Tag: 2023 San Salvador Beach Volleyball

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 27, 2023.- Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico beat Ruben Mora and Jefferson Cascante 2-0 (21-10, 21-19) in the championship match of the Men’s Beach Volleyball tournament of the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games of San Salvador 2023.

This is the first gold medal for Mexico, and for Juan Virgen as well, who has two silver medals and one bronze; and he came here from losing the past edition of the Games in Barranquilla 2018 against Cuba.

In the final match, Mexico was completely dominant in the first set, where Nicaragua couldn’t read Mexico’s serves and both Virgen and Sarabia’s attacks.

Mora and Cascante were stronger in the second set, battling every point, and fighting up to the end when a bad serve and a Mexican block stopped their intentions.

This is Nicaragua’s first medal in Beach Volleyball at the CAC Games.

Juan Virgen said “the gold medal was missing and today we won it with Miguel. We are glad, we continue to make history for Mexico with our results and we want to thank all the people supporting us back home. I had two silver medals and one bronze and now winning a gold medal motivated me to continue to fight, continue our preparation for what lies ahead”.

 “Our goal was the gold medal; we had our minds sets for a long time” expressed Miguel Sarabia. “We are happy with the result. With Juan, we complement each other, my youth, and his experience. During the match I told him that he gave me confidence and that helps me grow and maybe I can help him to reach better results”.

Noslen Diaz and Jorge Luis Alayo of Cuba won the bronze medal after beating Kevin Rodriguez and Josué Rivera  of Puerto Rico 2-0 (21-16, 21-14).

Tuesday’s Results

7-8 .- CCS 2-0 CRC

5-6 .- COL 2-0 VEN

Bronze .- CUB 2-0 PUR  21-16, 21-14

Gold .- MEX 2-0 NCA 21-10, 21-19

Final Ranking

1.-MEX, 2.-NCA, 3.-CUB, 4.-PUR, 5.-COL, 6.- VEN, 7.-CCS, 8.-CRC, 9.-DOM, 10:-ESA, 11.-SKN, 12.-ISV, 13.-LCA, 14.-JAM, 15.-CAY, 16.-HAI, 17.-VIN, 18.-ANT, 19.-PAN, 20.-BIZ, 21.-TCI

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 27, 2023.- María González and Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico beat Dominicans Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanza 2-1 (19-21, 21-11, 15-12) to climb to glory winning the gold medal of the Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023.

González/Navas won the first gold medal for Puerto Rico in the history of Central American and Caribbean Games. Puerto Rico has a silver medal won by Yarleen Santiago and Dariam Acevedo during the 2010 CAC Games of Mayagüez.

The first set went to the Dominican duo controlling Puerto Rico with Payano’s kills and Almanza’s blocks, as well as anticipating their opponents moves. In the second and third sets, González/Navas adjusted with side out touches and made their opponents lose focus while attacking long shots.

Navas said “I am super proud, it’s an honor for us to take so much happiness to Puerto Rico and even more with a gold medal. For me, it’s just the beginning of our plans, we have the idea to work hard every single day”.

“We were off in the first set, out of rhythm, but the key was to find our rhythm, calm down to come out to win the second and third sets. We are satisfied for sure, mission accomplished”, said María González.

Mexicans Abril Flores and Atenas Gutiérrez prevailed 2-0 (21-16, 21-9) over Yenifer Rivera and Amanda Armenteros of Cuba, to win the bronze medal.

Flores and Gutiérrez showed their strength on the court, jumping to an early four point lead that grew to come out with the victory over Cuba.

This is Mexico’s first bronze medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games. Previously they had won three gold medals and two silvers, to continue to be top winners in the history of the CAC Games.

Tuesday’s results

Position 7-8: ESA 2-0 GUA (DNS). Position 5-6 : VEN 2-0 NCA (21-13, 21-12); Bronze Medal Match: MEX 2-1 CUB (21-16, 12-9). Gold Medal Match: PUR 2-1 CUB (19-21, 21-11, 15-12)

Final ranking

1.-PUR, 2.-DOM, 3.-MEX, 4.-CUB, 5.-VEN, 6.-NCA, 7.-ESA, 8.-CCS, 9.-CRC, 10.-COL, 11.- TTO, 12.-JAM, 13.-ISV, 14.-BIZ, 15.-CAY, 16.-VER, 17.-PAN, 18.- GRN, 19.- SKN, 20.-LCA, 21.-HON, 22.-ANT

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 26, 2023.- Nicaragua and Mexico advanced to the men’s beach volleyball final match at the 2023 San Salvador Central American Games after beating Puerto Rico and Cuba respectively, in dramatic three set semifinals.

Nicaragua’s Ruben Mora alongside Jefferson Cascante made history qualifying to the finals after defeating Kevin Rodriguez and Josué Rivera a Puerto Rico who won the first set but couldn’t keep their rhythm in the second and in the third set Mora/Cascante tied at point 14 and from there on the advantage changed for Nicaragua.

Rubén Mora said “this is a victory for everyone who supports us, our coach Erasmo Palomo has been a key element and thanks to his work we are here. Nicaragua had never finished in the top four and we have secured a medal”.

“We are satisfied with our result; Nicaragua had never before won a medal in these Games, and advancing to the final is to put Nicaragua’s name up high” added Cascante.

Mexicans Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia prevailed 2-1 (21-23, 21-15, 26-24) over Cubans Noslen Diaz and Jorge Luis Alayo in a marathonic match, under a persistent rain that didn’t stop the fans to cheer “let’s go Cuba” and “viva México”.

After losing an advantage in the first set, Virgen/Sarabia witnessed how Cuba had a partial victory, but they came from behind to win the second and in the third set, there were consecutive “match points” that in the end was decided by a serve from Sarabia which made it difficult for Cuba and they left the ball on the net.

The match for third place will be on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. between Puerto Rico and Cuba, and the final match between Mexico and Nicaragua will be at 3:00 p.m.

