Tag: Beach Volleyball

Canada takes silver in Doha

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DOHA, Qatar, March 9, 2024.- Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson take home a silver medal from the first Elite 16 of the year at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour stop in Doha,  and Sara Hughes alongside Kelly Cheng of the United States take the bronze.

Melissa & Brandie knocked out two powerful Brazilian pairs on the way to the final but stopped short of beating a third one Bárbara Seixas and Carol Salgado in the gold medal showdown. Seventh-seeded Barbara & Carol showed a solid performance against the fourth-seeded Canadians and mastered a 2-0 (21-18, 21-18) shutout to lift the trophy in the Qatari capital.

“It was a hard-fought week of great competition. It feels great to be back on tour playing against the best,” said Humana-Paredes. “We had a tough pre-season preparing for this, so we’re happy to see the things we worked on in action. A big team effort! Would have loved a better showing in the finals but the positive is we have a lot of good to take back home and work on.”

Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson

The field in Doha, Qatar, was packed with top-ranking teams. Canada is currently ranked fourth in the world.

Canada defeated number-one ranked Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) & Ana Patricia Ramos of Brazil in the quarterfinals and then in the semis, Melissa/Brandie beat Anastasija Samoilova and Tina Graudina of Latvia 2-1 to advance.  

Hughes/Cheng of USA, reigning world champions who are already qualified for Paris 2024, won the bronze-medal match over Latvia’s Anastasija Samoilova & Tina Graudina on the way to a 2-0 (21-15, 21-18) sweep. For the reigning world champions, the Doha bronze was the pair’s first ever on the Beach Pro Tour. They also have five golds and a silver on their record.

Sara Hughes alongside Kelly Cheng of the United States


Beach volleyball rankings: https://en.volleyballworld.com/beachvolleyball/world-ranking/women

VW Beach Pro Tour Doha Elite16: all results

NORCECA/FIVB Regional Development Center Announces 2024 Courses

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, February 27, 2023 – The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in Santo Domingo announces the upcoming courses to be held in-person and in both languages.

International Courses for Volleyball Coaches

Level 1: May 7-11

Level 3: June 4-11

Level 2: October 1-5

International Courses for Beach Volleyball Coaches

Level 1: August 20-24

Continental Courses for Physical Education Teachers

Date: October 23-25

For more information and registration, please email centrofivb_rdom@yahoo.es or text via  WhatsApp at 809-563-5642.

Clercent and Descartes rally to win gold in men’s play

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 25, 2024.- St. Lucia Team One, represented by Joseph Clercent and Sheldon Descartes were  required to come from a set down to take gold in the Men’s Final of Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

In an all St Lucia finale, Clercent and Descartes, beat the St Lucia Team Two, composed of Rio Victor and Darnell Eudoxie, 2-1 (14-21, 21-15, 15-4).

Experienced showed when it mattered most, as Clercent and Descartes, with their title on the line, kept their composure, clawing back after trailing.

They, thus played unbeaten in the Tournament, finishing with five wins.

Both Clercent and Descartes were happy that they were able to maintain their hold on the title, stating that their experienced counted.

“We have the experience, the knowledge and we have the game ethics, hence we were able to outpower them with our shots. We attacked them mentally and that broke down the younger players and we were able to capitalize on them”, Clercent assessed.

Meanwhile, Descartes is pleased that younger players are coming through.

“I like that we are seeing new talents coming through which means that more Volleyball is being played in those countries, hence, I am encouraging the young players to play Beach Volleyball, as it will help them in their indoor or court game”, Descartes said.

Before reaching the final, Clercent and Descartes had earlier in the day three, saw off St Lucia’s Team Three of Jevauny Roberts and Peter Emmanuel,  2-0(21-12, 21-11), as they dueled in the quarter finals.

They then had a 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) trumping  over the St Vincent and the Grenadines duo of  Jamaar Cropper and Ronaldo Franklyn, in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Victor and Eudoxie beat Antigua and Barbuda’s Adrian Constant and Jamarie James 2-0 (21-19, 21-14) in their semifinal pairing. Before that, they overcame St Kitts and Nevis’ duo of  Elkreen Morton and Clerique Ward  2-1( 21-16, 18-21, 15-10) in the quarter final.

 In other quarter final results, Constant and James had a 2-0 ( 21-19, 21-14) win over Grenada’s  Darren Oxford and Isaac Nelson, while  Cropper/ Franklyn in combination beat Yahn Florent and Ray Robinson of Dominica 2-0(21-17, 21-11).

St Vincent and the Grenadines took the bronze medal, as Cropper and Franklyn outdid  Constant and James, 2-0 (21-16, 23-21)

The other teams that sought honours in the  tournament were Bermuda, Dominica Team Two, British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

Grenada women mine ECVA gold at Cul de Sac

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 25, 2024.-  The pair of Thornia Mitchell and  Renisha Stafford took gold, as Grenada bossed the women’s segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

Mitchell and Stafford on day three of the tournament, kept their perfect record intact, defeating St Lucia’s  Team One of Chenoa Evans and Denila Prospere 2-1( 22-10, 17-21, 15-9) in the final to take the gold medal.

The  Grenadians thus avenged their loss in the 2023 final, as they fell to Evans and Prospere.

Commenting on the victory, Mitchell put it down to composure.

“ For us, it was about assuring each other. We were there for each and pushed ourselves”, she outlined.

Noting that it was always their ambition to be at the top of the podium, Mitchell related, “We came here with the main intention to execute and that is what we did. We are proud of ourselves. This a moment for us and for Grenada to win an ECVA title. It is a dream come true”.

En route to the final, Mitchell and Stafford won 2-0( 21-17 , 21-17) over Bermuda’s Megan Hands and Hailey Moss in the semifinals and overcame Saquanna Duncan and Shanadia Sylvester of St Vincent and the Grenadines 2-0( 21-9, 21-16 )) ,

On the other hand, Evans and Propere beat Dominica’s Zahidu  Henry and Nyla Edmund  21-9, 21-5 in the semifinals. This after they had taken care of  Antigua’s pair of  Sharifa Simmons and Jassania Joseph 2-0 ( 21-9, 21-13) in the quarter finals.

The other quarter finals saw Henry and Edmund  outlasting Tenayshestigni Joseph and Clio Phillip, representing St Lucia Team Two 2-1 (21-12, 19-21, 18–16) in their match up, while Hands and  Moss defeated St Kitts and Nevis’ Shanella and Shania Harris 2-1(21-9, 11-21, 16-14).

Also,  on day three, the British Virgin Island’s team of  Zoe Richards and Makalia Powell defeated  Anguilla’s  Deandra Flemming  and Lavesha Richardson  2-0( 21-16, 21-10), in the match to determine the ninth and tenth places.

And, Dominica’s Henry/ Edmund  took bronze defeating Bermuda’s Hands/ Moss 2-0 (21-11, 21-17).

St Lucia Team One and Grenada perfect in Women’s title race

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 24, 2024.-  St Lucia Team One, represented by Chenoa Evans and Denila Prospere and the Grenadian pair of Thornia Mitchell and Renisha Stafford, head into the quarter finals of the Women’s segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay, undefeated.

After day two, Evans and Prospere  led Group A with 4:0 win/loss ratio, with Mitchell and Stafford also having four wins from as many matches, to top Group A , at the end of the preliminary round.

In day two action, Evans and Prospere beat Saquanna Duncan and Shanadia Sylvester of St Vincent and the Grenadines 2-0( 21-15, 21-13)) , but were taken to three sets by Dominica’s Zahidu Henry and Nyla Edmund, winning 2-1(21-8, 17-21, 15-12)

Mitchell and Stafford were more clinical in their two matches on the day, registering 2-0 wins over Anguilla’s  Deandra Flemming  and Lavesha Richardson  21-14, 21-7, as well as the St Kitts pair of Shanella and Shania Harris, 21-5, 21-9.

Other results from day two, St Lucia Team Two,  of Tenayshestigni Joseph and Clio Phillip beat Antigua’s Sharifa Simmons and Jassania Joseph 2-0 (21-10, 21-12), as well as the Harris’ of St Kitts, 2-0( 22-20, 21-14)

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Duncan and Sylvester won their first match, beating the British Virgin Islands’ pair of Zoe Richards and Makalia Powell 2-0 ( 21-13, 21-14)

Richards and Powell were also beaten by Bermuda’s Megan Hands and Hailey Moss 2-0 (21-10, 21-14) . The combination of Hands and Moss also had  a 2-0 ( 23-21, 21-15) triumph over Dominica’s Henry and Edmund.

And, Simmons and Joseph saw off Flemming and Richardson, 21-15, 21-11, to record their lone win.

The quarter finals pairings see St Lucia Team One versus Antigua and Barbuda; Bermuda faces St Kitts and Nevis, with Grenada taking on St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica meets St Lucia Team Two.

The minor place pits the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla in a battle for the ninth and tenth position.

Meanwhile, the semifinals match ups show the winner between St Lucia Team One meeting the winner of the Dominica versus St Lucia Two match , and the winner of the St Vincent and the Grenadines versus Grenada encounter, faces either Bermuda or St Kitts and Nevis.

The winners of the semifinals advance to the gold medal match and the losers in the third place.

Grand stand finish looms as Men chase ECVA title

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 24, 2024.- A grand stand finish looms as quarter finalists in the Men’s segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay, have been decided, after eight matches that were completed on day two.

St Kitts and Nevis winners of Group A, will face off against St Lucia Team Two , while St Lucia Team One,  who took Group B will oppose St Lucia Team Three.

Group C winners- St Vincent and the Grenadines  will take on  Dominica  Team One and  Grenada, winners of Group D faces Antigua and Barbuda.

In the final set of group matches, St Kitts and Nevis pair of Elkreen Morton and Clerique  Ward  beat Dominica’s  Yahn Florent and Ray Robinson 2-0 ( 21-17, 21-13) to maintain their unbeaten run.

But a little more challenge was on offer for the St Lucia Team One of Sheldon Descartes and Joseph Clercent who had to dig deep to ward off  Bermuda’s Kyle  Hamilton and Benjamin  Barnett 2-1( 21-8, 27-29, 15-9)  to also register their second win in as many matches.

To top Group C, St Vincent and the Grenadines pair of Jamaar Cropper and Ronaldo Franklyn had a hard -fought 2-0 ( 21-17, 23- 21) triumph over Antigua and Barbuda’s Adrian Constant and  Jamarie James, with Darron Oxford and Isaac Nelson of Grenada comfortably defeating  Anguilla’s Aiden Hazzard  and Da’ Qwan Fredericks 2-0( 21-11, 21-15).

It was Anguilla’s second loss for the day, as they were beaten by St Lucia’s Team Three of Jevauny Roberts and Peter Emmanuel, 2-0 ( 21-14, 21-16)

In the play offs to decided the other quarter finalists Rio Victor and Darnell Eudoxie of St Lucia Team Two ousted the Dominica Team Two combination of Bill Frederick and  Mervin Mingo 2-1 ( 21-15, 17-21, 15-12)

Antigua and Barbuda’s Constant and James, overcame Bermuda’s Hamilton and Barnett 2-0 (21-18, 21-19) and Dominica’s Florent and Robinson Anguilla’s Hazzard  and Fredericks 2-0( 21-9, 21-14).

Also advancing from the play off was St Lucia Team Three represented by Jevauny Roberts and  Peter Emmanuel. They beat the British Virgin Islands’ J’adon George and Jose Ramirez 2-0( 21-12, 21-13).

The semifinals will feature the winner between St Lucia Team Two and  St Kitts and Nevis versus either Antigua and Barbuda or Grenada, and the winners of the  St Lucia Team One versus St Lucia Team Three, against the St Vincent and the Grenadines/ Dominica duel.

A mouth- watering final pits the winners of the semi-finals, while the losers battle for the consolation third place.

Honours even in Men’s play on day one

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 23, 2024:  Honours were even on day one of the Men’s segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

Spreading across all four groups, seven matches were decided, with five registered 2-0 wins, while  two needed a third set.

In  Group B, defending pair, Joseph Clercent and Sheldon Descartes beat Dominica Team Two representatives, Mervin Mingo and Bill Frederick, 2-0 (21-14, 21-8).

Also,  in Group B, Bermuda’s  Kyle Hamilton and Benjamin Barnett defeated Mingo and Fredrick, 2-1(16-21, 21-8, 15-13).

The tale was similar in Group A, as St Kitts and Nevis’ Elkreen Morton and Cleric Ward stopped the British Virgin Islands’ duo of J’adon George and  Jose Ramirez 2-0 (21- 6, 21-6).

Then, Yahn Florent and Ray Robinson, who formed Dominica’s Team One, had a comfortable 2-0 ( 21-5, 21-4) triumph over George and Ramirez.

Likewise, Group C hosted two matches. St Vincent and the Grenadines’  Jamaar Cropper and Ronaldo Franklyn defeated St Lucia Team Two’s Darnell Rio Victor  and Darnell Eudoxie 2-1( 20-22, 21-17, 15-13).

However, Victor and Eudoxie rebounded to go past Jamarie James and Adrian Constant 2-0 ( 25-23, 21-16).

And, the lone match in Group D, saw Grenada’s Darron Oxford and Isaac Nelson, recording a 2-0( 23-21, 21-13) trumping at the expense of St Lucia Team Three’s  Jevauny Roberts and Peter Emmanuel.

Day Two  Group Fixtures

Group A:  Morton/ Ward vs Florent/ Robinson

Group B: Hamilton/ Benjamin vs Descartes/ Florent

Group C: James/ Constant vs Cropper/ Franklyn

Group D: Roberts/ Emmanuel vs Aiden Hazzard / Da’ Qwan Fredericks( Anguilla)

Hazzard/ Fredericks vs Oxford/ Nelson

Following the remainder of matches in the Group stage, the second and third places in the four groups will duel for four quarter final places.

The winners of the group advance directly to the quarter finals.

Four women’s duos steady on day one in St Lucia

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 23, 2024:  St Lucia Team One, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and Grenada Women’s outfits, left day one of the  Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay, with two wins under their belts.

The St Lucian pair of Denila Prospere and Chenao Evans, beat Zoe Richards and Makalia Powell of the British Virgin Islands 2-0 ( 21-13, 21-11), before ousting Bermuda’s Megan Hands/ Hailey Moss, 2-0 ( 21-9, 21-14).

Also,  in Group A,  Dominica’s Zahidu Henry and Nyla Edmund, defeated the British Virgin Islands’ pair of Richards and Powell,  2-0 (21-10, 21-19), then handed a  2-0(21-16, 21-15) defeat to Vincentians Shanadia Sylvester and Saquanna Duncan.

Meanwhile, St Kitts and Nevis and Grenada recorded their double wins in Group B.

The St Kitts and Nevis’ duo of Shanella Harris/ Shania Harris,  defeated Antigua and Barbuda’s ,  Jassania Joseph and Sharifa Simmons,  2-0 (21-13, 21-6), as well as Anguilla’s Deandra Flemming  and Lavesha Richardson 2-0 ( 21-18, 21-15).

Likewise, Grenada’s Thornia Mitchell and Renisha Stafford beat St Lucia Team Two, comprising Jemima Evans and Clio Phillip, 2-0 (21-14, 21-17),  then continued their winnings ways over Antigua’s Joseph and Simmons, also 2-0 (21-13, 21-12).

In other day one results, Bermuda beat St Vincent and the Grenadines 2-0 (21-13, 21-12) and St Lucia Team Two defeated Anguilla,  2-0 (21-15, 21-13).

Group A fixtures for day two: Bermuda vs British Virgin Islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines vs St Lucia Team One, Bermuda vs Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines vs British Virgin Islands, and St Lucia vs Dominica.

And, Group B matches pit St Lucia Team Two vs St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada vs Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda vs St Lucia Team Two, St Kitts and Nevis vs Grenada and Anguilla versus Antigua and Barbuda.

