose,” said Alayo.

Mexico arrived on the island under the guidance of the renowned Brazilian coach Ricardo Santos, Olympic champion in Athens 2004, silver medalist in Sydney 2000, and bronze medalist in Beijing 2008.

Canada and the United States have traditionally been among the most successful teams at this event, which also marks the beginning of the qualification process for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.

Eighteen matches will be played this Friday as the qualification round kicks off, continuing Saturday with the decisive matches that will determine who advances to the quarterfinals.

Pool A: Noslen Diaz-Jorge Luis Alayo (CUB), Troy Field-Ryan Wilcox (USA), Miguel Sarabia-Jorman Osuna (MEX), Enyenser Delgado-Juliangel Zaid (VEN) y Hayerling De Jesus-Rolvin Maldonado (DOM)

Pool B: Martin Licht-Luke de Greeff (CAN), Antonio Vargas-Carlos Andrés Ayala (MEX), Charles Siragusa-Dexter Campbell (USA), Andy Blanco-Luis Garcia (GUA) y Arnaldo Torres-Cristian Encarnación (PUR)

Pool C: Steven Abrams-Tynan Gannett  (CAN), Damián Gómez-Eblis Veranes (CUB), Justin Solano -Jevan Coronado (CRC) y Stephen Enile-Joel Theodore (TTO)

Pool D: Ruben Mora-Dany López (NCA), William Clements-Devin Van Siclen (ISV), Jairo Galvez-Irvin Reyes (HON) y Joshua Dwarkasing-Dean Kasdi (SUR)

VARADERO, Cuba, April 25, 2025.- Fourteen teams from eleven countries will compete at the opening of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit, which will take place from this Friday through Sunday on courts near the Barceló Arenas Blancas Hotel.

Canada, Mexico, and Cuba will each field two pairs, while the United States, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Nicaragua, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela will each participate with one team.

This circuit awards points toward the continental and world rankings and also marks the start of the qualification process for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. With the aim of securing spots for that multi-sport event, South American nations Venezuela and Colombia are also included.

Among the standout competitors in this tourist city – a regular host of the NORCECA Tour since 2011 – are Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez, medalists at several stops and participants this year in the World Pro Beach Tour in Yucatán (Challenge) and Quintana Roo (Elite), under the guidance of Brazilian coach Regis Castro, a bronze medalist at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Also with World Pro Tour appearances, though with different partners, are American Corinne Quiggle and Canadian Dana Roskic.

Pool A: Kailin Garrido-Maykelin Drik (CUB), Zoe Ebanks-Shanna Rivera (HON), and Apphia Glasgow-La Teisha Joseph (TTO)

Pool B: Corinne Quiggle-Megan Rice (USA), Camila Nazario-Karla Sánchez (PUR) and Chagnaz Frankel-Sharon Balkaran (SUR)

Pool C: Amy Ozee-Darby Dunn (CAN), Amanda Armenteros-Selena Spek (CUB), Susana Torres-Atenas Gutiérrez (MEX) and Oriana Bermudez-Luisiana Linares (VEN)

Pool D: Dana Roskic-Katarina Pantovic(CAN), Crismil Paniagua-Yari Cleto (DOM), Yeray Vidaurrazaga-María Ramírez (MEX) and Socorro López-Lolette Rodríguez (NCA)

VARADERO, Cuba, April 25, 2025.- The highly anticipated 2025 season of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour kicks off in the paradise destination of Varadero, Cuba, marking the beginning of a circuit that promises excitement, a high level of competition, and valuable points toward the NORCECA and FIVB rankings.

This year, the prestigious NORCECA Tour calendar includes 13 stops, reinforcing its importance in the development of beach volleyball across North, Central America, and the Caribbean. Varadero, a traditional tour stop since 2011, will play an even more prominent role in 2025 by hosting two stages: the tour’s opening event and the grand finale, scheduled for October.

The tour’s first stop features athletes from fourteen countries, with 18 men’s teams and 15 women’s teams registered.

The 2025 NORCECA Tour awards important points for both the continental and world rankings. Additionally, it marks the beginning of the qualification process for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, adding an extra level of motivation for the participating teams.

Specifically, regarding the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, Colombia and Venezuela must secure their qualification through the NORCECA Tour, which means both countries will be competing in several stops of the circuit.

As part of its commitment to developing young talent, the season will also feature two U23 events, which will serve as preparation tournaments for the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción.

With this Beach Continental Tour, NORCECA reaffirms its mission to promote sporting excellence, provide competitive growth opportunities for regional athletes, and bring the excitement of beach volleyball to beautiful and iconic venues like Varadero.