Virgen, who has two silver medals and one bronze at CAC Games, of an overall four silver medals and two bronze of Mexico, said to feel very excited and with part of their goal complete, “we came for a medal, we wanted to reach the final, we knew that Cuba is a strong, hard; at the end of some sets things god complicated, but we were able to come out with the win”.

After the last point, Juan Virgen stayed lying on the sand, with his face down, maybe crying, for several minutes. “I only thought it’s over, we made it, I was exhausted, and I just kept on the sand” he said.

Sarabia said “in the end I didn’t know whether to jump, run, I didn’t know what to do… There are no words to describe the feeling. We were able to beat a tough Cuban team, we knew who they were as a team, we had faced them on other occasions and today we came out victorious. Nicaragua is coming like every team, eager to win, they want the medal just like we do, but we will both battle hard to win it”.

Monday’s results matches for positions

Posición 15.- CAY 2-1 HAI (21-17, 17-21, 15-12

Puesto 13.- LCA 2-1 (17-21, 26-24, 15-11)

SKN vs ISV 2:00 p.m. DNS

Puesto 9no.- DOM 2-0 ESA (21-19, 21-17)

Semifinals

NCA 2-1 PUR 19-21, 21-16, 18-16

MEX 2-1 CUB 21-23, 21-15, 26-24

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 26, 2023.- Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic advance to the women’s beach volleyball tournament of the Central American and Caribbean Games after defeating Mexico and Cuba respectively.  

Puerto Rico with María González and Allanis Navas defeated Mexicans Abril Flores and Atenas Gutiérrez 2-1 (20-22, 21-18, 15-9) in battled match where both tandems fought hard to reach the finals.

The gold medal match will be played at the soccer beach National Stadium in Costa del Sol at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday following the definition of the bronze medal at noon between Mexico and Cuba.

Mexico recovered from a 3-point deficit in the first set to win 22-20, but in the second set, Puerto Rico reached a 5-point advantage (15-10) which they kept up to point 20 with Mexico trying to recover with three consecutive points. María González won the set for Puerto Rico 21-18 with a block.

In the third set, González and Navas came out with determination and jumped to a 5-1 lead which the Mexican duo was unable to overcome falling 9-15.

Allanis Navas said “every time we come out on the court, we want to leave our skins for our country, and this wasn’t the exception. We were strongly prepared for this, and we made it, it has been a great effort and we reached once again a final match”.

“In the past Games (Barranquilla) we came off short, we finished fourth, but we knew we could give more”, said María González.

In the other semifinal, Dominicans Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanza controlled Cuba’s attack of Yenifer Rivera and Amanda Armenteros, beating them 2-0 (1-18, 21-17), to advance in the first ever final match for a Dominican team.

Cuba jumped to a 12-9 lead in the first set, but Payano’s good defense and Almanza’s kills helped them recover and put distance after point 16 to win the first set and get on track to win the game.

“We are proud and excited to be in a final match for the first time. It has been a mentally demanding, we have prepared physically for this, we practiced yesterday with this match on our mind,” said Julibeth Payano.

Her partner, Almanza, stated “we dedicate this victory to all Dominicans, to all the working team that supports us, to our families, for everybody’s sacrifice. Now we must focus on Puerto Rico who is a great opponent, but we know we can aspire for more”.

Semifinals Results

PUR 2-1 MEX 20-22, 21-18, 15-9

DOM 2-0 CUB 21-18, 21-17

Results for position matches

Puestos 15-16 .- CAY 2-0 BER (21-11, 21-10)

Puestos 13-14 .- ISV 2-0 BIZ 21-12, 21-16

Puestos 11-12 .- TTO 2-1 JAM 21-17, 17-21, 15-13

Puestos 9-10 .- CRC – COL 25-23, 21-7   

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 25, 2023.- The men’s Beach Volleyball semifinals at the 2023 San Salvador Central American Games will be exciting and hot just like the sand and sun at the beach soccer National Stadium in Costa del Sol, that has been the home for athletes, volunteers and technical supervisors for a week.

Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico are looking to dethrone Cuba, who has won four gold medals in the history of the Games, while Mexico has four silver medals and two bronze. Juan Virgen has won two of the silver medals for Mexico and one bronze medal.

This is the first time that Cubans Noslen Diaz and Jorge Luis Alayo reached a Central American and Caribbean semifinal, but their predecessors have won the past two editions consecutively.

The semifinal match between Mexico and Cuba will be on Monday June 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Rubén Mora and Jefferson Cascante de Nicaragua, the tournament’s surprise, after qualifying to their first medal round, will face (6:00 p.m.) Puerto Ricans Kevin Rodriguez and Josué Rivera who want to put Puerto Rico back at the beach volleyball podium. Puerto Rico won the gold medal in 2002 and two bronze medals (1998 and 2010).

In Sunday’s classification matches for positions results, Ryck Webb/Martin Blake (JAM) won 2-1 (19-21, 21-15, 15-10) over Jesario Ebanks/Casey Santamaria (CAY) and will battle for position 13 against Sheldon Descartes/Joseph Clercent (LCA) who prevailed 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) to Irvens Benjamin/Joseph Olando (HAI). Haiti and Cayman Islands will play for position 15.  

Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez (DOM) won 2-0 (21-15, 21-13) over St. Clair Hodge/Shaw Seabrookes (SKN) and will play against Franklin Flores y Armando Guatemala (ESA) for position 9, who beat Marc Lomeli/Austin Pippen (ISV) 2-0 (21-18, 21-12 ) who will face St. Kitts and Nevis for position 11.  

José González/Jason Quintero (PAN) won 2-0 (23-21, 21-19) over Ernest Broaster/ Gabriel Nuñez (BIZ) and finished 19.  Small Jahmal/ Cluevvan Cumberbatch of St. Vincent won 2-0 (21.-13, 21-12) against Dwight Bonnie /Cairon David (ANT) to finish in position 17.