ECVA host biggest Beach Tournament

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 22, 2024: Twelve men’s teams and  ten women’s  teams battle for  supremacy  in the 2024 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

Twelve teams are slotted in the Men’s segment. In Group A are St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and the British Virgin Islands. Making up Group B are St Lucia Team One, Bermuda and Dominica Team Two, with St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia Team Three, along with Antigua and Barbuda, composing Group C. And, completing the lot, are Grenada, Anguilla and St Lucia Team Three, are stashed in Group D.

Meanwhile, the women’s teams have been placed into two groups. In Group A are St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia Team One, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica and Bermuda.  Comprising Group B are duos representing St Lucia Team Two, Grenada, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda.

St Lucia trumped both segments in 2023, when sixteen teams contested for honours. The pair of Sheldon Descartes and Joseph Clercent beat the St Kitts and Nevis’ St Clair Hodge and Shawn Seabrookes, in straight sets, 2-0 in the final.

In the women’s title match, Denila Prospere and Chenao Evans kept the Grenadian duo of  Thornia Mitchell and Renisha Stafford, at bay, to win 2-1.

And, the defending champions are more than confident of retaining their titles.

The seasoned Clercent, underscored that whenever he enters the court, he has one aim and that is to win.

 “ We are going out their to do our best … When we go out to play Volleyball, we go out to play and win”, Clercent commented.

Likewise, Chenao Evans believes she and Prospere have what it takes to take the gold medal again.

“ We are seeing some new faces who were not here last year, but winning is always what is first and foremost on our minds… My partner and I are confident of coming out on top once more and with the home support we can do it.

The format of the men’s category sees the tops in each of the four groups earning direct places to the quarter finals, whilst the other eight will engage in play offs for the other four spots.

Among the women, the top four teams in each group head to the quarter- finals, whilst the fifth places will vie for the ninth and tenth spots.

Eight matches are carded for the opening day in men’s play, while ten are to be decided among the women.

The playing days for the tournament are February 23 to 25.

AFECAVOL Confirms Working Commissions

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TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, February 1, 2024. – AFECAVOL Executive Committee and Delegates held a Virtual Session to confirm the Working Commissions, a structure which was established in November 2020.

“Working together for the well-being of our region has been a constant effort by AFECAVOL members”,  said AFECAVOL President, Félix Sabio, in his opening words. “As we start a new year, we ask for the Working Commissions of AFECAVOL to review their performance to strengthen their functions with the knowledge of each of its members”.

AFECAVOL replicated the Working Commissions of NORCECA, aiming to structure the path towards volleyball development and its members, who are projected to expand their knowledge beyond the Central American region.

Félix Sabio emphasized that this year, the NORCECA Congress will be held, where its Working  Commissions will be confirmed, “all NORCECA Commissions have members from AFECAVOL who will be reaffirmed during the congress, and proposals for new members will be presented from our region, providing opportunities for their professional development”.

During the session, coordinators for each AFECAVOL Working Commission were confirmed: Sports Organization Commission: Lic. Félix Sabio; Technical and Coaching Commission: Prof. René Quintana; Development Commission: Ing. Allan Sharp; Beach Volleyball Commission: Ing. Bertha Cuadra; Referee Commission: Prof. Marvin Mora; Press Commission: Lic. Carolina Rivas; VIS Commission: Ing. Judith Sandino; Medical Commission: Dr. Juan Carlos Rodas; Marketing Commission: Lic. Cinthya Velásquez; Legal Commission: Mr. Carlos Enrique Santis; Athletes Commission: Luis Membreño

The importance of the benefits of NORCECA and FIVB support plans for National Federations was highlighted during the meeting, which aims to progressively reduce the competitive gap among the Zonal Associations.

Each Working Commission will present its proposals on February 22 to meet its objectives for the year, which has many competitions and elaborating a schedule that allows proper preparation is a must,  taking in account that each Commission member will undertake their task responsibly.

Félix Sabio concluded the session expressing his gratitude for the commitment of all delegates, stating, “this will be a year of many successes for Central American volleyball”.

Continental Referee Courses Opening ceremony

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, January 19, 2024. – With the participation of 18 Indoor Volleyball referees and 10 Beach Volleyball referees, the continental referee courses were inaugurated at the Olympic housing facilities in Puerto Rico and the Beach Volleyball courts in the city of Guayama.

These courses are sponsored by the NORCECA Confederation, led by Cristóbal Marte, and the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, presided by Dr. César Trabanco, under the coordination of the NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center directed by Professor Nelson José Ramírez.

Indoor Referees

During his opening speech, Dr. Trabanco expressed, “I am pleased with the confidence that NORCECA has placed in the Puerto Rican Federation to host these important courses, with the participation of referees from 14 member countries of our Confederation and I am committed  to always support the Development Center in organizing more training sessions like these”.

Professor Nelson Ramírez said, “knowledge is the key to development, and therefore, Cristóbal Marte is willing to provide NORCECA’s support. I appreciate the effort of the Puerto Rican Federation for hosting more training courses”.

Beach Volleyball Referees

In their opening remarks, instructors Guy Bradbury and Andre Trottier also stated that as soon as they were notified by Professor Ramírez about these courses, they accepted the invitation to come to Puerto Rico, a country with a great tradition in the world volleyball family, to share their knowledge and experiences in refereeing within NORCECA and the FIVB, expressing their desire for all participants to achieve their goals”.

Guy Bradbury instructor

The course will conclude on January 24 with the presentation of certificates to the participants.

Andre Trottier, instructor

2024 Volleyball Canada Beach National Teams

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TORONTO, Ontario, January 19, 2024.- Volleyball Canada’s 2024 National Beach Volleyball Team includes the world’s number four-ranked duo of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson. Rounding out the senior carded athletes are two-time Olympian Sarah Pavan (who plays on the tour with Molly McBain) and 2022 World silver medalist Sophie Bukovec, who plays on the tour with Heather Bansley, another two-time Olympian.

On the men’s side, Canada’s top-ranked team is Sam Schachter (2016 Olympian) and Dan Dearing.

The athletes listed below make up the 2024 Canadian Beach Volleyball Team.

In May 2024, approximately 28 additional Beach National Team Summer Program athletes (16 men and 12 women) will be selected for four months of carding. 

Teams play on the Beach Pro Tour and/or the NORCECA Tour. Canada will host a Beach Pro Tour stop Elite 16 event in Montreal late this summer; and a Futures event in Halifax, NS, in late August.

Canada’s Olympic team will not be confirmed until mid-summer.

For Paris 2024, the winners of the World Championships have already qualified, as well as the host nation (France). The international race for the remaining Olympic spots started at the beginning of 2023 and is about to heat up in 2024 when 17 duos per gender secure spots under the Eiffel Tower through the Olympic Ranking, based on each pair’s best 12 performances in qualifying events between January 1, 2023 and June 10, 2024. Meanwhile, another five teams per gender will make the cut as winners of the five Continental Olympic tournaments, which are scheduled between June 13 and 23.
 
Senior National Team Carded
Sarah Pavan (Kitchener, ON)
Melissa Humana-Paredes (Toronto, ON) 
Brandie Wilkerson (Toronto, ON)              
Sophie Bukovec (Toronto, ON)

Full-Time Training Carded (Senior B/Next Gen)
Women
Molly McBain (Toronto, ON)
Heather Bansley (Waterdown, ON)
Lea Monkhouse (Mississauga, ON)
Marie-Alex Bélanger (Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, QC)
Amy Ozee (Maui, HI, USA)
Anna Licht (Toronto, ON)
Men
Sam Schachter (Richmond, Hill, ON)
Daniel Dearing (Toronto, ON)
Alexander Russell (Surrey, BC)
Jake MacNeil (Georgetown, ON)
Tynan Gannett (Dartmouth, NS)
Arran Chambers (Edmonton, AB)
Steven Abrams (Georgetown, ON)
Luke de Greeff (Victoria, BC)

2024 In Focus: U19 Beach And U17 Indoor World Championships Set For 2024

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China to host FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships while the inaugural FIVB Volleyball U17 World Championships hosts will be named soon.

Age group World Championships in both volleyball and beach volleyball will be part of the 2024 FIVB competition calendar, providing opportunities for young athletes to compete on the international stage. The 2024 FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships will take place in China from 27 August to 1 September, while the inaugural editions of the FIVB Volleyball U17 World Championships for both genders will be held in August at venues that will be confirmed at a later stage.

2024 FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships

The 18th edition of the FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships will be organised in the ancient city of Shangluo in central China, where a 2,000-seat centre court and four side courts will welcome athletes and spectators from all over the world.

The event will take place from 27 August to 1 September. 32 teams per gender will join the main draw action in Shangluo. They will be split into eight round-robin pools of four for the first stage of the main draw tournament. The pool winners will advance directly to the round of 16, while the pool runners-up and the third-placed teams will enter the playoff bracket from the round of 24.

2024 FIVB U17 Volleyball World Championships

The inaugural editions of the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ and Boys’ U17 World Championships will take place in August 2024, with the hosts for these historic events to be confirmed at a later stage.

A total of 16 youth national teams will compete in each of the two newly-introduced biennial FIVB tournaments over seven competition days.

For the first stage of each U17 World Championship, the teams will be split into four single round-robin pools of four and their places in the final pool standings will determine their starting positions in the single elimination, consisting of round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals at each level of the playoff bracket.

Nelson Ramírez confident in a successful plan for the Regional Development Center

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, January 19, 2024. – Professor Nelson Ramírez, Director of the NORCECA-FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in the Dominican Republic, expresses confidence in a successful plan of activities for the Center in 2024.

Under the slogan “Knowledge is the Key to Development”, Nelson Ramírez embarks on a new beginning of training programs offered by the Regional Center, “year after year, the Regional Center provides the necessary support to carry out activities that contribute to the growth, development, and improvement of volleyball in the region; this year is no exception, I am confident that all the program scheduled will be once again a successful one”.

With the sponsorship of NORCECA and FIVB, the 2024 activity plan already includes a variety of courses for coaches, referees, and physical education teachers who will have the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge through new tools that they can implement in their countries.

The training programs provided by the Regional Center are led by FIVB-certified instructors with extensive experience in indoor and beach volleyball.

Professor Ramírez urges National Federations to promote the activities of the Regional Center and make new proposals to strengthen the development of volleyball in their countries.

“Just as we have started in Puerto Rico with two courses for Continental indoor and beach volleyball Referees from January 19-25, and soon we will be in Cuba to offer an International Level I Coaches Course from February 18-25, I encourage more countries to host training sessions, courses or workshops” said Professor Ramírez.

The effort made by participants in these courses, putting in intense work and gaining experience, is recognized by the Regional Center with certificates and diplomas that enrich  their resume.

Professor Ramírez concluded by saying, “our development will lead us to greater achievements”.

Regional Development Center starts Referee courses in Puerto Rico

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, January 18, 2024. – The NORCECA-FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center will begin the continental courses for indoor and beach volleyball referees this Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the participation of representatives from ten countries.

The courses will run from January 19 to 24, with the support of the North, Central American, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA, along with the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, at the Olympic Housing and the beach volleyball courts in Guayama.

Meeting room for theorical sessions

Dr. César Trabanco, president of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, expressed his immediate approval to host these important training workshops upon receiving the proposal to host both courses from the director of the Regional Center Professor Nelson Ramírez and NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte.

Professor Ramírez expressed his satisfaction to be conducting these courses on the “Island of Enchantment”, home to one of the best continental tournaments. He highlighted that the instructors for the courses will be Guy Bradbury, president of the NORCECA Referee Commission, and André Trottier, member and beach volleyball coordinator of the same Commission. Additionally, both are members of the FIVB World Referee Commission.

Inspection Beach Volleyball court

With this activity, the NORCECA Confederation and the Development Center starts to prepare referees who will officiate in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games to take place in the Dominican Republic.

2024 In Focus: Race For Olympic Spots Under Eiffel Tower About To Heat Up

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With only the world champions already qualified for Paris 2024, 23 spots per gender are still up for grabs.

The 2024 beach volleyball season is set to heat up from 27 July to 10 August, when the Olympic Games Paris 2024 tournaments will be held at the iconic Eiffel Tower Stadium, where a temporary outdoor arena will provide an exceptional setting for participants and spectators alike.

Beach volleyball will mark its eighth appearance at the Olympic Games, having first captivated audiences during its debut at the Atlanta 1996. The formula for the beach volleyball tournament at Paris 2024 will remain the same as in Tokyo 2020.

Women’s 2023 World Champion Kelly Cheng

While the two teams (one per gender) to represent the host nation France are yet to be announced, only two duos have already qualified to compete at Paris 2024 after topping the podium at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in Mexico. These are Czechia for the men’s tournament earned by the 2023 world champions Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner and USA on the women’s side earned by the women’s 2023 World Champions Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng.

David Schweiner ecstatic about his team’s first Olympic win at Tokyo 2020

A total of 24 teams per gender will compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, with a maximum of two teams per gender per country.

The race for the remaining vacancies started at the beginning of 2023 and is about to heat up in 2024 when it will climax with 17 duos per gender booking their spots under the Eiffel Tower through the Olympic Ranking, based on each pair’s best 12 performances in qualifying events between 1 January 2023 and 10 June 2024. Meanwhile, another five teams per gender will make the cut as winners of the five Continental Olympic tournaments, set to be held between 13 and 23 June.

While the final list of teams qualifying for Paris 2024 through the Olympic Ranking will not be confirmed until June 10, several prominent teams are strong contenders. The likes of Tokyo 2020 Olympic champions Anders Mol and Christian Sorum of Norway and reigning European champions David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig of Sweden, who are currently leading the men’s chart, will be in the running. On the women’s side, World Championship silver medallists Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) and Ana Patricia Ramos of Brazil and the highly ranked American pairing of Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss, currently heading the women’s chart, are in a strong position for qualification.

It is important to note that, as a general principle, quota places are allocated to the respective National Olympic Committees and not directly to the athletes or teams that earned them.

In each gender, the 24 qualified teams will be split into six single round-robin pools of four for the first stage of the Olympic tournament in Paris. The six pool winners, the six pool runners-up and the two best ranked third-placed teams will enter the single-elimination playoffs that then lead to the medal matches on the last competition day directly from the round of 16, while the remaining four third-placed teams will move on to a “lucky loser” playoffs to decide the 2 winning teams advancing to the round of 16.

Beach volleyball qualification system for Paris 2024

Jacqueline Cowan appointed to Olympic Programme Commission

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, January 16, 2024.- Jacqueline Cowan, President of Jamaica Volleyball Association, was recently appointed to be a member of the Olympic Programme. Commission.

Jackie, member of the NORCECA Board of Administration, was elected member of the Olympic Porgramme Commission this past August, a commission that has the responsibility for analyzing Summer, Winter and Youth Olympic Games programmes, which forms proposals for consideration by the IOC Executive Board.

This important commission makes sure that the Olympic programme remains relevant to young people by ensuring innovation and adapting to modern tastes and new trends, while respecting the history and tradition of the sports by thoroughly evaluating the sports and events in close cooperation with the respective International Federations.

In addition to developing a programme that maximizes the popularity of the Olympic Games while containing costs and complexity.

Jackie is also the First Vice President of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), post to which she was elected in 2021, becoming the fist female to hold this post in the history of the JOA. She also is Chair of the JOA Women’s Commission, General Secretary of Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) and member of the NORCECA Sports Organizing Commission.

2024 In Focus: The Third Season Of The Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Beginning Soon!

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The race for spots at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will highlight the first half of the year.

After two successful seasons in 2022 and 2023, the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour is soon to get its third one underway. As in the previous editions, the three levels of the Beach Pro Tour will spread beach volleyball fever all over the world, with plenty of opportunities for top-calibre players and aspiring athletes alike to join in on the action and test themselves against their opponents.

