SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 25, 2026. – Puerto Rico opened the defense of its women’s beach volleyball title with a straight-set victory as the tournament at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo got underway on Saturday with eight straight-set wins in pool play.
In Pool B, defending champions María González and Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico defeated Martinique’s Karine Francois and Carole Herve 2-0 (21-6, 21-6) to begin their campaign. Costa Rica’s Marcela Araya and Eugenia Ramírez also prevailed in straight sets, defeating St. Kitts and Nevis’ Shajonee Gumbs and Jontelle Hensley 2-0 (21-8, 21-4).
Hosts Dominican Republic also enjoyed a successful start in Pool A, as Crismil Paniagua and Julibeth Payano cruised past the Cayman Islands’ Luna Ebanks and Joanna Robinson 2-0 (21-4, 21-7). Belize’s Nelissa Ramírez and Clara Sabal also earned a straight-set victory, defeating the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Vernecia Caines and Verneeci Caines 2-0 (21-13, 21-17).
In Pool C, Mexico’s Susana Torres and Abril Flores defeated Grenada’s Thornia Mitchell and Renisha Stafford 2-0 (21-9, 21-8), while Guatemala’s Paola Alvarado and Naomi Monney overcame Trinidad and Tobago’s Malika Davidson and Apphia Glasgow 2-0 (21-7, 21-9).
Pool D also featured two straight-set victories. Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez defeated Jamaica’s Jillian Johnson and Kristina Lumsden-Miller 2-0 (21-4, 21-6), while Venezuela’s Valeria Moreno and Darlin Rodríguez closed the day’s action with a 2-0 (21-7, 21-5) victory over Bermuda’s Natalie Gazzard and Megan Hands.
Sunday’s Schedule
DOM vs BIZ 9:00 a.m.
ESA vs CAY 10:00 a.m.
CUB vs MQE 11:00 a.m.
PUR vs SKN 12:00 p.m.
MEX vs TTO 2:00 p.m.
HON vs GRN 3:00 p.m.
NCA vs BER 4:00 p.m.
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