Monday’s schedule

CAY vs HAI 10:00 a.m. Por puesto 15

JAM vs LCA 11:00 a.m. Por puesto 13

SKN vs ISV 2:00 p.m. Por puesto 11

DOM vs ESA 3:00 p.m. Por puesto 9

Semifinals

PUR vs NCA 6:00 p.m.

MEX vs CUB 7:00 p.m.

Sunday’s Results

JAM 2-1 CAY 19-21, 21-15, 15-10

DOM 2-0 SKN 21-15, 21-13

LCA 2-0 HAI 21-18, 21-16

VIN 2-0 ANT 21-13, 21-12 (Por puesto 17)

PAN 2-0 BIZ 23-21, 21-18

VEN 2-0 CRC 21-12, 21-11

COL 2-0 GUA 21-16, 21-19

ESA 2-0 ISV 21-18, 21-12 

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 25, 2023.- The semifinals of the women’s beach volleyball tournament at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games to be played on Monday at the beach soccer National Stadium in Costa del Sol, with two countries seeking to dethrone Cuba, the top winners in the history of the Games.

Puerto Rico’s duo of Maria Gonzalez/Allanis Nava, one of the tournament favorites, will face Mexicans Abril Flores/Atenas Gutiérrez at 4:00 p.m. Puerto Rico has only one silver medal, won during the 2010 Mayagüez, while Mexico has been a finalist in five of the six editions, winning three gold medals (1998, 2002 y 2010) and two silvers (2006 y 2014).

While Dominicans Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanza will face Cubans Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armentero at 5:00 p.m. Dominican Republic earned a bronze medal in 2002 and Cuba has three gold medals, two of them in a row in 2014 and 2018, and also a silver medal in 1998.

Today in classification matches for positions 9 to 15, Almeida/Bennett (ISV) won 2-0 (21-16, 21-6) over Tulloch/Gaetos (CAY) and will face Ramirez/Arnold (BIZ) who won 2-0 (21-10, 21-6) against Leblanc/Calhoun (BER), for position 13 and the defeated ones will go for position 15.

Beltrand/ Moreno (COL) prevailed 2-0 (21-11, 21-12) over Joseph/Glasgow (TTO) and will play for position 9 against Williams/Araya (CRC) who beat Chauna Kelly/Petal Smith (JAM) 2-0 (21-10, 21-19) who will play for position 11.

Silva/Rodríguez (NCA) won 2-0 over Girón/Betancourt (CCS) and will face Venezuela who beat Soler/Molina (ESA) 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) for fifth place on Tuesday. El Salvador will face CCS for position 7.

Monday’s schedule

Puestos 15-16 .- CAY vs BER 8:00 a.m.

Puestos 13-14 .- ISV vs BIZ 9:00 a.m.

Puestos 11-12 .- TTO vs JAM 10:00 a.m.

Puestos 9-10 .- COL vs CRC 1:00 p.m.

Semifinals

MEX vs CUB 4:00 p.m.

CUB vs DOM 5:00 p.m.

Sunday’s results

ISV 2-0 CAY 21-16, 21-6

COL 2-0 TTO 21-11, 21-12

BIZ 2-0 BER 21-10, 21-6

CRC 2-0 JAM 21-10, 21-19

NCA 2-0 CCS (Forfeit por lesión)

Por lugar 19 SKN 2-0 LCA  21-15, 21-19

Por lugar 17 PAN 2-0 GRN 21-5, 21-16

VEN 2-0 ESA (21-12, 21-12)

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 23, 2023.- Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Nicaragua advanced to the men’s beach volleyball tournament semifinals of the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games.

The semifinals will be held on Monday June 26.

Noslen Diaz/Jorge Luis Alayo of Cuba had no difficulties in beating Rolando Hernández/José Gómez of Venezuela 2-0 (21-15, 21-12), thanks to Alayo’s blocking and serves, and to Diaz unstoppable kills.

Cuba will face Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico who won their semifinal ticket over Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-10, 21-17). Virgen finished second place in the last two editions of the Central American and Caribbean Games after falling to a Cuban team and the table is now served.

Nicaragua’s Ruben Mora and Jefferson Cascante qualified to semifinals for the first time in the history of the Central American and Caribbean Games after a challenging victory 2-1 (18-21, 21-14, 15-11) over Colombian duo of Juan Carlos Noriega/Yeferson De La Hoz.

Mora/Cascante will face Kevin Rodriguez/ Josué Rivera of Puerto Rico, who beat the Centro Caribe team of Andy Leonardo/Luis García 2-0 (21-18, 21-9).

Results postions 9 to 21

In classification matches for positions 9 to 23, Ernest Broaster/ Gabriel Nuñez (BIZ) beat  Sebastián Simmons/ Scott Hawking (TCI) 2-0. Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez (DOM) won 2-0 (21-15, 21-5) against Jesario Ebanks/Casey Santamaria (CAY). St Clair Hodge/Shaw Seabrookes (SKN) prevailed 2-0 (21-16, 21-19) over Ryck Webb/Martin Blake (JAM).  Marc Lomeli/Austin Pippen (ISV) beat Sheldon Descartes/Joseph Clercent (LCA) 2-1 (18-21, 21-14, 15-10). Franklin Flores and Armando Guatemala (ESA) beat Irvens Benjamin/Joseph Olando (HAI)2-0 (21-18, 21-9).