Just like the full 2023 season, the first half of the 2024 season, until 10 June, will continue to offer valuable points towards the race for Olympic tickets to Paris 2024, and just like in 2021, a tournament in Ostrava, Czechia, this time an Elite16 event, will be the last one to count towards the Olympic rankings. At the end of this, the 17 teams per gender to qualify for the Olympic Games in France via the FIVB Olympic Rankings will be known. For information on the full qualification process for the Olympic Games beach volleyball competition, please click here.

The unique venue in Czechia’s third largest city also hosted the 4-star tournament in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour in 2021, which saw a dramatic turn of events in the fight for places at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Kerri Walsh Jennings and her partner Brooke Sweat lost their qualification match to the then new and relatively unknown Dutch pairing of Katja Stam and Raisa Schoon. That allowed another up-and-coming team, Sarah Sponcil and Kelly Cheng (then Claes), to book a last-minute ticket to Tokyo 2020 as the second qualified American pair, instead of Walsh and Sweat. That sensational win over Walsh and Sweat also set the beginning of Stam and Schoon’s incredible story that also led them to the Games in Tokyo.

Katja Stam spikes above Kerri Walsh’s block at Ostrava 2021 4-star tournament

While the full 2024 Beach Pro Tour calendar is being adapted to optimise the number of events and their geographical distribution, it is already clear that there will be at least eight Elite16 and eight Challenger tournaments.

The Finals will be held in Doha, Qatar again from 5 to 8 December, 2024. Doha will also host an Elite16 event in early March, keeping alive the tradition of hosting two events per season, which started with a Challenge tournament and the Finals in 2022, and an Elite16 stop and the Finals in 2023.

Later in March, Brazil will welcome two Challenge events. The Beach Pro Tour will pay a first visit to Recife, its first world-level competition since 1996, and will then return to Saquarema, which hosted the Beach Pro Tour in 2023 as well.

Celebrations during the Saquarema Challenge 2023 award ceremony

April’s calendar includes two stops in Mexico and one in China – the Tour will visit Guadalajara for the first time for a Challenge stop before returning to Tepic for an Elite16 tournament, the second in the western Mexican town, after 2023. In late April, the Chinese city of Xiamen will host a Challenge tournament, its first Beach Pro Tour event, after hosting regular high-level World Tour stops from 2013 to 2019.

A European leg of one Challenge and five Elite16 tournaments will take place from late May till late August, before and after the Olympic Games in Paris. It will start in Portugal, with the Elite16 event from 22-26 May.

The Beach Pro Tour will then hold its first event, a Challenge tournament, in the iconic Polish village of Stare Jablonki, which hosted several World Tour Grand Slam and Open stops from 2004 to 2014, as well as the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in 2013.

2013 world champion Xue Chen of China is likely to compete in Stare Jablonki again 10 years later

After Ostrava in June, the Beach Pro Tour will visit two more iconic European venues in July before the start of the Games in Paris. One is Gstaad in Switzerland, which has been a regular host of world-level events since 2000, including the 2007 World Championships. The other host city is Vienna in neighbouring Austria, which set the stage for the 2017 World Championships, 5-star tournaments in 2018 and 2019, and the CEV European Championships in 2021 and 2023.

After Paris 2024, the Beach Pro Tour will stay in Europe for one more Elite16 stop in Hamburg, a hub of beach volleyball in Germany. The city hosted the European Championships back in 2008, one of the Majors on the FIVB World Tour in 2016, the World Tour Finals in both 2017 and 2018, the World Championships in 2019 and two Elite16 events in 2022 and 2023 (pictured in the main photo).

The last Elite16 stop of the year is set to be at the end of August in Montreal, Canada. The Canadian city organised numerous World Tour Open events during the first decade of the century and returned to the world beach volleyball stage with its first Elite16 tournament in 2023.

Packed stands in Montreal during the Elite16 tournament in 2023

In October, the Beach Pro Tour will once again visit Brazil for a Challenge stop in Joao Pessoa, which hosted the last Elite16 tournament in 2023.

Finally, in late November and early December, before the Finals in Doha, Challenge tournaments will take place in India, and in the Philippines, which will host its second high-level event again in Nuvali, where the last Challenge stop of 2023 also took place.

Beach Pro Tour 2024 – official website

2024 Beach Pro Tour Calendar

NORCECA held its 2023 Executive Committee and Board of Administration Meeting

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, December 21, 2023. – NORCECA held its 2023 Executive Committee and Board of Administration Virtual Meeting, where the working reports for the past two years (2022-2023) were discussed.

NORCECA President, Mr. Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz,  delivered the welcoming remarks, highlighting a fruitful 2023 from all perspectives, “I am very pleased that we were able to complete the competition calendar, allowing NORCECA to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a marketing strategy and providing support to all the National Federations”.

The Executive Committee and Board of Administration members had the opportunity to review and discuss NORCECA’s annual activity report, which included two multi-sport competitions, the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador  and the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago. Additionally, the first editions of the Under-17 Continental Championships in both genders and the NORCECA Under-23 Beach Tour.

President Marte Hoffiz presented a proposal for the NORCECA classification system for the FIVB World Championship, which will be further analyzed for its approval.

In 2023, NORCECA established a historic long-term partnership for eight years (2023-2030) with MIKASA to be the official ball for Volleyball and Beach Volleyball competitions within the Confederation. The Under-19 Men’s Pan American Cup held in Guatemala in March was the first official event to use MIKASA.

The reports from all NORCECA working commissions were presented after a detailed discussion of its Financial Statements audited by the external firm Ernst & Young.

NORCECA has been a pioneer in volleyball development programs, a model adopted by the FIVB to create the Volleyball Empowerment program with a larger budget.

Regarding refereeing, NORCECA is the only Confederation simultaneously conducting refereeing courses for Volleyball and Beach Volleyball, aiming to maintain refereeing standards through an education program for the integration of new referees, along with refresher courses for the development of active referees.

Among the responsibilities of the sports organization committee, NORCECA conducted several inspections before the two multi-sport events held this year, leading to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the organizing committee and ensuring the success of both competitions.

According to the discussions during the working session, it was highlighted that time, patience, and a dedicated group of volleyball enthusiasts are required to achieve success, which will help National Federations must find ways to face various challenges to attain it.

NORCECA is in continuous growth, and there is a need to enhance its structure, leading to a subsequent session to analyze various proposals from the FIVB legal commission  for constitutional changes which arose during the meeting.

An important change took place in 2023 with the implementation of the statistical software Volley Station, prompting various training sessions and an induction plan for the members of the VIS and Statistics commission and the Refereeing commission to adapt to the changes made in the e-score sheet.

A review of the 2024 Volleyball and Beach Volleyball competition calendar highlighted the classification system for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The session concluded with the announcement of the XXVII NORCECA Congress, scheduled to be held in Punta Cana from July 6 to 7, 2024. The next NORCECA Board of Administration session is set for July 5.

Mushtaque Mohammed Reelected: CAZOVA Embraces Continuity

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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, December 17, 2023.- TTO’s Mushtaque Mohammed was reelected as president of the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) at the electoral congress held at The Brix Hotel, in Port of Spain on Sunday 17th December 2023.

The congress in determining the new board to guide CAZOVA until 2027, witnessed a spirited contest between the incumbent President, Mushtaque Mohammed of Trinidad & Tobago, and Ms. Margarette Graham, the Treasurer of CAZOVA from Haiti.

Board of Directors

The congress was attended by 12 of 14 National Federation members and was held under the supervision of North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz.

The associations present included Aruba, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, Barbados, Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The members of the new executive committee include the reelected trio of Cayman Islands’ Kennedy McGowan (First Vice-President); Bonaire’s Gisette Emer (Second vice-president), Jamaica’s Jacqueline Cowan (Secretary General) and Board Member Filomena Daniel-Curiel of Aruba along with newly appointed Bahamian Kurtwood Green (Treasurer), and Board Member, Mark Lewis of Barbados.

In addition, Martinique’s Phillipe Lirus was appointed by the CAZOVA Board  as an Honorary Board Member and TTO’s Volleyball Federation President, Daymian Stewart also retained his post as CAZOVA’s Executive Director.

With an active calendar year scheduled for 2024, the membership was encouraged to participate in the various events and to consider hosting both CAZOVA Beach and Indoor competitions. There will also be an emphasis in assisting the National Federations in improving their administration and governance structures. In closing, the CAZOVA members unanimously agreed to support President Marte Hoffiz in his bid for reelection as NORCECA President, with an election to take place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in July 2024.

President Marte, in his remarks congratulated the new Board and pledged his support in continuing to work with CAZOVA, to further develop volleyball in the zone.

USA’s Megan Kraft and Terese Cannon Win NORCECA Tour 2023 Finals

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 17, 2023. – Megan Kraft and Terese Cannon from the United States won the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour Finals defeating Canada’s Sarah Pavan and Molly McBain 2-1 (21-16, 14-21, 15-11) in the gold medal match at Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

Megan and Terese needed 53 minutes to celebrate their first-ever NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in great style.

The American duo was aggressive in the first set, taking an early lead of 13-7. Roles switched in the second set, as Pavan and McBain found stability in their serve and rushed to a 10-5 lead, forcing the tie-break. In the tie-break, Cannon avoided Pavan’s block, allowing them to be more tactical.

“It was really windy in the beginning of the game, and we served really well. Also, our side out was cleaner,” said Megan. “Canada served better in the second set. In the third set the wind died, so it was more a classic game, we trusted our side out and we served as tactically as we could” she added.

Terese said “It was a good match, there was a lot of back and forth like Megan said. They are a really good team, they know us well, we play them all the time, so it was exciting volleyball”.

In the semifinals, Kraft and Cannon also went to three sets, earning battled 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 16-14) victory against María González/Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico. On the other hand, Pavan and McBain easily defeated Valentina López/Kianny Quesada from Costa Rica 2-0 (21-9, 21-13).

González/Navas won the bronze medal easily dominating López/Quesada 2-0 (21-6, 21-10). González and Navas won the silver medal in the 2022 NORCECA Finals, and they are ending this NORCECA 2023 season with a total of four medals, winning two gold medals (Cayman Islands, Punta Cana) and one silver medal in San Salvador.

Women’s Results Sunday:

GOLD MEDAL Megan Kraft/Terese Cannon USA d Sarah Pavan/Molly McBain CAN 2-1

BRONZE MEDAL María González/Allanis Navas PUR d Valentina Molina/Quesada CRC 2-0 (21-6, 21-10)

SEMIFINALS USA d PUR 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 16-14); CAN d CRC 2-0 (21-9, 21-13)

POSITIONS POS 5 MEX d CUB 2-1 (15-21, 21-12, 16-14); POS 7 DOM d NCA 2-0 (21-14, 21-13); POS 9 GUA d CAY 2-1 (21-13, 19-21, 15-8); POS 11 ISV d ESA 2-1 (21-13, 19-21, 15-8); POS 13 PAN d TTO (forfeit team B); QF LOSERS MEX d DOM 2-0 (21-8, 22-20); CUB d NCA 2-0 (21-9, 21-13)

Cubans Díaz and Alayo Champions of NORCECA Finals in rematch against Schacter and Dearing

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 17, 2023. – Cubans Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alayo got  their revenge against Canada’s Samuel Schachter and Daniel Dearing with a 2-0 (24-22, 22-20) victory, claiming the championship title of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour Finals in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

The duo of Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alayo concluded the NORCECA Tour 2023 with a bronze medal in Varadero and this gold medal.

In the NORCECA 2022 Finals, Díaz and Alayo fell to Schachter and Dearing, but this year, they achieved their anticipated victory, coming from behind in the first set by a four-point deficit (11-16). Díaz serves and Alayo’s block allowed them to level the score at 20 and again at 22.

In the second set, with some raindrops, the Cubans led 20-18, but Daniel, with his attack and block, leveled the score at 20. However, Díaz and Alayo prevailed with a strong serve and a Canadian unforced error.

“It was great that we reached the final again with them; now we are 1-1”, expressed Noslen Díaz. “We started behind, and I think our power in serving made the difference, allowing us to take control of the match” he underlined.

Jorge Alayo said, “I thank Noslen and the entire coaching staff who supported us throughout the year. This was a great match to get revenge from last year. There was a lot of emotion; we fought for every point and gave a good spectacle”.

Alayo and Díaz advanced to the gold medal match by defeating Rubén Mora/Jefferson Cascante of Nicaragua 2-0 (21-9, 21-14) in semifinals, while Schachter/Dearing beat Miles Partain/Andrew Benesh of the United States 2-0 (21-16, 21-19).

In the bronze medal match, Partain/Benesh defeated Mora/Cascante 2-0 (21-16, 21-9), winning their first NORCECA Beach Tour medal.

Men’s Results Sunday:

GOLD MEDAL Noslen Díaz/Jorge Alayo CUB d Samuel Schachter/Daniel Dearing CAN 2-0 (24-22, 22-20)

BRONZE MEDAL Miles Partain/Andrew Benesh USA d Rubén Mora/Jefferson Cascante NCA 2-0 (21-16, 21-9)

SEMIFINALS CAN d USA 2-0 (21-16, 21-19); CUB d NCA 2-0 (21-9, 21-14)

POSITIONS POS 5 MEX d PUR 2-0 (21-17, 29-27); POS 7 DOM d TTO 2-1 (22-20, 18-21, 15-9); POS 11 CRC d GUA 2-0 (21-13, 21-16); POS 9 ESA d ISV 2-0 (21-18, 21-15); POS 13 SKN d PAN (forfeit team B); POS 15 VIN d ARU 2-0 (21-17, 21-17); QF LOSERS MEX d TTO 2-0 (21-10, 21-15); PUR d DOM 2-1 (21-23, 21-18, 15-11)

Costa Rica, Canada, Puerto Rico and USA Women Final Four at NORCECA Finals

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 16, 2023. – Costa Rica, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States are the four finalists in the women’s tournament of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball  Continental Tour Final in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

The semifinals will take place on Sunday between Maria Navas/Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico and Megan Kraft/Terese Cannon of the United States, and Valentina Molina/Kianny Quesada of Costa Rica against Canadians Sarah Pavan/Molly McBain.

Costa Rica’s duo of Valentina Molina/Kianny Quesada, advanced to semifinals defeating the Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez 2-0 (21-11, 21-17).

Kianny Araya of Costa Rica

Earlier, the “Ticas” had finished the preliminary round as second in pool B behind Americans Megan Kraft and Terese Cannon, while López/Lolette finished at the top of pool A after a 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) victory against Dominicans Paniagua/Tavares.

Sarah Pavan and Molly McBain of Canada dominated their quarterfinal match against Amanda Armenteros/Maykelin Drik of Cuba 2-0 (21-16, 21-16). Pavan/McBain had finished first in pool D with a victory over Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores of Mexico 2-0 (21-3, 21-17).

Terese Cannon USA

Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas started the day by winning pool C after defeating Daniela Vigil/Sofía Velásquez of El Salvador 2-0 (21-6, 21-9) and then they clinched their spot in the semifinals with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-11) victory over Gutiérrez/Flores (MEX) after recovering from a four-point deficit (4-8) in the first set.

Americans Megan Kraft and Terese Cannon were the last team to secure their spot in the semifinals after defeating Crismil Paniagua and Nallelin Tavares of the Dominican Republic.

In the classification matches for positions 9/12, Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado of Guatemala defeated Vigil/Velásquez (ESA) 2-0 (21-18, 21-15), and Heather Thompson/Stefania Gandolfi of the Cayman Islands defeated Almeida-Anz/Buckner (ISV) 2-0 (21-18, 21-19).