Saturday’s Results

Cuartos de final

MEX 2-0 CRC (21-10, 21-17)

CUB 2-0 VEN (21-15, 21-12)

PUR 2-0 GUA (21-18, 21-9)

NCA 2-1 COL (18-21, 21-14, 15-11)

Juegos por posiciones del 9 al 21

BIZ 2-0 TCI 10 forfeit

PAN 2-0 MQE forfeit

JAM 2-0 SKN (21-16, 21-19)

DOM 2-0 CAY (21-15, 21-5)

ESA 2-0 HAI (21-15, 21-9)

ISV 2-1 LCA (18-21, 21-14, 15-10)

TCI – MQE (DNS)

Sunday’s Classification matches

JAM vs CAY 10:00 a.m. C2

SKN vs DOM 10:00 a.m. CC

HAI vs LCA 11:00 a.m. C2

ANT vs VIN 11:00 a.m. CC

BIZ vs PAN 12:00 md CC

CRC vs VEN 2:00 p.m. CC

GUA vs COL 3:00 p.m. CC

ESA vs ISV 7:00 p.m. CC

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 24, 2023.- Three Caribbean countries and one from the North will battle for the two tickets into the women’s finals beach volleyball tournament of the 2023 San Salvador Central American Games.

Puerto Rico with their flawless performance (velocity and strength), Mexico with their calm and effective game, Dominican Republic with their blocking reach and strong kills, and Cuba with youth and energy, are the four best teams of the Games to advance into Monday’s semifinals.

The semifinal matches will be on Monday June 24.

María González and Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico with great defense, combined with a good touch and power, dominated Gabriela Brito and Juliennis Regalado of Venezuela 2-0 (21-16, 21-16).

Mexico’s Abril Flores and Atenas Gutiérrez beat Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina of El Salvador 2-0 (21-15, 21-12) and will face Puerto Rico’s González/Navas in semifinals who are having a great season.

Cubans Yenifer Rivera and Amanda Armenteros won their semifinal spot after defeating Natalia Girón/Estefanie Bethancourt (CCS) who couldn’t complete their quarterfinal match because Bethancourt suffered a knee injury.

Cuba’s semifinal opponents are Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanzar of Dominican Republic who beat Nahima Silva and Lolette Rodríguez of Nicaragua 2-0 (21-14, 21-16), to set the Caribbean derby.

Position matches 9-23

In classification matches for positions 9 to 23, Chauna Kelly/Petal Smith (JAM) won 2-0 (12-8, 12-10) against Lisa Leblanc/Megan Calhoun (BER). Denila/Neptune (LCA) won 2-0 (21-14, 21-9) against Edwards/Lewis (ANT); Joseph/Glasgow (TTO) beat Almeida/Bennett (ISV) 2-0 (21-18, 21-19); Beltrand/ Moreno (COL) won 2-0 (21-5, 21-5) to Tulloch/Gaetos (CAY); Honduras finished their performance in position 21. Williams/Araya (CRC) won 2-0 21-17, 21-13) to Ramirez/Arnold (BIZ).

Quarterfinal Results

MEX 2-0 ESA (21-14, 21-17)

PUR 2-0 VEN (21-16, 21-16)

CUB def CCS (injury team B)

DOM 2-0 (21-14, 21-16) NCA

Positions 9 to 23

SKN 2-0 HON (21-14, 21-17)

LCA 2-0 ANT (21-14, 21-9)

TTO 2-0 ISV (21-18, 21-19)

COL 2-0 CAY (21-5, 21-5)

JAM 2-0 (2-8, 21-10)

CRC 2-0 BIZ (21-17, 21-13)

HON 2-0 ANT (DNS)

Sunday’s schedule (Positions 5-16)

ISV vs CAY 8:00 a.m. C2

TTO – COL 8:00 a.m. CC

BER vs BIZ 9:00 a.m. C2

JAM vs CRC 9:00 a.m. CC

CCS vs NCA 1:00 p.m. CC

SKN vs LCA 4:00 p.m. CC

GRN vs PAN 5:00 p.m. CC

ESA vs VEZ 6:00 p.m. CC 

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 24, 2023.- Beach Volleyball was the first sport in action at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games; that required a series of challenges that were overcome with the efforts of many.  

The International Technical Director for Volleyball, Cuban Ariel Sainz, NORCECA first-vice president, oversees ensuring the running of the tournament and said it has been a challenging task, but they have managed to overcome every obstacle.

“This event originally was set to be held in 2002 in Panama but given the impossibility of their National Committee to organize the Games, El Salvador came out to organize them with great quality” said Sainz.

“We’ve had long working days, there have been many obstacles along the way, but in the end, it was achieved. I consider that beach volleyball has a great competition venue, adapted, because we all know that it’s the National Beach Soccer Stadium and it was at the last minute, because we had already made inspection visits in a different venue, but the organizing committee announced they weren’t going to be ready on time”.

“I first want to thank the confidence from Centro Caribe Sports, as that of the Organizing Committee (COSSAN) and the multidisciplinary working group that were involved in the task; we have the event running, without setbacks, 100 percent satisfaction of the athletes, coaches, delegates, and that fills us with satisfaction because we can evaluate the response capacity to overcome difficulties”, added Sainz.  

It’s important, said Sainz, “to give recognition to the National Volleyball Federation of El Salvador (FESAVOL), to everyone involved in setting up the courts, Roberto García, Guillermo Polanco, Eduardo Paiz, Pedro Rivas, who one way or another have been collaborating for this event to be possible”.

NORCECA first vice-president added “we had the challenge to open the Games as one of the first sports in competition; NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, had the confidence and vision in us all, the experienced members of the Control Committee with

José Luis Jiménez Lao, Salvador Bautista, Amos Anglade, Claudia Rivera, Bertha Cuadra, Jacqueline Cowan, Julio Martínez, Martin Swasey, Donibal Alvarez, Emir Alfaro, Ernesto Beltré, all involved in the success of the event, responding and solving every inconvenience and the director of competition Ed Drakich, who has conducted the event effectively”.

“We are working, but we are enjoying the twenty fourth Central American and Caribbean Games and that for the third occasion have been held in El Salvador” he expressed.

In addition, Sainz Rodriguez said “we have also taken up the challenge of indoors, we have made two inspections to the competition and training halls during these days. The official venue is the National Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández, which we inspected this past Friday, and the construction will be finished today and the court will be installed for a successful competition at the Games”.

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 23, 2023.- The best eight duos of the men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games are ready to win their ticket to Saturday’s semifinals, after a hard battle in the knockout round.

Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico won 2-0 (21-15, 21-9) over Ryck Webb/Martin Blake of Jamaica and advanced to meet Daniel Dyner/ Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica who left behind 2-0 (21-17, 21-19) St. Clair Hodge/Shwa Seabrookes  (SKN).

In the other bracket, Noslen Diaz/Jorge Luis Alayo of Cuba, had no complications in beating Dominicans Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez 2-0 (21-7, 21-14) and they are set to face Rolando Hernández/José Gómez of Venezuela in quarterfinals, who earlier won 2-0 (21-9, 21-8) against Jesario Ebanks/Casey Santamaria (CAY).

Kevin Rodriguez/ Josué Rivera of Puerto Rico won 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) over the home team of  Franklin Flores and Armando Guatemala (ESA) and will look for their semifinal spot against the team of Centro Caribe Sports, Andy Leonardo/Luis García, who defeated Hati’s  Irvens Benjamin/Joseph Olando 2-0 (21-11, 21-19).

Colombians Juan Carlos Noriega/Yeferson De La Hoz prevailed 2-0 (21-13, 21-10) over Sheldon Descartes/Joseph Clercent of St. Lucia and will play in quarterfinals against  Rubén Mora/Jefferson Cascante of Nicaragua who earlier overcame  Marc Lomeli/Austin Pippen of US Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-12, 21-12).

Friday’s Results

MEX 2-0 (21-15, 21-9) JAM

CRC 2-0 (21-17, 21-19) SKN

CUB 2-0 (21-7, 21-14) DOM

VEN 2-0 (21-9, 21-8) CAY

PUR 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) ESA

GUA 2-0 (21-11, 21-19) HAI

NCA 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) ISV

COL 2-0 (21-13, 21-10) LCA

Saturday’s schedule

Quarterfinals

MEX vs CRC 2:00 p.m. CC

CUB vs VEN 3:00 p.m. CC

GUA vs PUR 6:00 p.m. CC

COL vs NCA 7:00 p.m. CC

Matches for positions 9-23

BIZ vs TCI 10 :00 a.m. CC

PAN vs MQE 10:00 a.m. C2

JAM vs SKN 11:00 a.m. CC

DOM vs CAY 11:00 a.m. C2

HAI vs ESA 2:00 p.m. C2

ISV vs LCA 3:00 p.m. C2

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 23, 2023.- The quarterfinal round to win a ticket into the semifinals of the women’s Beach Volleyball Tournament at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games are ready.

Abril Flores/Atenas Gutiérrez of Mexico beat Teisha Joseph/Apphia Glasgow of Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 (21-8, 21-6) to advance into quarterfinals where they will face Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina of El Salvador. Soler/Molina prevailed 2-0 (21-14, 21-10) against Cristina Almeida/Amber Benneth of US Virgin Islands.

Puerto Rico’s Maria Gonzalez/Allanis Navas  defeated Ana Maria Beltrand/Yaleny Moreno of Colombia 2-0 (21-12, 21-13) and their quarterfinal opponent is Gabriela Brito/Juliennis Regalado of Venezuela who came from a 2-0 (21-6, 21-4) victory over Deajra Tulloch/Chlouie Gaetos (CAY).

The team of Centro Caribe Sports -CCS -(Natalia Girón/Estefanie Bethancourt) dominated Lisa Leblanc/Megan Calhoun of Bermudas 2-0 (21-5, 21-4) and will battle for a semifinal spot against  cubans Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros who earlier beat Chauna Kelly/Petal Smith of Jamaica 2-0 (21-15, 21-9).

Nahima Silva/Lolette Rodríguez of Nicaragua recovered from falling in the first set and came on top 2-1 (19-21, 21-15, 15-11) to Angel Williams/Kianny Araya of Costa Rica. Nicaragua’s next opponent is Dominican Republic of Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar who beat Nelissa Ramirez/Shantell Arnold of Belize 2-0 (21-8, 21-8).

Friday’s results

ESA 2-0 (21-14, 21-10) ISV

MEX 2-0 (21-8, 21-6) TTO

PUR 2-0 (21-12, 21-13) COL

VEN 2-0 (21-6, 21-4) CAY

CCS 2-0 (21-5, 21-4) BER

CUB 2-0 (21-15, 21-9) JAM

NCA 2-1 CRC (19-21, 21-15, 15-11)

DOM 2-0 (21-8, 21-8) BIZ

Quarterfinal schedule, Saturday June 24

MEX vs ESA 12:00 md CC

PUR vs VEN 1:00 p.m. CC

GUA vs CUB 4:00 p.m. CC

NCA vs DOM 5:00 p.m. CC

Posiciones del 9 al 22

HON vs SKN. 8:00 a.m. CC

LCA vs ANT 8:00 a.m. C2

TTO vs ISV 9:00 a.m. CC

COL vs CAY 9:00 a.m. C2

BER vs JAM 12:00 a.m. C2

CRC vs BIZ 1:00 .m. C2

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, 22 de junio de 2023.- With intense and battled matches, the men’s beach volleyball tournament of the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games has reached the most exciting phase, with 16 teams qualified to the knockout round to reach the quarter finals, semifinals and finals.

Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico beat Kevin Rodriguez/ Josué Rivera (PUR) 2-0 (21-16, 21-11) to finish first place in pool A and will face Ryck Webb/Martin Blake (JAM).

In pool B, Juan Carlos Noriega/Yeferson De La Hoz (COL) prevailed 2-0 (21-19, 21-15) over Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez (DOM) and took first place in pool B; they will face Sheldon Descartes/Joseph Clercent (LCA) who beat Small Jahmal/Cluevvan Cumberbath (VIN) 2-0 (21-11, 21-3) in the last match of the day.

The Central Caribe Sports team, Andy Leonardo/Luis García, topped pool C after defeating St Clair Hodge/Shaw Seabrookes (SKN) 2-0 (21-09, 21-16) and in the match that qualifies them to the quarterfinals they will play Irvens Benjamin/Joseph Olando (HAI).