María González of Puerto Rico

Women’s Results Saturday:

QUARTERFINALS Molina/Quesada CRC d López/Lolette NCA 2-0 (21-11, 21-17); Pavan/McBain CAN Amanda/Drik CUB 2-0 (21-16, 21-16); González/Navas PUR d Gutiérrez/Flores MEX 2-0 (21-16, 21-11); Kraft/Cannon USA Paniagua/Taveras DOM 2-0 (21-6, 21-9)

CLASSIF. 9/12 GUA d ESA 2-0 (21-18, 21-15); CAY d ISV 2-0 (21-18, 21-19); CLASSIF. 13/16 PAN d VIN (21-7, 21-15)

POOL A López/Lolette NCA d Paniagua/Taveras DOM 2-0 (21-19, 21-16)

POOL B Kraft/Cannon USA d Molina/Quesada CRC 2-0 (21-17, 21-10); N. Girón/Alvarado GUA d González/Urrunaga PAN 2-1 (18-21, 21-4, 15-9)

POOL C González/Navas PUR d Vigil/Velásquez ESA 2-0 (21-6, 21-9); Amanda/Drik CUB d Sylvester/Duncan VIN 2-1 (21-4, 21-4)

POOL D Pavan/McBain CAN d Gutiérrez/Abril MEX 2-0 (21-3, 21-17)

Nicaragua, Cuba, USA and Canada Men advance to Semifinals at the NORCECA Tour Finals

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 16, 2023. – Nicaragua, Cuba, United States, and Canada advanced to the men’s semifinals of the NORCECA Continental Tour Beach volleyball Tour Finals in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

Rubén Mora, alongside Jefferson Cascante of Nicaragua, will face Cuban tandem of Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alayo in Sunday’s semifinals. In the other semifinal, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh of the United States will compete against the 2022 Tour Final champions, Samuel Schachter and Daniel Dearing of Canada.

Mora and Cascante booked their ticket to semifinals defeating the Dominican duo of Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez 2-0 (22-20, 21-13). In the morning, Mora/Cascante finished second in pool B with a 2-0 (21-5, 21-11) victory over Jamaar Cropper/Shadron Delpesche from St. Vincent.

Cuba’s Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alay started the day by finishing first in pool D with a comfortable 2-0 (21-9, 21-6) win against Cruz/Coutinho from Aruba. They then closed the day with a 2-0 (21-13, 21-15) quarterfinal victory against the Puerto Rican duo of Arnaldo Torres/William Rivera.

Rubén Mora NCA

Meanwhile, Americans Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh won their quarterfinals against Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen of Mexico 2-0 (21-18, 21-13). They had previously topped pool C with a 2-0 (21-17, 21-11) victory over the Guardado brothers from El Salvador.

Sarabia/Virgen (MEX) advanced to the quarterfinals as the second-place team in pool D after defeating Bucklin/Mayer from the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-15, 21-16).

Canadians Samuel Schachter and Daniel Dearing faced a challenging match against Julian Araya/Stanley Grant of Costa Rica on Saturday, recovering from losing the first set 2-1 (19-21, 21-13, 15-13). However, they advanced to the semifinals with a 2-0 (21-15, 21-9) win against Enile/Theodore from Trinidad and Tobago.

In other results, the Guardado brothers (ESA) defeated Araya/Stanley (CRC) 2-0 (24-22, 22-20), and Bucklin/Bryce Mayer (ISV) won 2-0 (21-7, 21-12) against Izaguirre/García (GUA) in the classification matches for positions 9 to 12.

Daniel Dearing CAN

In the classification matches for positions 13 to 16, Clerique/Hodge (SKN) dominated 2-0 (21-15, 21-14) against Cropper/Delpesche (VIN), and Araúz/Del Cid (PAN) defeated De La Cruz/Jahim Coutinho (ARU) 2-0 (21-12, 21-16).

Men’s Results Saturday:

QUARTERFINALS Mora/Cascante NCA d De Jesús/Martínez DOM 2-0 (22-20, 21-13); Diaz/Alayo CUB d Torres/Rivera PUR 2-0 (21-13, 21-15); Partain/Benesh USA d Sarabia/Virgen MEX 2-0 (21-18, 21-13); Schacter/Deargin CAN d Enile/Theodore TTO 2-0 (21-15, 21-9)

CLASSIF. 9/12 ESA d CRC 2-0 (24-22, 22-20); ISV d GUA 2-0 (21-7, 21-12); CLASSIF. 13/16 SKN d VIN 2-0 (21-15, 21-14); PAN d ARU 2-0 (21-12, 21-16)

POOL A De Jesús/Martínez DOM Izaquirre/García L. GUA 2-0 (31-29, 21-11); Enile/Theodore TTO d Del Cid/Araúz PAN 2-0 (23-21, 21-18)

POOL B Schacter/Dearing CAN d Araya/Stanley CRC 2-1 (19-21, 21-13, 15-13); Mora/Cascante NCA d Cropper/Delpesche VIN 2-0 (21-5, 21-11).

POOL C Partain/Benesh USA d Guardado C./Guardado Y. ESA 2-0 (21-17, 21-11); Torres/Rivera PUR d Hodge/Clerique SKN 2-0 (21-11, 21-15)

POOL D Sarabia/Virgen MEX d Bucklin/Mayer ISV 2-0 (21-15, 21-16); Díaz/Alayo CUB d De La Cruz/Coutinho ARU 2-0 (21-9, 21-6)

Puerto Rico and USA Women with Successful opening at Juan Dolio NORCECA Finals

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 15, 2023. – María González/Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico and Megan Kraft/Terese Cannon from the United States had a successful start in the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour Finals that kicked off in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic on Friday.

González/Navas, as well as Kraft/Cannon earned two victories in as many matches in pool C of the event, that grants ranking points for the NORCECA Olympic qualification for Paris 2024.

María and Allanis were decisive against Shanadia Sylvester and Saquanna Duncan from St. Vincent 2-0 (21-6, 21-6), and then defeated Cuba’s duo of Amanda Armenteros/Maykelin Drik 2-0 (21-16, 21-15).

In pool B, the United States duo of Megan Kraft and Terese Cannon, notched up two wins against Central American teams. First, they defeated Krisleen González and Iris Urrunaga from Panama 2-0 (21-11, 21-8), and then, with an emphatic 2-0 (21-3, 21-7), they outperformed Natalia Girón and Paola Alvarado from Guatemala.

Kianny Araya Quesada CRC

Kraft/Cannon will decide the top spot in their pool against Valentina Molina and Kianny Quesada from Costa Rica, who also started with two victories; 2-0 (21-15, 21-16) against Girón/Alvarado (GUA) and 2-0 (21-10, 21-4) against González/Urrunaga.

First place in pool A will be contested between Socorro López and Lolette Rodriguez from Nicaragua and Crismil Paniagua and Nallelin Tavares from the Dominican Republic.

López/Lolette dominated 2-0 (21-16, 21-13) against Cristina Almeida-Anz/Taylor Buckner from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Paniagua/Tavares also defeated the team of Almeida-Anz/Buckner, but in a challenging match of long rallies (24-22, 27-25).

Meanwhile, Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores from Mexico opened with a convincing 2-0 (21-5, 21-9) against Heather Thompson/Stefania Gandolfi from Cayman Islands. Sarah Pavan and Molly McBain from Canada also defeated Thompson/Gandolfi 2-0 (21-4, 21-6).

Gutiérrez/Abril (MEX) and Pavan/McBain (CAN) will face each other on Saturday for the top spot in pool D.

The group stage will conclude on Saturday morning, followed by the quarterfinals and classification matches for positions 9 to 12.

Women’s Results Friday

POOL A: López/Lolette NCA d Almeida-Anz/Buckner ISV 2-0 (21-16, 21-13); Paniagua/Tavares DOM d Almeida-Anz/Buckner ISV 2-0 (24-22, 27-25)

POOL B: Molina/Quesada CRC d N. Girón/Alvarado GUA 2-0 (21-15, 21-16); Kraft/Cannon USA d González/Urrunaga PAN 2-0 (21-11, 21-8); Kraft/Cannon USA d N. Girón/Alvarado GUA 2-0 (21-3, 21-7); Molina/Quesada CRC d González/Urrunaga PAN 2-0 (21-10, 21-4)

POOL C: Amanda/Drik CUB d Vigil/Velásquez ESA 2-0 (21-14, 21-11); González/Navas PUR d Shanadia/Duncan VIN 2-0 (21-6, 21-6); González/Navas PUR d Amanda/Drik CUB 2-0 (21-16, 21-15); Vigil/Velásquez ESA d Shanadia/Duncan VIN 2-0 (21-15, 21-9)

POOL D: Gutiérrez/Flores MEX d Thompson/Gandolfi CAY 2-0 (21-5, 21-9); Pavan/McBain CAN d Thompson/Gandolfi CAY 2-0 (21-4, 21-6).

Canada, Cuba, USA and Dominicans start strong at NORCECA Beach Finals

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 15, 2023.- The tandems of Canada, Cuba, the United States and Dominican Republic started strong the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour Finals at Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

The NORCECA Tour Final awards ranking points as part of the NORCECA qualification system for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Canadians Samuel Schachter and Daniel Dearing, champions of the 2022 NORCECA Finals, started their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory (21-11, 21-9) against Jamaar Cropper and Shadron Delpesche from Saint Vincent in pool B. But then, they faced a tough battle against Nicaragua’s duo of Rubén Mora and Jefferson Cascante, winning 2-0 (23-21, 21-15).

Mora/Cascante (NCA) had previously celebrated a victory over Julian Araya and Stanley Grant from Costa Rica 2-0 (21-15, 21-19), who later defeated Cropper/Delpesche (VIN) 2-0 (21-15, 21-15).

Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alayo from Cuba had a productive day in pool D, earning two hard-fought victories. Diaz and Alayo opened with a demanding match, winning 2-0 (21-19, 22-20) against Garrett Bucklin/Bryce Mayer from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cuban duo then closed the first day of competition with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) victory over Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen.

Sarabia/Virgen had previously defeated Gregory De La Cruz/Jahim Coutinho from Aruba 2-0 (21-8, 21-8). Bucklin/Mayer (ISV) also defeated De La Cruz/Coutinho (ARU) 2-0 (21-9, 21-12).

USA’s Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh had no setbacks in pool C, with a 2-0 (21-14, 21-11) victory against Arnaldo Torres/William Rivera from Puerto Rico and a 2-0 (21-7, 21-9) win over Clerique Ward/St Clair Hodge from Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Puerto Rico earned a 2-0 (21-17, 21-18) victory against twin brothers Yoel and Christopher Guardado from El Salvador, who later defeated Clerique/Hodge (SKN) 2-0 (21-17, 21-18).

In pool A, Dominicans Hayerling De Jesús and Oscar Martínez secured their first victory in the tournament with a 2-0 (21-10, 21-15) win against Victor Araúz/Adamit Del Cid from Panama. They then took on Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile from Trinidad and Tobago, winning 2-0 (21-8, 21-9), who had earlier defeated José Miguel Izaguirre and Luis García from Guatemala in overtime 2-1 (21-18, 16-21, 15-11).

Izaguirre/García (GUA) claimed a 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) over Araúz/Del Cid (PAN).

The preliminary stage ends on Saturday morning, and the quarterfinal round will be held in the afternoon, as well as classification matches for positions 9 to 16.

Men’s Results Friday:

POOL A: Theodore/Enile TTO d Izaguirre/Luis García GUA 2-1 (21-18, 16-21, 15-11); De Jesús/Martínez DOM d Araúz/Del Cid PAN 2-0 (21-10, 21-15); De Jesús/Martínez DOM d Theodore/Enile TTO 2-0 (21-8, 21-9); Izaguirre/Luis García GUA d Araúz/Del Cid PAN 2-0 (21-16, 21-15)

POOL B: Mora/Cascante NCA d Araya/Stanley CRC 2-0 (21-15, 21-19); Schacter/Dearing CAN d Cropper/Delpesche VIN 2-0 (21-11, 21-9); Schacter/Dearing CAN d Mora/Cascante NCA 2-0 (23-21, 21-15); Araya/Stanley CRC d Cropper/Delpesche VIN 2-0 (21-15, 21-15)

POOL C: Guardado C./Guardado Y. ESA d Hodge/Clerique SKN 2-0 (21-17, 21-19); Partain/Benesh USA d Torres/Rivera PUR 2-0 (21-14, 21-11); Partain/Benesh USA d Hodge/Clerique SKN 2-0 (21-7, 21-9); Torres/Rivera PUR d Guardado C./Guardado Y. ESA 2-0 (21-17, 21-18)

POOL D: Diaz/Alayo CUB d Bucklin/Mayer ISV 2-0 (21-19, 22-20); Sarabia/Virgen MEX d De La Cruz/Coutinho ARU 2-0 (21-8, 21-8); Bucklin/Mayer ISV d De La Cruz/Coutinho ARU 2-0 (21-9, 21-12); Diaz/Alayo CUB d Sarabia/Virgen MEX 2-0 (21-16, 21-16)

Time for the NORCECA Tour 2023 Finals

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 14, 2023. – It’s time for the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour Finals at the Juan Dolio Beach, Dominican Republic, nearby to the Hotel Costa Caribe from December 15-17.

The NORCECA Tour Final is part of the Olympic qualification system for beach volleyball in NORCECA for Paris 2024, hence the significance of the event that brings together big names from the NORCECA Tour and the Volleyballworld Beach Pro Tour.

In men, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh from the United States, ranked fourth in the world. Canadians Samuel Schachter and Daniel Dearing, defending champions from the 2022 Tour Final, and Cuba with Noslen Díaz/Jorge Alayo, who finished second, in addition to bronze this year in Varadero.

Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen from Mexico, winners of the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games, claimed gold at the third stage in Cayman Islands, they began the season in Aguascalientes with a silver medal and won bronze in San Salvador a week ago.

On the women’s side, current Central American and Caribbean champions, María González and Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico, silver medalists in the 2023 Tour Final, champions this year in the Cayman Islands and Punta Cana and finished second in San Salvador.

2019 world champion, Canada’s Sarah Pavan, joins Molly McBain, aiming to collect the most points in their Olympic qualification quest.

The tandem of Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores from Mexico, winners of the first stage in Aguascalientes, are also here.

A total of seventeen countries (14 women’s teams and 16 men’s teams) will compete for valuable ranking points, divided into four pools per gender as follows:

Women’s Pools: POOL A Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands, Nicaragua; POOL B United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama; POOL C Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Cuba, St. Vincent; POOL D Canada, Mexico, Cayman Islands, TTO (forfeit).

Men’s Pools: POOL A Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama; POOL B Canada, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, St. Vincent; POOL C United States, El Salvador, St. Kitts & Nevis, Puerto Rico; POOL D Mexico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Cuba, Aruba.

Women’s Teams

CANADA Sarah Pavan/Molly McBain; CAYMAN ISLANDS Heather Thompson/Stefania Gandolfi; COSTA RICA Valentina Molina/Kianny Araya Quesada; CUBA Amanda Armenteros/Maykelin Drik; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Tavares; EL SALVADOR Daniela Vigil/Sofía Velásquez; GUATEMALA Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado; MEXICO Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores; NICARAGUA Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez; PANAMA Krisleen González/Iris Urrunaga; PUERTO RICO María González/Allanis Navas; ST VINCENT Shanadia Sylvester/Saquanna Duncan; UNITED STATES Megan Kraft/Terese Cannon; U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Cristina Almeida-Anz/Taylor Buckner

Men’s Teams

ARUBA Gregory De La Cruz/Jahim Coutinho; CANADA Samuel Schachter/Daniel Dearing; COSTA RICA  Julian Araya/Stanley Grant; CUBA Noslen Díaz/Jorge Alayo; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez; EL SALVADOR Christopher Guardado/Yoel Guardado; GUATEMALA José Miguel Izaguirre/Luis García; MEXICO Miguel Sarabia/Juan Virgen; NICARAGUA Rubén Mora/Jefferson Cascante; PANAMA Victor Araúz/Adamit Del Cid; PUERTO RICO Arnaldo Torres/William Rivera; ST KITTS & NEVIS Clerique Ward/St Clair Hodge; ST VINCENT Jamaar Cropper/Shadron Delpesche; TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile; UNITED STATES Miles Partain/Andrew Benesh; U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Garrett Bucklin/Bryce Mayer

Cuban Duo takes Gold in Women’s Under-23 Beach

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 14, 2023.- The Cubans Amanda Armenteros and Maykelin Drik defeated the Americans Sierra Caffo and Ella Larkin 2-0 (21-19, 21-18) in a tight match to win the gold in the NORCECA U-23 Beach Tournament that was played on the sand courts located on the beach of Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

The bronze medal game was won by the United States team Delayne Maple/Xolani Hodel over the Canada pair Katarina Pantovic/Erika Vermette 2-0 (21-11, 21-17).

The Costa Rican team composed of Valentina Molina/kianny Araya placed fifth after beating the Americans Alisa Gavva/Karolina Urbanovich 2-0 (21-16, 21-13).

Seventh place belonged to the Dominicans Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras, who beat the duo of Keiry Guzmán/Daniela Vigil from El Salvador 2-1 (21-15, 19-21, 15-11), while the duo of Kadderly Salazar /Yuliana Chávez of Nicaragua took ninth place, beating L’fe Roberts/Meeka Johnson (TTO) 2-0 (21-10, 21-15).

In eleventh position were Shanadia Unique/Saquanna Duncan (VIN) who defeated Lavesha Richardson/Deandra Fleming (AGU) 2-0 (21-18, 21-12).

Cuba Men Tops U-23 NORCECA Tournament

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 14, 2023.- Jorge Alayo and Noslen Díaz of Cuba defeated the American duo of Tate Calles/Brendan Onishchenko 2-0 (21-15, 21-13) in the gold match to take top honors in the NORCECA U-23 Beach Volleyball Tournament that was held on the courts located on the beach of Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

The Bronze match was won by the Canadian team Tynan Gannett/Steven Abrams who beat Kyle Paulson/Sebastián Rodríguez (USA) 2-0 (21-18, 21-14).

The Costa Ricans Julián Araya/Stanley Grant defeated the brothers Yoel and Christopher Guardado of El Salvador 2-1 (21-19, 17-21, 15-9) to finish in fifth place, while the seventh place went to the Dominicans Rolvin Maldonado/Alexander Wilmore due to injury from the Saint Kitts team.

The ninth position was occupied by the duo of Javier Solís/Josué Meneses from Nicaragua who dispatched Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel (TTO) 2-0 (21-12, 21-19) and in eleventh position were the Dominicans Elixander Gómez/Blendy Tavarez after defeating Gregory De La Cruz/Joshua Hoepelman of Aruba 2-1 (11-21, 21-18, 15-13).

The duo of Jamaar Cropper/Shadron Delpesche (VIN) beat Alexander Solovey/Thelion Coutinho (ARU) 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) to take thirteenth place.

In the match for position number 15, Braedon Cooke/Connor Somerville (BER) defeated Trevon Smith/Kaiden Proctor (AGU) 2-0 (21-15, 21-12).

Women’s duos from the United States advance to the Semifinals in the NORCECA U-23 Beach Tour

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 13, 2023.- The pairs formed by Delayne Maple/Xolani Hodel and Sierra Caffo/Ella Larkin from the United States advanced this Wednesday to the Semifinals of the NORCECA U-23 Beach Voeball Tournament that is being held on the courts located on Juan Dolio beach, Dominican Republic.

The duo of Maple/Hodel (USA) beat Alisa Gavva/Karolina Urbanovich of Canada 2-0 (21-10, 21-16), while Caffo/Larkin (USA) had Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras (DOM) 2 -0 (21-12, 21-18).

USA

The other two couples in the Semifinal are Gisell Armenteros/Maykelin Drik from Cuba and Katarina Pantovic/Erika Vermette from Canada.

CAN

Armenteros/Drik (CUB) defeated Keiry Guzmán/Daniela Vigil (ESA) 2-0 (21-9, 21-7) and the Canadians Pantovic/Vermette beat Valentina Molina/Kianny Quesada of Costa Rica 2-0 (21 -9, 21-10).

CUBA

Both American teams will face each other, while Cuba will face Canada in the Semifinals to be played this Thursday morning.

United States, Cuba, and Canada advance to Men’s Semifinals in NORCECA U-23 Tournament

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 13, 2023. – Both United States teams, Tate Calles/Bredan Onishchenko and Kyle Paulson/Sebastián Rodríguez, the Cuban duo Noslen Díaz/Jorge Alayo, and the Canadian pair Tynan Gannett/Steven Abrams, progressed to the Semifinals of the NORCECA U-23 Beach Volleyball Tour played on the courts of Juan Dolio beach, Dominican Republic, this Wednesday.

Canadian pair Tynan Gannett/Steven Abrams

Calles/Onishchenko (USA) beat Zendai Richards/Clerique Ward (SKN) by forfeit, while the duo of Paulson/Rodríguez (USA) defeated the Costa Rican duo Julián Araya/Stanley Grant 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) to secure their spots in semifinals.

Díaz/Alayo (CUB) advanced after beating Rolvin Maldonado/Alexander Wilmore (DOM) 2-0 (21-5, 21-6), and Gannett/Abrams defeated Yoel Guardado/Christopher Guardado (ESA) 2-0 (21-17, 21-19).

Díaz/Alayo (CUB)

The United States teams will face each other, while Cuba will face Canada in the Semifinals scheduled for Thursday morning.

Costa Rican female duo divides their first two commitments

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 12, 2023.- The Costa Rican couple, Valentina Molina/Kianny Araya, achieved a victory and a loss on the first day of competitions of the NORCECA U-23 Beach Volleyball Tour that is being held the courts of Juan Dolio beach, Dominican Republic.

In the first match Molina/Araya (CRC) dispatched Shanadia Sylvester/Saquanna Duncan of Saint Vincent 2-0 (21-4, 21-5), while in the second they fell to Delayne Maple/Xolani Hodel of the United States 2- 0 (21-11, 21-11).

In group A, the Cubans Amanda Armenteros/Maykelin Drik are undefeated after beating Lavesha Richardson/Deandra Fleming of Anguilla 2-0 (21-11, 21-7) and the Dominican pair of Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras 2-0 ( 21-13, 21-11). In the same group, the Canadians Alisa Gavva/Karolina Urbanovich beat Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras (DOM) 2-0 (21-19, 21-18) and in the second game they beat Lavesha Richardson/Deandra Fleming (AGU) 2-0 (21-8, 21-9).

Laura Molina CRC

In group B, Sierra Caffo/Ella Larking (USA), dominated Katarina Pantovic/Erika Vermette (CAN) 2-0 (21-14, 21-16) and the pair formed by Keiry Guzmán/Daniela Vigil of El Salvador 2 -0 (21-12, 21-5).

Other results:

Delayne Maple/Xolani Hodel (USA) d Kadderly Salazar/Yuliana Chávez (NCA) 2-0 21-7, 21-4), Katarina Pantovic/Erika Vermette (CAN) d L’fe Roberts/Meeka Johnson (TTO) 2- 0 (21-11, 21-14), Kadderly Salazar/Yuliana Chávez (NCA) d Shanadia Sylvester/Saquanna Duncan (VIN) 2-0 (21-11, 21-18) and Keiry Guzmán/Daniela Vigil (ESA) d L’fe Roberts/Meeka Johnson (TTO) 2-0 21-7, 21-11).

Six undefeated men’s pairs at the start of the Under-23 Tournament

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 12, 2023.- Six teams were undefeated on the first day of competitions of the NORCECA U-23 Beach Volleyball Tour that is being held on the sand courts located on Juan Dolio beach, Dominican Republic.

In group A, Tate Calles/Brendan Onishchenko (USA) defeated Rolvin Maldonado/George Wilmore (DOM) 2-1 (15-21, 21-18, 15-11) and in the second match they defeated Trevon Smith/Kaiden Proctor (AGU) 2-0 (21-1, 21-0).

In group B, the Cuban duo Jorge Alayo/Noslen Díaz easily won their two matches, the first against the Dominicans Elixander Gómez/Blendy Tavarez 2-0 (21-9, 21-16), and the second against the couple from Bermuda Braedon Cooke/Connor Somerville 2-0 (21-6, 21-11).

Also in group B, Saint Kitts won both of their games, against Braedon Cooke/Connor Somerville (BER) 2-0 (21-6, 21-13) and against the pair ElixanderGómez/Blendy Tavarez (DOM) 2-1 (21- 23, 21-10, 15-12).

DOM vs CUB

In group C, the twins Yoel Guardado/Christopher Guardado (ESA) defeated the pair Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel (TTO) 2-0 (21-13, 21-6) and the pair of Alexander Solovey/Thelion Coutinho (ARU )2-0 (21-10, 21-7), while the Costa Rican duo Julián Araya/Stanley Grant defeated Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel (TTO) 2-0 (21-11, 21-7) and Alexander Solovey/Thelion Coutinho (ARU) 2-0 (21-5, 21-7).

The Americans Kyle Paulson/Sebastián Rodríguez, in group D, beat Javier Solís/Josue Meneses (NCA) 2-0 (21-15, 21-9) and the Canadians Tynan Gannett/Steven Abrams 2-0 21-19, 21-19)

Other results of the first day were:

Gregory De La Cruz/Joshua Hoepelman (ARU) d Trevon Smith/Kaiden Proctor (AGU) 2-0 (21-15, 21-12), Zendai Richards/Clerique Ward (SKN) d ElixanderGómez/Blendy Tavarez (DOM) 2- 1 (21-23, 21-10, 15-12), Tynan Gannett/Steven Abrams (CAN) d Jamaar Cooper/Shadron Delpesche (VIN) 2-0 (21-7, 21-12), Javier Solís/Josue Meneses (NCA) d Jamaar Cooper/Shadron Delpesche (VIN) 2-0 (21-16, 21-11) and Rolvin Maldonado/George Wilmore (DOM) d Gregory De La Cruz/Joshua Hoepelman (ARU) 2-0 (21- 13, 21-15).

All set for the Under 23 Tournament in Juan Dolio

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JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, December 11, 2023. – A total of 28 teams will be competing in the Under 23 Tournament as part of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, which kicks off on Tuesday at Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

16 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams registered during Monday’s preliminary inspections, aiming to advance from the group preliminary round starting on Tuesday at 9:00 am (local time) on the courts located on the beach in Juan Dolio.

28 matches are scheduled for Tuesday, 16 in the men’s division and 12 in the women’s division. The preliminary round will conclude on Wednesday morning, and Quarterfinals along with the losers’ round will be played in the afternoon. The Semifinals and Finals will be held on Thursday, as well as the position round.

Cuba and Costa Rica practice NORCECA Beach Volleyball U23 Continental Tour

Men’s Teams: DOM Rolvin Maldonado/Alexander Wilmore, Elixander Gomez/Blendy Tavarez, CUB Noslen Diaz/Jorge Alayo, CRC Julian Araya/Stanley Grant, CAN Tynan Gannett/Steven Abrams, NCA Carlos Solis/Alexander Meneses, ESA Yoel Guardado/Christopher Guardado, SKN Zendai Richards/Clerique Ward, AGU Trevon Smith/Kaiden Proctor, ARU Gregory De La Cruz/Joshua Hoepelman, Vladimir Solovey/Thelion Coutinho, BER Braedon Cooke/Connor Somerville, TTO Jerome Morrison/Jahreef Miguel, USA Kyle Paulson/Sebastian Rodriguez, Tate Calles/Brendan Onishchenko, VIN Jamaar Cropper/Chadron Delpesche.

Women’s Teams: DOM Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras, CAN Katarina Pantovic/Erika Vermette, Alisa Gavva/Karolina Urbanovich, CRC Laura Molina/Kianny Araya, NCA Kadderly Rosales/Yuliana Chavez, ESA Keiry Guzman/Daniela Vigil, AGU Lavesha Richardson/Deandra Fleming, CUB Amanda Armenteros/Maykelin Drik, TTO L’fe Roberts/Meeka Johnson, USA Delayne Maple/Xolani Hodel, Sierra Caffo/Ella Larkin, VIN Shanadia Sylvester/Saquanna Duncan.

Successful Conclusion to the 2023 ECVA Congress in St. Kitts

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St. KITTS, December 10, 2023.- The 2023 Congress of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) reached a successful conclusion on Sunday at the St Vincent Meeting Room at the St Kitts Marriott. Delegates convened for insightful discussions, key decisions, and the election of officers, marking a momentous occasion for volleyball in the Eastern Caribbean.

One of the significant outcomes of the Congress was the unanimous approval of the addition of U19 men and women indoor editions scheduled for December 2024 in St. Maarten. This expansion signals a commitment to nurturing young talent in the region. The ECVA affirmed its support for the participating national federations, emphasizing collaboration and shared growth.

In the final session, the election of officers took place, reflecting a harmonious continuation of leadership. President Glenn Quinlan (St. Kitts & Nevis), Vice President Sabinah Clement (British Virgin Islands), Secretary General Shayne Felicien (St. Lucia), and Treasurer Wilbur Harrigan (Antigua & Barbuda) were returned unopposed. Additionally, member Elvin Henriquez (St. Eustatius) secured victory over challenger Leonardo Romeo (Sint Maarten) by an 8 – 5 vote, demonstrating the democratic process within the ECVA.

NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz administered the oath of office to the newly elected executive, emphasizing their commitment to working in the best interest of the zone without fear or favor. This moment symbolizes a new chapter in the leadership of ECVA, dedicated to advancing volleyball in the Eastern Caribbean.

To celebrate the successful conclusion of the Congress, delegates will partake in a fun event this evening. They will boat over to St. Kitts’ sister island, Nevis, for a delightful dinner, fostering camaraderie and unity among the volleyball community.

Turner and Kraft of USA Champions at NORCECA in El Salvador

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 10, 2023. – Molly Turner and Deahna Kraft from the United States were crowned champions in the fifth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour after defeating Maria Gonzalez/Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico 2-1 (14-21, 21-19, 15-11) in El Salvador.

As a team, this is the first medal for Molly Turner and Deahna Kraft. For Kraft it’s her first time competing at a NORCECA Beach Tour event. For Molly Turner, this was her fourth NORCECA, and she has won two gold medals and one silver in previous competitions; she now has earned three gold medals throughout her career in NORCECA.

Deahna Kraft USA / Allanis Navas PUR

Molly and Deahna came from behind after losing the first set against the strong defense from Puerto Rico. The match extended to a third set, where Gonzalez and Navas recovered from a three-point deficit (3-6) to tie at seven points, but it wasn’t enough to beat the American duo.

“That was a really fun match, an amazing opponent and you really have to earn every single point with them; they never give you free points,” said Deahna. “We definitely found another gear because we were exhausted, they are so good. It’s fun when both teams are giving their all, it’s great”.

The podium of the female and male branches

Molly and Deahna sealed their spot in the final by dominating 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) over the team of Lea Monkhouse/Marie-Alex Bélanger from Canada in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez and Navas overcame the Mexican tándem of Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores 2-0 (21-17, 21-18).

Lea Monkhouse and Marie-Alex Bélanger also celebrated their first NORCECA medal together as a team, clinching the bronze in a thrilling match against Gutiérrez/Flores from Mexico. The Mexican team narrowly missed a set point (19-20) to force a third set, leading to a final score of 2-0 (21-18, 24-22) for Monkhouse and Bélanger.