Rolando Hernández/José Gómez (VEN) defeated Marc Lomeli/Austin Pippen (ISV) 2-0 (21-10, 21-15) to lock pool D and will face Jesario Ebanks/Casey Santamaria (CAY).

Noslen Diaz/Jorge Luis Alayo (CUB), beat Rubén Mora/Jefferson Cascante 2-0 (21-19, 21-12) a Rubén Mora/Jefferson Cascante (NCA) and as top place in pool E they will face De Jesús/Martínez (DOM) second of B.

In pool F Franklin Flores and Armando Guatemala (ESA) prevailed 2-1 (21-18, 22-24, 21-19) against Daniel Dyner/ Jhostin Varela (CRC) to face Puerto Rico in the next round who finished second place in pool A.

Dyner/Valera (CRC), second in pool F, will meet second place of pool C, St Clair Hodge/Shaw Seabrookes (SKN) in the round of 16. While Mora/Cascante (NCA), second in pool E, will clash with Marc Lomeli/Austin Pippen (ISV), second in pool D.

Resultados del jueves

Virgen/Sarabia MEX      2-0 (21-16, 21-11)        Rodriguez/Rivera PUR 

Noriega/Yeferson COL 2-0 (21-19, 21-15)  De Jesus/Martinez DOM     

Blanco/Garcia L. CCS 2-0 (21-9, 21-16) Hodge/Seabrookes SKN

BOSQUI/BRICE MQE    0-2 (0-0, 0-0) Forfeit of team A Small/Cluevvan VIN

Peter/Tigrito VEN         2-0 (21-10, 21-15)  Lomeli/Austin ISV 

Hawkins/Simmons TCI  0-2 (2-21, 4-21)  Bonnie/Cairon ANT

Mora/Cascante NCA      0-2 (19-21, 12-21) Diaz/Alayo CUB        

Broaster/Nunez BIZ      0-2 (14-21, 17-21)  Webb/Blake JAM

FLORES/Guatemala ESA 2-1 (21-18, 22-24, 21-19) D. Dyner/Varela CRC         

Gonzalez/Quintero PAN 1-2 (16-21, 21-15, 13-15)         Sheldon/Clercent LCA

Bonnie/Cairon ANT       0-2 (11-21, 3-21)  Webb/Blake JAM

Small/Cluevvan VIN     0-2 (12-21, 18-21) Sheldon/Clercent LCA

Juegos del viernes

MEX vs JAM 11:00 a.m. Cancha central

SKN vs CRC 11:00 a.m. Cancha 2

CUB vs DOM 12:00 md. CC

CAY vs VEN 12:00 md. C2

PUR vs ESA 3:00 CC

GUA vs HAI 3:00 p.m. C2

ISV vs NCA 4:00 p.m. CC

LCA vs COL 4:00 p.m. C2

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 21, 2023.- The men’s Beach Volleyball tournament of the Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023 started with the right foot with several duos showing as teams to beat at the event. 

In pool A, Kevin Rodriguez/ Josué Rivera (PUR) prevailed 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) over Jesario Ebanks/Casey Santamaria (CAY) and are ready to face Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico (who earned a bye) on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. to decide who will end in first place.

In pool B, Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez (DOM) beat Irvens Benjamin/Joseph Olando (HAI)  2-0 (21-9, 21-12) and on Thursday will face Juan Carlos Noriega/Yeferson De La Hoz of Colombia, who didn’t play today either.

St. Clair Hodge/Shaw Seabrookes (SKN) scored 2-0 (21-9, 21-14) against Small Jahmal/ Cluevvan Cumberbatch (VIN) and will decide pool C against Andy Leonardo and Luis García (CSC) who won after a now show of Martinique.

In pool D, Rolando Hernández/José Gómez (VEN) defeated Turks and Caicos  2-0 (21-1, 21-while Marc Lomeli/Austin Pippen (ISV) beat Dwight Bonnie /Cairon David (ANT) 2-0 (21-15, 21-16); the winners will face each other to advance in a better position to the next round.

Noslen Diaz/Jorge Luis Alayo (CUB), earned a 2-0 (21-9, 21-10) victory against Ryck Webb/Martin Blake (JAM) and on Thursday will play Ruben Mora/ Jefferson Cascante (NCA) who beat Ernest Broaster/Gabriel Nuñez (BIZ) 2-0 (21-10, 21-10) in pool E.

In pool F, Franklin Flores and Armando Guatemala (ESA) beat José González/Jason Quintero (PAN) 2-0 (21-19, 21-15) while Daniel Dyner/ Jhostin Varela (CRC) battled three sets to overcome Sheldon Descartes/Joseph Clercent (LCA) 2-1 (22-24, 21-18, 15-9).

Thursday schedule – pool-play

MEX vs PUR 10:00 a.m.

COL vs DOM 11:00 a.m.

CCS vs SKN 2:00 p.m.

TCI vs ANT 3:00 p.m.

NCA vs CUB 6:00 p.m.

BIZ vs JAM 6:00 p.m.

ESA vs CRC 7:00 p.m.

PAN vs LCA 7:00 p.m.

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 21, 2023.- The Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament of the Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023 started with pool-play in all six pools, where teams showed their different abilities to try and reach the podium.

In Pool A, Kelly /Smith of Jamaica prevailed over D. Tulloch/C. Gaetos of Cayman Islands  2-0 (21-15, 21-10) and will play for first place Flores/Gutiérrez of Mexico, who earned a bye on Wednesday.

Beltran/Yanely of Colombia and Dominicans Payano/Almanzar will meet on Thursday at 9:00 am to decide the winner of Pool B after both won to their respective opponents; Beltran/Yanely defeated Suriname (no show) and Payano/Almanzar overpowered Leblanc/Calhoun of Bermudas (21-4, 21-4).