Canadians Chambers and Kopp Win First-Ever NORCECA Beach Tour Gold Medal

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, 10 de diciembre de 2023.- Los canadienses Arran Chambers y Liam Kopp ganaron su primera medalla de oro tras derrotar a Jordan Hoppe y James Shaw de los Estados Unidos 2-1 (15-21, 21-17, 15-13) en la final de la quinta parada del Tour NORCECA en San Salvador, El Salvador.

This is Chambers and Kopp fourth NORCECA tournament together and their third medal; but first gold, they also won the bronze medal at the beginning of the 2023 season in Aguascalientes and another bronze in Cayman Islands last year.

Arran Chambers CAN_ Jordan Hoppe USA

Arran and Liam recovered from a challenging first set, struggling to control Shaw’s serves and blocks, but managed to come back capitalizing on their opponents’ errors. In the third set, they reached an even 13 and secured the gold medal on a blocking point from Liam.

“I can’t even describe the feeling, it’s insane” said Liam after winning the gold medal. “We’ve working so hard this year and it feels good to finish the season off on a high note. It was awesome to have the support of so many Canadians here”.

Miguel Sarabia MEX / Michael Siraguse USA

To advance to the gold medal match, the Canadian duo defeated Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen from Mexico in semifinals 2-0 (21-15, 21-15).

In the other semifinal, Hoppe and Shaw defeated their compatriots Charles Siragusa/Zephyr Dew 2-0 (21-19, 21-15).

The bronze medal went to Sarabia/Virgen (MEX) after beating Siragusa/Dew from the United States 2-0 (21-12, 21-19).

St. Kitts Welcomes the 2023 ECVA Congress

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ST. KITTS & NEVIS, December 9, 2023. – The picturesque island of St. Kitts hosted the highly anticipated 2023 Congress of the East Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA). Organized by the Amateur Volleyball Association of San Cristobal, this Congress serves as a vital meeting for the East Caribbean volleyball community.

Under the coordination of President Glenn Quinlan, who also holds the positions of ECVA President and NORCECA Vice President, the event showcased a harmonious blend of collaboration and shared dedication to the sport. Distinguished guests, including NORCECA Confederation President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, provided valuable insights into the regional volleyball scenery.

The elective Congress will feature crucial elections for key ECVA positions, with Glenn Quinlan as the current president, Vice President Sabinah Clement (BVI), Secretary General Shayne Felicien (LCA), Treasurer Wilbur Harrigan OBE, and member Elvin Henríquez (EUX). Their roles are fundamental in guiding the course of volleyball in the East Caribbean region.

Marking a significant return to in-person meetings since 2019, delegates engaged in discussions on the 2024 competition schedule, conducted comprehensive reviews of the activities carried out in 2022 and 2023, and expressed gratitude for the valuable contributions of member federations. The exchange of ideas underscored the collective commitment of East Caribbean nations to the growth and development of volleyball.

Representatives from Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Eustatius, Saba, Anguilla, Saint Martin, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, and the hosts, San Kitts and Nevis, gathered to foster unity and camaraderie.

The 2023 ECVA Congress celebrated past achievements while laying the groundwork for an exciting future for volleyball enthusiasts throughout the East Caribbean.

PHOTO GALLERY ECVA 2023 CONGRESS

Two USA teams to meet in Semifinals at El Salvador

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 9, 2023.- The two teams of the United States will face each other in the semifinals of the men’s tournament of the fifth stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in El Salvador.

Jordan Hoppe and James Shaw will play against Charles Siragusa/Zephyr Dew in Sunday’s  semifinals at the Flor Blanca Sports Complex; for all four players, this is their first time competing at the NORCECA Beach Tour.

Jordan Hoppe and James Shaw advanced smoothly to the semifinals after defeating Marc Lomeli and Anthony Pippen from the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-10, 21-10).

Zephyr Dew USA

Meanwhile, Charles Siragusa/Zephyr Dew faced a challenging match against the team from El Salvador of Franklin Flores and Armando Guatemala, winning 2-1 (21-19, 19-21, 15-11), reaching an even 17 in the first two sets. The Salvadorans made a comeback (7-11) in the third set.

Arran Chambers and Liam Kopp from Canada earned their spot in semifinals with a victory over Criforth Lobo/Yulius Brown from Costa Rica, who withdrew from the competition as Criforth suffered an injury.

Liam Kopp y Arran Chambers CAN

The Mexican duo of Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen recovered from losing the first set to claim a dramatic victory over Jake MacNeil/Alexander Russell from Canada, winning 2-1 (18-21, 21-19, 18-16) and winning their place in the semifinals.

Earlier, MacNeil/Russell (CAN) topped Pool C with a victory 2-0 (21-13, 21-16) over Lomeli/Pippen (ISV). Hoppe/Shaw (USA) dominated Pool D after defeating Martes/Quinten (CUR) 2-0 (21-7, 21-10), while Sarabia/Virgen (MEX) finished second with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-13) win over Izaguirre/Ventura (GUA).

Miguel Sarabia y Juan Virgen MEX

Men’s Results Saturday:

Quarterfinals: Chambers/Kopp CAN d Lobo/Brown CRC (injury team B); Hoppe/Shaw USA d Lomeli/Pippen ISV 2-0 (21-10, 21-10); Sarabia/Virgen MEX d MacNeil/Russell CAN 2-1 (18-21, 21-19, 18-16); Siragusa/Dew USA d Flores/Guatemala ESA 2-1 (21-19, 19-21, 15-11)

Classif. 9/12: Izaguirre/Ventura GUA d Theodore/Enile TTO 2-0 (21-17, 21-19); Guardado Y./Guardado C. ESA d Solís/López NCA (injury team B)

Classif. 13/16: Vargas/Pepe ESA d Sousa/Barnett VER 2-0 (21-12, 21-12); Anthony/Martes CUR d Seabrookes/Clerique SKN 2-0 (21-15, 21-19)

Pool B Solís/López NCA d Vargas/Pepe ESA  2-0 (21-13, 21-19);

Pool C MacNeil/Russell CAN d Lomeli/Pippen ISV 2-0 (21-13, 21-16); Guardado Y/Guardado C ESA d Sousa Barnett BER 2-0 (21-5, 21-11)

Puerto Rico, Mexico, USA and Canada advance to Semifinals in El Salvador

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 9, 2023.- Puerto Rico, Mexico, United States, and Canada advanced to the semifinals of the women’s tournament of the fifth stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour after dominating the quarterfinal round at the Flor Blanca Sports Complex in San Salvador, El Salvador.

María González/Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico will face Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores from Mexico in Sunday’s semifinals, aiming to win their third consecutive gold medal in the 2023 NORCECA Tour season.

In the other semifinal, Molly Turner and Deahna Kraft from the United States will compete against Lea Monkhouse and Marie-Alex Bélanger from Canada.

Atenas Gutierrez y Abril Flores MEX

María González and Allanis Navas had a tough closing match against Yvonne Soler and Laura Molina from El Salvador, who made a comeback from a seven-point deficit (12-19) in the second set before the Puerto Ricans earned a 2-0 (21-7, 21-17) victory.

Molly Turner and Deahna Kraft from the United States worked hard in the beginning of their quarterfinal match to win 2-0 (22-20, 21-14) against Canada’s Devin Corah and Adriel Goodman.

Marie Alex Belinger / Lea Monkhouse CAN

Meanwhile, Lea Monkhouse and Marie-Alex Bélanger, the other Canadian team, managed to clinch victory against Americans Avery Poppinga and Katie Lindstrom in a tight contest, securing a 2-0 (21-19, 24-22) win.

Both duos had previously competed for a spot in the quarterfinals, with Bélanger/Monkhouse winning Group D against Gutiérrez/Abril from Mexico 2-0 (21-15, 21-17), and Poppinga/Lindstrom finishing second in Group C with a hard-fought victory of 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15-8) against Katherine Quesada/Eugenia Ramírez from Costa Rica.

Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores emerged victorious in the match between the two Mexican teams in the event. Atenas and Abril defeated Katherine Albarrán and Yeray Vidaurrazaga 2-0 (21-14, 21-18).

Maria Gonzalez y Allanis Navas PUR

Earlier, Albarrán and Vidaurrazaga had advanced to the quarterfinals as first place of Pool C, winning their last pool-play match against Daniela Vigil/Keiry Guzmán from El Salvador in two sets, both ending at 21-13.

Women’s Results Saturday:

Quarterfinals: Gutiérrez/Flores MEX d Albarrán/Vidaurrazaga MEX 2-0 (21-14, 21-18); Turner/Kraft USA d Corah/Goodman CAN 2-0 (22-20, 21-14); Monkhouse/Bélanger CAN d Poppinga/Lindstrom USA 2-0 (21-19, 24-22); González/Navas PUR 2-0 (21-7, 21-17)

Classif. 9/12: Vásquez/Velásquez ESA d Silva/Lolette NCA 2-1 (22-24, 21-16, 15-11); Quesada/Ramírez CRC d Almeida-Anz/Bennett ISV 2-0 (21-10, 21-14)

Pool C Albarrán/Vidaurrazaga MEX d Daniela/Guzmán ESA 2-0 (21-13, 21-13); Poppinga/Lindstrom USA d Quesada/Ramírez CRC 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15-8)

Pool D Bélanger/Monkhouse CAN d Gutiérrez/Abril MEX  2-0 (21-15, 21-17); Vásquez/Velásquez ESA d Austin/Charles ISV 2-0 (21-12, 21-19)

Perfect ending for Nuss & Kloth in Doha

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DOHA, Qatar, December 9, 2023.- Taryn Kloth & Kristen Nuss triumphed at the very end of the international beach volleyball season as 2023 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Finals champions in Doha.

This way the trophy took off for the United States for the second consecutive time, after the inaugural event was won by American compatriots Sara Hughes & Kelly Cheng. It was the third high-level gold for Kloth & Nuss this year, after the victories at the La Paz Challenge and the Uberlandia Elite16. That makes a total of five golds for the American pair on the Beach Pro Tour, with the two trophies from 2022. Their total medal count on the Tour improved to eight.

Nuss and Kloth USA

Watch Beach Pro Tour Doha Finals replays on VBTV.

The Finals silver was earned by Germany’s Cinja Tillmann & Svenja Muller. It was their first silver on the Tour, in addition to the one gold and one bronze in their collection.

The bronze went to the number one team in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Ranking, Ana Patricia Ramos & Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) of Brazil. That brings their total Beach Pro Tour count to 14 podiums.

Despite the five aces the Germans piled up during the final, the match was quite a one-sided affair, with the unforced errors making the biggest difference towards the Americans’ emphatic 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) success. Taryn Kloth topped the scorers’ chart of the game with 17 points to her name. Her tally included 12 spike kills, three kill blocks and two aces. Kristen Nuss added another 13 points, including one ace. On the German side, Svenja Muller scored 14 times, while Cinja Tillmann finished with 12 points.

In semifinals, Nuss & Kloth took revenge from Mariafe & Clancy for the straight-set defeat in their Pool B encounter and mastered a 2-0 (21-19, 21-13) shutout to push through to the gold medal match. Nuss topped the scorers’ chart of the match with 17 points, including two aces, while Kloth raised four kill blocks to finish with 14 points.

VW Beach Pro Tour Doha Finals: all results

Canadians Chambers/Kopp take on Pool A in El Salvador

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 8, 2023. – Canadians Arran Chambers and Liam Kopp won Pool A on the first day of the fifth stage of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, which kicked off on Friday at the Flor Blanca Sports Complex in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Chambers and Kopp advanced undefeated to the quarterfinals after a long day with three victories.

First, they defeated Franklin Flores and Armando Guatemala from El Salvador 2-0 (23-21, 21-13), then earned a 2-0 (21-6, 21-12) win against Shawn Seabrookes/Clerique Ward from St. Kitts and Nevis, and finished the day witn a 2-0 (21-11, 21-14) victory over Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile from Trinidad and Tobago.

Franklin Flores and Armando Guatemala from El Salvador, finished second in Pool A and also advanced to the quarterfinals. The Salvadorans defeated Seabrookes/Clerique (SKN) 2-0 (21-11, 21-8) and Theodore/Enile (TTO) 2-0 (21-13, 21-14).

Zephyr Dew USA- Yulius Brown CRC

The first and second places in Pool B were also decided, with the U.S. pair of Charles Siragusa/Zephyr Dew advancing undefeated and Criforth Lobo/Yulius Brown from Costa Rica with two wins.

Siragusa/Dew defeated El Salvador’s David Vargas “Pepe” with his son Gabriel “Gabo” 2-0 (21-15, 21-11); then they beat Carlos Solís and Denis López from Nicaragua 2-0 (21-17, 21-19) and closed the pool with a 2-0 victory (22-20, 21-16) against Criforth Lobo and Yulius Brown from Costa Rica, who couldn’t complete the match due to a minor injury from Lobo.

The tandem of Lobo/Brown beat Solís/López 2-0 (21-19, 21-19) and Gabo/Pepe 2-0 (21-15, 21-17).

Group C will be decided on Saturday when Jake MacNeil/Alexander Russell from Canada face Marc Lomeli/Anthony Pippen from the U.S. Virgin Islands, and twin brothers Christopher and Yoel Guardado from El Salvador play the team of Brandon Sousa/Benjamin Barnett from Bermuda.

Canada’s MacNeil/Russell defeated the Guardado team (forfeit) and Bermuda’s Sousa/Barnett 2-0 (21-12, 21-11). Meanwhile, Lomeli/Pippen (ISV) won 2-0 (21-10, 21-16) against Bermuda but were defeated 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) by the Guardado duo.

Juan Virgen MEX – Jordan Hoppe USA

Jordan Hoppe and James Shaw from the United States ended the day with two victories in Pool D. They opened the preliminary round defeating Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia alongside Juan Virgen 2-0 (21-16, 21-14) and then dominated Guatemala’s José Miguel Izaguirre/Mario Ventura 2-0 (21-10, 21-11).

Sarabia/Virgen quickly defeated the Curacao pair of Lysandro Martes/Quinten Anthony 2-0 (21-9, 21-10), who had previously lost in three sets 2-1 (19-21, 21-12, 15-7) against Izaguirre/Ventura.

The preliminary group round will be completed on Saturday morning.

Men’s Results Friday:

Pool A: Chambers/Kopp CAN d Guatemala/Flores ESA 2-0 (23-21, 21-13); Theodore/Enile TTO d Seabrookes/Clerique SKN 2-1 (18-21, 21-16, 15-9); Chambers/Kopp CAN d Seabrookes/Clerique SKN 2-0 (21-6, 21-12); Guatemala/Flores ESA d Seabrookes/Clerique SKN 2-0 (21-11, 21-8); Chambers/Kopp CAN d Theodore/Enile TTO 2-0 (21-11, 21-14); Guatemala/Flores ESA d Theodore/Enile TTO 2-0 (21-13, 21-14)

Pool B: Lobo/Brown CRC d Solís/López NCA 2-0 (21-19, 21-19); Siragusa/Dew USA d Vargas/Pepe ESA 2-0 (21-15, 21-11); Lobo/Brown CRC d Vargas/Pepe ESA 2-0 (21-15, 21-17); Siragusa/Dew USA d Solís/López NCA 2-0 (21-17, 21-19); Siragusa/Dew USA d Lobo/Brown CRC 2-0 (22-20, 21-16)

Pool C: MacNeil/Russell CAN d Guardado/Guardado ESA (forfeit); Lomeli/Pippen ISV d  Sousa/Barnett BER 2-0 (21-10, 21-16); Guardado/Guardado ESA d Lomeli/Pippen ISV 2-0 (21-19, 21-16); MacNeil/Russell CAN d Sousa/Barnett BER 2-0 (21-12, 21-11)

Pool D: Hoppe/Shaw USA d Sarabia/Virgen MEX 2-0 (21-16, 21-14); Izaguirre/Ventura GUA d Anthony/Martes CUR 2-1 (19-21, 21-12, 15-7); Hoppe/Shaw USA d Izaguirre/Ventura GUA 2-0 (21-10, 21-11); Sarabia/Virgen MEX d Anthony/Martes CUR 2-0 (21-9, 21-10)

USA’s Turner/Kraft and González/Navas of Puerto Rico win their Pools in El Salvador

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 8, 2023.- Molly Turner and Deahna Kraft from the United States, along with Puerto Ricans María González and Allanis Navas, won their respective pools on the first day of action at the fifth stage of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour at the Flor Blanca Sports Complex.