In Pool C, the Centro Caribe Sports team -CCS -(Girón/Bethancourt) came out on top Wilson/Cuero of Panama 2-0 (21-14, 21-11) and Almeida/Benneth of the U.S. Virgin Islands did the same against Antigua and Barbuda of Edwards/Lewis (21-09, 21-12). Centro Caribe Sports and the U.S. Virgin Islands will decide who advances as first in their pool.

Gabi/Juliennis of Venezuela and Silva/Lolette of Nicaragua were the winners in Pool D, facing Thornia/Stafford of Grenada (21-10, 21-10) and St. Kitts and Nevis of Allen/Lake (21-9, 21-12) respectively, and tomorrow they will decide who takes the lead.  

Costa Rica’s Williams/Quesada beat Joseph/Glasgow of Trinidad and Tobago (21-16, 21-13);  while Puerto Rico’s Gonzalez/Navas did their thing over Murillo/Bruhier of Honduras 21-8, 21-6 and will face each other to lead Pool E.

Results Wednesday

JAM def 2-0 CAY (21-15, 21-10) ; COL def 2-0 SUR (forfeit); DOM def 2-0 BER (21-4, 21-4); CCS def 2-0 PAN (21-14, 21-11); ISV def 2-0 ANT (21-09, 21-12); VEN def 2-0 GRN (21-10, 21-10); PUR def 2-0 HON (21-8, 21-6); CRC def 2-0 TTO (21-16, 21-13); NCA def 2-0 SKN (21-9, 21-12); ESA def 2-0 BIZ (21-17, 21-13); CUB def 2-0 LCA (21-9, 21-15)

Thursday schedule

MEX vs JAM 8:00 a.m.

COL vs DOM 9:00 a.m.

GUA vs ISV 12:00 MD

VEN vs NCA 1:00 p.m.

PUR vs CRC 4:00 p.m.

ESA vs CUB 5:00 p.m.

SUR vs BER 9:00 a.m.

PAN vs ANT 12:00 MD

GRA vs SKN 1:00 p.m.

HON vs TTO 4:00 p.m.

BIZ vs LCA 5:00 p.m.

Women’s Teams

Zellene Edwards/Josanne Lewis, de ANT. Lisa Leblanc/Megan Calhoun de BER. Nelissa Ramirez/Shantell Arnold de BIZ. Deajra Tulloch/Chlouie Gaetos de CAY. Ana Maria Beltrand/Yaleny Moreno, de COL, Angel Williams/Kianny Araya, de CRC. Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros de CUB; Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar, de DOM.  Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina, de ESA; Thornia Mitchell/Renisha Stafford de Granada. Natalia Jirón/Estefanie Bethancourt de GUA; Xue Nicole Murillo/Reizel Bruhier, de HON; Cristina Almeida/Amber Benneth, de ISV; Chauna Kelly/Petal Smith, de JAM; Denila Prospere/Kerin Neptune, de LCA; Abril Flores/Atenas Gutierrez, de MEX; Nahima Silva/Lolette Rodriguez, de NCA; Ingrid Lezcano/Hashlyn Cuero de PAN; Maria Gonzalez/Allanis Navas, de PUR; Brenda Allen, Genelle Howell, de SKN; Chagnaz Frankel/Janneke Tammenga, de SUR; Teisha Joseph/Apphia Glasgow, de TTO; Gabriela Brito/Juliennis Regalado, de VEN.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 21, 2023.- The Beach Volleyball tournament start the actions of the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games, San Salvador 2023, at Costa del Sol on Wednesday June 21.

Beach Volleyball begins two days prior to the Opening Ceremony, scheduled for June 23 at 7:00 p.m. (local time) at the Jorge “El Mágico” González National Stadium.

The first sport will be women’s beach volleyball, at 8:00 a.m. with the Cayman Islands’ duo of Deajra Tulloch and Chlouie Gaetos against Jamaica’s Chauna Kelly and Petal Smith, at central court of the Costa del Sol National Stadium.

At 9:00 a.m., Colombian duo of Ana Maria Flores and Yaleny Moreno is scheduled to face the representatives of Suriname, Chagnaz Frankel and Janneke Tammenga.

Men’s beach volleyball will begin at 10:00 a.m., with Puerto Rico’s duo of Kevin Rodriguez and Josue Rivera, against Jesario Ebanks and Casey Santamaria of Cayman Islands.

Beach volleyball will be played until 7:00 p.m. in both genders.

For live results of all sports, visit the CAC Games website sansalvador2023.com.

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 20, 2023.- The Women’s Beach Volleyball Tournament at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games will start on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. (local time) with 23 tandems aiming for gold.

The winner of the gold medal at last year’s Junior Sea and Beach Games in Santa Marta, Colombia, Allanis Navas and María González of Puerto Rico have their minds set to top the podium.

Allanis, who finished fourth place at the previous Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia said “we’ve had a great preparation plan; we’ve completed the entire program planned by our coach and that’s given us good results. This tournament will be a close competition, there are good duos, but we hope to keep our momentum and improve our performance from our previous tournaments”.

Cubans Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros, inherit the dynasty of Leila Martinez, alongside Lianma Flores and later with Mailen Deliz, who won for Cuba the past two editions of the CAC Games. Cuba has overall three gold medals as does Mexico.

“We are a young pair, very new, but we’ve been performing well. In the Junior Sea Games, we lost the gold medal match to Puerto Rico, and we believe we can do better. We are focused and ready to keep on giving our best,” said Rivera.

Ivonne Soler of El Salvador is back at the Central American and Caribbean Games after 21 years, “my first Games and my first important event was here in 2002, and it’s exciting and an honor representing my country, with my people. We hope they will come out to support us, to motivate us because we are willing to give our all for them to be proud of us”.

There are 23 countries competing in the women’s beach volleyball event, divided in 6 pools.

Composición de Grupos

Pool A: Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica.

Pool B: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Suriname

Pool C: Guatemala, U.S. Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbudas, Panama

Pool D: Venezuela, Nicaragua, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada

Pool E: Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Honduras

Pool F: El Salvador, Cuba, St. Lucia, Belize

The first and second places from each pool will advance to the eight finals, while the last positions will play a consolation round.

Wednesday schedule

CAY vs JAM 8:00 a.m.  Central Court

COL vs SUR 9:00 a.m.

DOM vs VER 9:00 a.m. Court 2

GUA vs PAN 12:00 Central Court

ISV vs ANT 12:00 Court 2

Women’s Teams:

Zellene Edwards /Josanne Lewis, de ANT. Lisa Leblanc/Megan Calhoun de BER. Nelissa Ramirez/Shantell Arnold de BIZ. Deajra Tulloch/Chlouie Gaetos de CAY. Ana Maria Beltrand/Yaleny Moreno, de COL, Angel Williams/Kianny Araya, de CRC. Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros de CUB; Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar, de DOM.  Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina, de ESA; Thornia Mitchell/Renisha Stafford de Granada. Natalia Girón/Estefanie Bethancourt de GUA; Xue Nicole Murillo/Reizel Bruhier, de HON; Cristina Almeida/Amber Benneth, de ISV; Chauna Kelly/Petal Smith, de JAM; Denila Prospere/Kerin Neptune, de LCA; Abril Flores/Atenas Gutierrez, de MEX; Nahima Silva/Lolette Rodriguez, de NCA; Ingrid Lezcano/Hashlyn Cuero de PAN; Maria Gonzalez/Allanis Navas, de PUR; Brenda Allen, Genelle Howell, de SKN; Chagnaz Frankel/Janneke Tammenga, de SUR; Teisha Joseph/Apphia Glasgow, de TTO; Gabriela Brito/Juliennis Regalado, de VEN. 

COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 20, 2023.- The men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament at the San Salvador 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games will start on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. (local time) with 22 pairs battling to top the podium.

Cuba, winners of the past two editions of the Games, is ready to defend their title, but with the new duo of Noslen Díaz/Jorge Alayo.

“We are prepared to reach the podium and give our country another joy. We’ve been playing together in several events this year, including in Brazil and we believe we can continue the winning streak at these Games”, said Noslen.

Mexican Juan Virgen, who is playing in his fourth CAC Games, winner of two silver medals and one bronze, said that this will be a competitive tournament. “There are good teams, we are all aiming for the podium, I have won several medals in previous tournaments and the goal is to continue, despite the good teams in the competition”.

Armando Guatemala, a player of the host country who will defend El Salvador’s honor said “we have trained hard because we want to have a good performance. We are aware it will be challenging, we have difficult matches, but we want to put our country’s name in high, even more while playing at home with the support of our people”.

The competition schedule divided teams in six pools, four of them with 4 tandems and two with three. The first and second places will advance to the eight finals, while the last positions will play a consolation round.

Pool Composition

Pool A: Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands

Pool B: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Haiti

Pool C: Guatemala, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Martinique

Pool D: Venezuela, U.S.Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbuda, Turks & Caicos

Pool E: Nicaragua, Cuba, Jamaica, Belize

Pool F: El Salvador, Costa Rica, St. Lucia, Panama

Wednesday morning schedule

PUR vs CAY     10:00 a.m. central court

DOM vs HAI    11:00 a.m.

GUA vs MQE   2:00 p.m.

SKN vs VIN      2:00 p.m. (court 2)

Equipos Hombres:

Dwight Bonnie /Cairon David, de ANT; Ernest Broaster/ Gabriel Nuñez, de BIZ; Jesario Ebanks/Casey Santamaria, de CAY; Juan Carlos Noriega/Yeferson De La Hode COL; Daniel Dyner/ Jhostin Varela, de CRC; Noslen Diaz/Jorge Luis Alayo, de CUB; Hayerling de De Jesus/ Oscar Martinez de DOM; Franklin Flores/Armando Guatemala de ESA; Andy Leonardo/Luis García, de GUA; Irvens Benjamin/Joseph Olando de HAI; Marc Lomeli/Austin Pippen de ISV; Ryck Webb/Martin Blake, JAM; Sheldon Descartes/Joseph Clercent de LCA; Juan Virgen/Miguel Sarabia, de MEX; Martel Bosqui/Brice Hardy de MQE; Rubén Mora/ Jefferson Cascante, de NCA; José González/Jason Quintero, de PAN; Kevin Rodriguez/ Josué Rivera de PUR; St Clair Hodge/Shaw Seabrookes de SKN; Scott Hawkins/Sebastian Simmons, de TCI; Rolando Hernández/José Gómez, de VEN; Small Jahmal/ Cluevvan Cumberbatch de VIN

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 19, 2023.  – The Beach Volleyball competition at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador will run from June 21-27 in Costa del Sol, a discipline that has been dominated by Cuba men and equally divided between Mexico and Cuba in women.

Cuba has won the men’s event on four occasions since the inception of the Central American Games in 1998 in Maracaibo, Venezuela, two of them in a row (Veracruz, Mexico 2014 and Barranquilla, Colombia 2018).

Cubans Sergio González and Nivaldo Díaz earned the men’s title in the past two editions in Veracruz and Barranquilla.

Mexico men have stepped on the CAC podium in each of the six tournaments, where the biggest NORCECA medalist, Olympic Juan Virgen has earned two silver medals, at Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 2010 and Barranquilla, Colombia 2018, and a bronze medal in Veracruz, Mexico 2014.

In the women’s field, both Mexico and Cuba have won three gold medals each, and as well as in the men’s competition, Cuba has back-to-back gold medals in the past two editions of the Games.

Leila Martinez won both gold medals, first with Lianma Flores in Veracruz 2014 and in Barranquilla 2018 pairing with Mailen Deliz.

All these Cuban medalists have now stepped down for a new generation of Cuban athletes to take on their legacy.

Men’s Podiums

Composite Medals

Women’s Podiums

Composite Medals