Turner/Kraft topped Pool A and González/Navas won Pool B, both moved into Saturday’s quarterfinals.

Molly Turner alongside Deahna Kraft from the United States secured the top spot in Pool A with victories over Nahima Silva and Lolette Rodríguez from Nicaragua 2-0 (21-10, 21-8), and El Salvador’s Yvonne Soler and Laura Molina 2-0 (21-15, 21-13).

Laura Molina ESA- Molly Turner USA

With the dramatic victory of Soler/Molina (ESA) 2-1 (15-21, 21-15, 15-5) over Silva/Rodríguez (NCA), the local team also advanced to the quarterfinals as the second team from Pool A.

In Pool B, María González and Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico needed three sets to triumph over Canadians Devin Corah/Adriel Goodman 2-1 (21-12, 18-21, 15-11), who had previously won 2-0 (21-10, 21-15) against Cristina Almeida-Anz/Amber Bennett from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

González and Navas concluded the day defeating Almeida-Anz/Bennet 2-0 (21-7, 21-9). Both González/Navas and Corah/Goodman advanced to the next round.

In Pool C, Mexico’s Katherine Albarrán and Yeray Vidaurrazaga won both of their matches of the day, both in three sets and coming from behind. The Mexican duo started the day with a 2-1 victory (21-14, 19-21, 15-10) against Katherine Quesada and Eugenia Ramírez from Costa Rica, and then surprised Avery Poppinga/Katie Lindstrom from the United States with a 2-1 win (16-21, 21-17, 15-6).

Adriel Goodman CAN

Poppinga/Lindstrom (USA) and Quesada/Ramírez (CRC) won against Daniela Vigil/Keiry Guzmán 2-0 (21-8, 21-17) and 2-0 (21-11, 21-10) respectively.

Lea Monkhouse and Marie-Alex Bélanger from Canada had two comfortable victories in Pool D; first against Kathya Vásquez and Sofía Velásquez from El Salvador 2-0 (21-13, 21-8), and then against T’ara Austin/Mannika Charles from the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-8, 21-8).

In the same pool, Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores from Mexico secured an emphatic victory of 2-0 (21-4, 21-11) against Austin/Charles (ISV) and 2-0 (21-16, 21-9) against El Salvador’s Vásquez/Velásquez.

Monkhouse/Bélanger and Gutiérrez/Flores will decide the first-place finisher in Pool D.

Pool-play will resume on Saturday morning, the quarterfinals will follow.

Women’s Results Friday

Pool A: Turner/Kraft USA d Silva/Lolette NCA 2-0 (21-10, 21-8); Turner/Kraft USA d Soler/Molina ESA 2-0 (21-15, 21-13); Soler/Molina ESA d Silva/Lolette NCA 2-1 (15-21, 21-15, 15-5)

Pool B: Corah/Goodman CAN d Almeida-Anz/Bennett ISV 2-0 (21-10, 21-15); González/Navas d Corah/Goodman CAN 2-1 (21-12, 18-21, 15-11); González/Navas d Almeida-Anz/Bennett ISV 2-0 (21-7, 21-9)

Pool C: Albarrán/Vidaurrazaga MEX d Quesada/Ramírez CRC 2-1 (21-14, 19-21, 15-10); Poppinga/Lindstrom USA d Daniela/Guzmán ESA 2-0 (21-8, 21-17); Albarrán/Vidaurrazaga MEX d Poppinga/Lindstrom USA 2-1 (16-21, 21-17, 15-6); Quesada/Ramírez CRC d Daniela/Guzmán ESA 2-0 (21-11, 21-10)

Pool D: Bélanger/Monkhouse CAN d Vásquez/Velásquez ESA 2-0 (21-13, 21-8); Gutiérrez/Flores MEX d Austin/Charles ISV 2-0 (21-4, 21-11); Bélanger/Monkhouse CAN d Austin/Charles ISV 2-0 (21-8, 21-8); Gutiérrez/Flores MEX d Vásquez/Velásquez ESA 2-0 (21-16, 21-9)

NORCECA Tour Fifth Stage serves off on Friday at El Salvador

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 7, 2023.- The Fifth Stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour serves off on Friday where 14 women’s and 16 men’s teams are set to compete at the Beach Sports Stadium of Flor Blanca Sports Complex in San Salvador, El Salvador.

The event that will be livestreamed on www.AloudSports.com, features medalists of this 2023 season.

María González and Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico won the last two stages of the tour, in addition to clinching the championship at the Central American and Caribbean Games right here in San Salvador.

The duo of Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores emerged as winners of the first stage in Aguascalientes. Atenas also claimed the silver medal in the second stage in Varadero, but with Susana Torres.

American Katie Lindstrom took home Varadero’s gold with Teegan Van Gunst, but here she pairs with Avery Poppinga.

Molly Turner, who finished in second place in Punta Cana, will team up with Deahna Kraft as another pair representing the United States.

Lea Monkhouse from Canada, who won the bronze medal in the third stage in the Cayman Islands, is joining forces with Marie-Alex Bélanger.

El Salvador during prleliminary inquiry

On the men’s side, Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen from Mexico, champions of the Central American and Caribbean Games here in El Salvador, won the third stage of the tour in the Cayman Islands and kicked off the season in Aguascalientes with a silver medal.

Both Canadian teams, Arran Chambers/Liam Kopp and Jake MacNeil/Alexander Russell, also earned medals this year. Chambers/Kopp claimed bronze in Aguascalientes, while MacNeil/Russell won silver in Punta Cana.

Women’s Teams

CANADA Devin Corah/Adriel Goodman; Lea Monkhouse/Marie-Alex Bélanger; COSTA RICA Katherine Quesada/Eugenia Ramírez; EL SALVADOR Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina; Kathya Vásquez/Sofía Velásquez; Daniela Vigil/Keiry Guzmán; MEXICO Katherine Albarrán/Yeray Vidaurrazaga; Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores; NICARAGUA Nahima Silva/Lolette Rodríguez; PUERTO RICO María González/Allanis Navas; UNITED STATES Molly Turner/Deahna Kraft; Avery Poppinga/Katie Lindstrom; U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Cristina Almeida-Anz/Amber Bennett; T’ara Austin/Mannika Charles

Men’s Teams

BERMUDAS Brandon Sousa/Benjamin Barnett; CANADA Arran Chambers/Liam Kopp; Jake MacNeil/Alexander Russell; COSTA RICA Criforth Lobo/Yulius Brown; CURACAO Lysandro Martes/ Quinten Anthony; EL SALVADOR Christopher Guardado/Yoel Guardado; Franklin Flores/Armando Guatemala; Gabriel Vargas/ David Vargas; GUATEMALA José Miguel Izaguirre/Mario Ventura; MEXICO Miguel Sarabia/Juan Virgen; NICARAGUA Carlos Solís/Denis López; ST. KITTS & NEVIS Shawn Seabrookes/Clerique Ward; TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Joel Theodore/Stephen Enile; UNITED STATES Jordan Hoppe/James Shaw; Charles Siragusa/Zephyr Dew; U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Marc Lomeli/Anthony Pippen

Official Announcement for the fifth stop of the NORCECA Tour

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 7, 2023. – The official announcement of the return of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour after 13 years to the City of San Salvador, was made during a press conference for the local media.

The organizing committee, along with several teams already in San Salvador, provided details about the fifth stage of the Tour that runs from December 8 to 10. A level-of play is expected, with the participation of medalists from the recent Central American and Caribbean Games held here in El Salvador.

The venue will be at the beach sports stadium at the Flor Blanca Sports Complex, which, according to Yamil Bukele, the Ad Honorem director of the Salvadoran Institute of Sports (INDES), “is one of the legacies left by the Central American and Caribbean Games”.

Trophies

“We will have the pleasure of witnessing high-level volleyball, and I want to encourage our athletes to give their best. For us, they are already champions, but, of course, we want the best results at the end of these three days of competition”, stated Bukele.

The competition will feature representatives from 13 countries, with 16 confirmed men’s pairs and 14 women’s pairs, according to Eduardo Paiz, member of the organizing committee.

Shen Liou, the president of the Salvadoran Volleyball Federation, mentioned that “games will be played from 8:30 in the morning until 7 in the evening on three courts, with more than 40 matches throughout the tournament. Admission will be free of charge so that everyone can enjoy this spectacle”.

The champions from the past Central American and Caribbean Games are returning to El Salvador, Juan Virgen alongside Miguel Sarabia from Mexico, and the Puerto Rican duo of Allanis Navas and María González. Also from Mexico, Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores, bronze medalists.

The NORCECA Tour awards ranking points as part of the qualification process for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

El Salvador Welcomes the Fifth Stage of the NORCECA Beach Tour

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 5, 2023.- El Salvador welcomes the fifth stage of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour from December 8 to 10 at Flor Blanca Sports Complex in the City of San Salvador.

This is the third occasion that El Salvador hosts the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour. El Salvador last hosted the NORCECA Tour thirteen years ago in 2010, with the first occasion being in 2008.

The event that serves off on Friday at the Beach Sports Stadium at Flor Blanca Sports Complex that was built for this year’s twenty fourth edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games, will be livestreamed on www.AloudSports.com.

Sports Complex Flor Blanca

The fifth stage of the NORCECA Tour has a “pre-registration” of 30 teams representing 13 countries; 14 women’s pairs and 16 men’s pairs. The official list will be confirmed during the general technical meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Canada and the United States each present two pairs per gender. El Salvador has three women’s teams and two men’s teams. Costa Rica and Nicaragua have one team per gender. Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have two women’s teams and one men’s team.

Puerto Rico will compete in the women’s division, while Bermuda, Curacao, Guatemala, Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as Trinidad and Tobago, will participate only in men.

FIVB Executive Committee Looks Ahead To Volleyball’s Bright Future

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, November 30, 2023.- The FIVB Executive Committee this week hosted a hybrid meeting to discuss the latest innovations and achievements in sport while looking ahead to the bright future of volleyball with many new and important initiatives explored.

With the Continental Confederation Presidents joining from the FIVB Headquarters, the FIVB Executive Committee heard updates on volleyball and beach volleyball events and were also presented with the latest information from Volleyball World by its CEO, Finn Taylor.

2023 has been a very successful year for volleyball and beach volleyball, with the sports captivating audiences globally through a series of world-class competitions. These competitions included the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), Beach Pro Tour, Beach Volleyball World Championships, Olympic Qualification Tournaments and various age-group events.

In his opening remarks, FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° also shared the latest achievements through the revolutionary Volleyball Empowerment and Development programmes, stating:

“Over the past decade, we have not only transformed the reality of our sport by introducing a range of innovations on and off the field of play, but we have also provided opportunities to all 222 National Federations through our revolutionary programmes of Volleyball Empowerment and Development!

“Since 2017, the FIVB has approved a total of 840 projects from 194 National Federations across all five Continental Confederations. This support totals an investment of more than CHF 23 million. These projects are delivering great results, which we consistently share with you through the FIVB website and newsletters. All the data is transparently available through the FIVB Project Dashboard Data Visualisation tool.”

The FIVB Executive Committee also discussed the next steps on launching the FIVB Foundation and announcing the detailed Volleyball Calendar 2025-2028.

Volleyball Calendar 2025-2028 Approved By The FIVB Board Of Administration

All You Need To Know About The 2025-2028 Volleyball Calendar!

FIVB Foundation To Be Launched In 2023!

Additionally, the FIVB Executive Committee approved the re-location of Luxembourg from the Small Countries Zonal Association (SCA) to the Middle European Volleyball Zonal Association (MEVZA) following the approval of the CEV Board of Administration.

Soon Continental Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Refereeing Course

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PONCE, Puerto Rico, November 29, 2023 – The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center announces the Continental Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Refereeing Course to be held in Ponce, Puerto Rico from January 19 to 24, 2024.

As part of the training activities conducted by the NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the Continental Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Refereeing Course will be carried in person in the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The course will be conducted in both English and Spanish. Those interested should contact the Development Center directly for more details:

Email: centrofivb_rdom@yahoo.es

WhatsApp: +1-809-563-5642

Nicaragua Women and Costa Rica Men Central American U17 Beach Champions

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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, November 25, 2023.- The duo of Ella Resau and Yulimar Alvarado from Nicaragua and Stanley Grant and Cristian Oporta from Costa Rica are the Champions of the first edition of the Under-17 Central American Beach Volleyball Championship held at the Parque Metropolitano la Sabana in Costa Rica.

Cristian Oporta and Stanley Grant, from Costa Rica, beat Yustin Gantes and Einar Rodríguez, from Panama, 2-0 (21-13, 21-9) and later, in the last game of the tournament, they confirmed their supremacy against Nicaraguan duo of José Fernando Castro and Diego Cardoza, whom they beat 2-0 (21-10, 21-13), with six consecutive wins and no defeats confirming their Central American crown for their country.

Oporta and Grant opened the way to the title on Friday, when they beat Guatemala (2-1) and Panama (2-1); a firm step that they maintained on Saturday, by beating Nicaragua (2-0) and Guatemala (2-1), and that they consolidated this Sunday with new victories over Panama (2-0) and Nicaragua (2-0).

NICARAGUA

Second place went to Juan Carlos Menéndez and Daniel Sosa from Guatemala and Panama’s Yustin Gantes and Einar Rodríguez won the bronze.

In women, the U17 gold went to the Nicaragua’s Ella Resau and Yulimar Alvarado, who this Sunday in a key game added their fourth win in a row beating Devora Medina 2-1 (21-11, 18-21, 15-9) and Daniela Vigil, from El Salvador (silver medal).

Costa Ricans Sury Jiménez and Mariana Fallas defeated Panamanians Keysi Fuentes and Dayanis Ríos 2-0 this Sunday, 21-17, 21-14, to finish third place in the U17 Central American Beach Volleyball Championship.

The silver medal went to El Salvador and Costa Rica took the bronze.

ALBUM FLICKR SUB 17 MASCULINO

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AFECAVOL I SUB17 DE VOLEIBOL DE PLAYA

WOMEN’S PODIUM

GOLD: NICARAGUA

SILVER: EL SALVADOR

BRONZE: COSTA RICA

MEN’S PODIUM

GOLD: COSTA RICA

SILVER: GUATEMALA

BRONZE: PANAMA

WOMEN RESULTS

Resau/AlvaradoNCAVasquez/OsorioGUA2–021–1521–10
Fuentes/RiosPANJimenez/FallasCRC0–217–2114–21
Vigil/MedinaESAResau/AlvaradoNCA0–211–2121–189–15

MEN RESULTS

Gantes/RodriguezPANOporta/GrantCRC0–213–219–21
Castro/CardozaNCAMenendez/SosaGUA0–215–2114–21
Menendez/SosaGUAGantes/RodriguezPAN2–024–2221–18
Oporta/GrantCRCCastro/CardozaNCA2–021–1021–13

Costa Rica U19 Beach Volleyball Central American Champions

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SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, November 25, 2023.- Julián Araya and Yulius Brown and Valentina Molina and Aliza Aguilar of the Costa Rica were crowned Champions of the second edition of the Under-19 Central American Beach Volleyball Champions that concluded on Sunday at La Sabana Metropolitan Park, in San José Costa Rica.

With perfect pace, Araya/Brown gave Costa Rica the Championship after defeating Rafael Vargas and Levi Rauda, from El Salvador, 2-0 (21-11, 21-14), on day three of the tournament, ending the contest with 10 points, undefeated in five appearances and without losing a single set, after defeating Guatemala 2-0 on Friday, Panama and Nicaragua on Saturday, and today against Panama.

The silver medal went to Roberto Recinos / José Daniel Guevara from Guatemala and the bronze medal went to Panama’s duo of Víctor Araúz / Adamit del Cid Moreno.

PAN vs CRC

In women, Valentina Molina and Aliza Aguilar from Costa Rica defeated Panamanians Krisleen González and Elleny Espinoza in two sets on Sunday, 22-20, 21-5, to close with a perfect record and becoming Central American champions.

Molina and Aguilar added four victories in a row, after their victories over Nicaragua (2-0) on Friday, Guatemala (2-1) and El Salvador (2-0) on Saturday, and today against Panama (2- 0).

The silver medal went to Maritza Zúñiga/ Danna Aguilar from Guatemala and the Bronze medal went to Yuliana Chávez/ Kadderly Rosales from Nicaragua.

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AFECAVOL II SUB19 DE VOLEIBOL DE PLAYA

WOMEN PODIUM

ORO: COSTA RICA

PLATA: GUATEMALA

BRONCE: NICARAGUA

MEN PODIUM

ORO: COSTA RICA

PLATA: GUATEMALA

BRONCE: PANAMÁ

RESULTS DAY 3

MEN

Rauda/VargasESARecinos/GuevaraGUA0–210–2115–21
Arauz/Del CidPANSolís/GuadamuzNCA1–216–2121–1710–15
Araya/BrownCRCRauda/VargasESA2–021–1121–14

WOMEN

Chaves/RosalesNCAZúñiga/AguilarGUA0–215–2119–21
González/EspinozaPANMolina/AguilarCRC0–220–225–21
Reyes/RendonESAChaves/RosalesNCA0–29–2118–21

Costa Rica Leads U19 Central American Championship in Both Genders

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SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, November 25, 2023. – The host teams won all their matches on the second day of the II Under-19 Central American Beach Volleyball Championship, leading the standings in the quest for a medal in Costa Rica.

The sand courts in La Sabana, the Costa Rican capital, enjoyed six exciting matches, three in each gender, with the support of the crowd.

In women, the Costa Rican duo of Valentina Molina and Aliza Aguilar first defeated Danna Aguilar and Maritza Zúñiga from Guatemala in three sets, 2-1 (19-21, 23-21/17-15), in the most thrilling match so far.

In their second match, they dominated Alexandra Reyes and Fátima Rendón from El Salvador 2-0 (21-6/21-10).

Panama’s Krisleen González/Elleny Solís also defeated El Salvador 2-0 (21-11/21-16).

Costa Rica will enter the last day leading the event, followed by 2-Guatemala, 3-Panama, 4-Nicaragua, and 5-El Salvador.

Meanwhile, in men, Julián Araya and Yulius Brown of Costa Rica also won over their two opponents of the day.

In their first match of the day, they won 2-0 (21-18/21-12) after the withdrawal of Angelo Guadamuz and Evans Solís from Nicaragua when the second set was in progress due to an injury of Guadamuz.

Araya/Brown also defeated Víctor Arauz and Adamit del Cid from Panama 2-0 (21-14/21-15).

The day was completed with the victory of the Guatemalan pair José Guevara and Roberto Recinos against Nicaragua 2-0 (21-10/21-17).

On Sunday, starting at 9:00 am, Costa Rica will seek a medal, leading the standings, followed by 2-Panama, 3-Guatemala, 4-Nicaragua, and 5-El Salvador.

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AFECAVOL I CENTROAMERICANO SUB17 DE PLAYA

Women Results U19

– Zúñiga/Aguilar GUA 1-2 CRC Molina/Aguilar (21-19/21-23/15-17)

– Gonzales/Espinoza PAN 2-0 ESA Reyes/Rendón (21-11/21-16)

– Molina/Aguilar CRC 2-0 ESA Reyes/Rendón (21-6/21-10)

Men Results U19

– Recinos/Guevara GUA 2-0 NCA Solís/Guadamuz (21-10/21-17)

– Araya/Brown CRC 2-0 PAN Arauz/Del Cid (21-14/21-15)

– Solís/Guadamuz NCA 0-2 CRC Araya/Brown (18-21/12-21)

El Salvador Women and Costa Rica Men top U17

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SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, November 25, 2023. – Dévora Medina and Daniela Vigil from El Salvador, and Stanley Grant and Cristian Oporta from Costa Rica, top the first Under-17 Central American Championship after three games in women and four in men on the day two of action in La Sabana.

Dévora Medina and Daniela Vigil defeated Keysi Fuentes and Dayanis Ríos from Panama 2-0 (21-16/21-15) and Costa Ricans Sury Jimenez/Mariana Fallas in three sets 2-1 (17-21/21-10/15-13), to be top the standings.

Valeria Vásquez alongside Angie Osorio from Guatemala defeated Costa Rica’s Jiménez/Fallas 2-0, 21-17 in both sets.

El Salvador women will enter Sunday leading  the Under-17 category, followed by 2-Nicaragua, 3-Panama, 4-Guatemala, and 5-Costa Rica.

In the men, Costa Rica with Stanley Grant and Cristian Oporta won their two matches of the day. First against Fernando Castro and Diego Cardoza from Nicaragua 2-0 (21-10/21-15), and then they earned a dramatic 2-1 (21-19/14-21/14-16) victory against Juan Carlos Menéndez and Daniel Sosa from Guatemala.

Menendez/Sosa from Guatemala came from behind to win in three sets against Yustin Gantes and Einar Rodríguez from Panama (18-21/21-19/15-13). Meanwhile, the Panamanians defeated Nicaragua in an exciting finish 2-0 (21-16/23-21).

Costa Rica men lead the Under-17 standings and will seek a medal on Sunday, followed by 2-Panama, 3-Nicaragua, and 4-Guatemala.

The last day of competition will begin at 9:00 am in the capital of Costa Rica.

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AFECAVOL I CENTROAMERICANO SUB17 DE PLAYA

Women Results U17

– Vásquez/Osorio GUA 2-0 CRC Jimenez/Fallas (21-17/21-17)

– Vigil/Medina ESA 2-0 PAN Fuentes/Rios (21-16/21-15)

– Jiménez/Fallas CRC 1-2 ESA Vigil/Medina (21-17/10-21/13-15)

Men Results U17

– Menéndez/Sosa GUA 2-1 PAN Gantes/Rodríguez (18-21/21-19/15-13)

– Oporta/ Grant CRC 2-0 NCA Castro/Cardoza (21-10/21-15)

– Castro/Cardoza NCA 0-2 PAN Gantes/Rodríguez (16-21/21-23)

– Oporta/ Grant CRC 2-1 GUA Menéndez/Sosa (21-19/14-21/14-16)

Panama Men and Guatemala Women lead day one at U19 Central American Championship in Costa Rica

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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, November 24, 2023. – Victor Arauz/Adamit del Cid Moreno from Panama in men and Maritza Zúñiga/Danna Aguilar from Guatemala in women lead the standings after the first day of the Under-19 Central American Championship being held at the sand courts in Sabana.

In men, Arauz/Del Cid from Panama defeated Levi Radua/Rafael Vargas from El Salvador 2-0 (21-19/21-13). Nicaragua’s Ángelo Solís/Evans Guadamuz also won 2-0 against El Salvador 21-19/21-16.

The hosts, Julian Araya/Yulius Brown, defeated Guatemala’s Roberto Recinos/José Daniel Guevara 2-0 (21-10/21-14). Ending the men’s session, Nicaragua won 2-0 against El Salvador Rauda/Vargas 21-19/21-16.

After the results of the day, Panama leads in the men, followed by Costa Rica, 3-Nicaragua, 4-El Salvador, and 5-Guatemala.

Meanwhile, in women, Maritza Zúñiga/Danna Aguilar from Guatemala won 2-0 against El Salvador’s Alexandra Reyes/Fátima Rendón 21-9/21-10. In their second game, Guatemala triumphed against Panama 21-13/21-13.

Yuliana Chávez/Kadderly Rosales from Nicaragua won in the third set against Panama’s Krisleen González/Elleny Espinoza, ending with scores of 21-18/16-21/15-6.

To close the day, Costa Rica’s Valentina Molina/Aliza Aguilar defeated Nicaragua’s Chaves/Rosales 2-0 with scores of 21-15/21-12.

Guatemala tops the standings, followed by 2-Nicaragua, 3-Costa Rica, 4-Panama, and 5-El Salvador.

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U19 RESULTS DAY 1

MEN

Radua/Vargas ESA 0-2 PAN Arauz/Del Cid (19-21/13-21)

Recinos/Guevara GUA 0-2 CRC Araya/Brown (10-21/14-21)

Arauz/Del Cid PAN 2-1 GUA Recinos/Guevara (14-21/21-18/15-9)

Solís / Guadamuz NCA 2-0 ESA Rauda/Vargas (21-19/21-16)

WOMEN

Zúñiga/ Aguilar GUA 2-0 ESA Reyes / Rendón (21-9/21-10)

Chávez/ Rosales NCA 2-1 PAN González / Espinoza (21-18/16-21/15-6)

González/Espinoza PAN 0-2 GUA Zúñiga/Aguilar (13-21/13-21)

Molina/Aguilar CRC 2-0 NCA Chaves/Rosales (21-15/21-12)

Nicaragua women and Costa Rica men lead on day one at U17 Central American Championship in Costa Rica

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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, November 24, 2023. – The sand courts of La Sabana welcomed the Central American pairs who, under the capital sun, played their first day in the inaugural U17 Beach Volleyball Central American Championship.

The competition of the first edition of the Under-17 Beach Central American Championship started on Friday morning, November 24, with the victory of Ella Resau/Yulimar Alvarado from Nicaragua, who defeated Keysi Fuentes/Dayanis Ríos from Panama 2-0 (21-11/21-11). Nicaragua also won against the hosts Sury Jiménez/Mariana Fallas in their second game 21-16/21-11.

Daniela Vigil/Devora Medina from El Salvador won 2-0 against Valeria Vásquez/Angie Osorio from Guatemala with scores of 21-16/21-06. Meanwhile, Panama won their second match against Guatemala 2-0 (21-16/21-11).

With these results, Nicaragua tops the standins, followed by 2-Panama, 3-El Salvador, 4-Guatemala, and 5-Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, in men, Panama with Yustin Gantes/Einar Rodríguez defeated Nicaragua’s Fernando Castro/Diego Cardoza 2-0 (21-15/21-10).

The local duo, Cristian Oporta/Stanley Grant, won in three sets against Guatemala’s  Juan Carlos Méndez/Daniel Sosa 21-14/18-21/15-06. In their second game, Costa Rica  defeated Panama in three sets 21-19/17-21/12-15.

The day concluded with the game between Guatemala 2-0 Nicaragua, ending with scores 21-17/21-14 for Guatemala.

Costa Rica leads the standings, followed by 2-Panama, 3-Guatemala, and 4-Nicaragua.

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U17 RESULTS DAY 1

WOMEN

Resau/Alvarado NCA 2-0 PAN Fuentes/Ríos (21-11/21-11) Vásquez/Osorio GUA 0-2 ESA Vigil/Medina (16-21/6-21) Fuentes/Ríos PAN 2-0 GUA Vásquez/Osorio (21-16/21-11) Jimenez/Fallas CRC 0-2 NCA Resau/Alvarado (16-21/11-21)

MEN

Castro/Cardoza NCA 0-2 PAN Gantes /Rodríguez (15-21/10-21) Méndez/Sosa GUA 1-2 CRC Oporta/Grant (14-21/21-18/6-15) Gantes /Rodríguez PAN 1-2 CRC Oporta/Grant (21-19/17-21/12-15) Castro/Cardoza NCA 0-2 GUA Méndez/Sosa (17-21/14-21)

Teams ready for the U17 and U19 Beach Central American Championship

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COSTA RICA, San José, November 23, 2023.- Five countries in both male and female will strive to become champions in the first edition of the Central American U17 Beach Volleyball Championship and the second edition of the Central American U19 Beach Volleyball Championship, organized by AFECAVOL.

The national teams of El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica presented together in the U17 and U19 categories, and successfully passed the preliminary interview on Thursday, where they presented their uniforms to the Control Committee, as well as the official documents accrediting them to be part of the two Central American beach volleyball events.

Four male teams and five female teams will vie for the Central American championship for the first time in the U17 category. Meanwhile, in the U19 category, five teams will compete in both genders, with current champions Guatemala in women and Costa Rica in men.

The first U19 Central American Championship was held in 2018 in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, an event that also served as a qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, later that year.

The competition will start on Friday 24 at the sand courts of La Sabana, in the capital of Costa Rica, San José. It will be played in a round-robin format, with the pairs in both genders who gain the most points will become champions on the last day of the event on Sunday 26.

AFECAVOL I CENTROAMERICANO SUB17 DE PLAYA

AFECAVOL II CENTROAMERICANO SUB19 DE PLAYA

Participating teams: I Central American U17 Beach Volleyball Championship and II Central American U19 Beach Volleyball Championship

-Costa Rica

FEMALE

U17: Sury Jiménez / Mariana Fallas

U19: Aliza Aguilar / Valentina Molina

MALE

U17: Cristian Oporta / Stanley Grant

U19: Julián Araya / Yulius Brown

-El Salvador

FEMALE

U17: Devora Medina / Daniela Vigil

U19: Alexandra Reyes / Fátima Rendón

MALE

U19: Rafael Vargas / Levi Rauda

-Guatemala

FEMALE

U17: Valeria Vásquez/ Angie Osorio

U19: Danna Aguilar / Maritza Zúñiga

MALE

U17: Juan Carlos Méndez / Daniel Sosa

U19: José Daniel Guevara / Roberto Recinos

-Nicaragua

FEMALE U17: Ella Resau /Yulimar Alvarado U19: Yuliana Cháves / Kadderly Rosales

MALE

U17: José Fernando Castro / Diego Cardoza

U19: Ángelo Guadamuz / Evans Solís

-Panama

FEMALE

U17: Keysi Fuentes / Dayanis Ríos

U19: Krisleen González / Elleny Espinoza

MALE

U17: Yustin Gantes /Einar Rodríguez

U19: Victor Araúz / Adamit del Cid Moreno

Costa Rica to Host U17 and U19 Central American Beach Volleyball Championships

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San José, Costa Rica, November 21, 2023.- Six countries will gather on Costa Rican soil at La Sabana sand courts to compete from November 24-26 in the first edition of the Central American Beach Volleyball Under-17 Championship and, for the second time, in Costa Rica, in the Under-19 Central American Championship, both double-gender events.

The national teams of El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica will hit La Sabana sand courts in San José, aiming to become Central American champions in the inaugural Under-17 category. Meanwhile, Guatemala women and Costa Rica men will defend their titles in the second edition of the Under-19 category.

The first Under-19 Central American Championship took place in 2018 in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, and was also a qualifying event for the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the same year.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, at the National Stadium facilities, the Organizing Committee, led by Carlos Echandi, president of the Costa Rican Volleyball Federation (FECOVOL), along with the Costa Rican Sports Institute (ICODER) and the Costa Rican Ministry of Sports, provided details about this significant event for the country.

“We are very proud to organize this important event, hosting the Under-19 Championship for the second time and the Under-17 Championship for the first time. This is a joint effort with ICODER, from whom we have received support, as well as the support of the Minister of Sports, Mr. Royner Mora”, said Carlos Echandi, president of FECOVOL and a member of the Organizing Committee.

AFECAVOL I CENTROAMERICANO SUB17 DE PLAYA

AFECAVOL II CENTROAMERICANO SUB19 DE PLAYA

The round-robin competition will start on Friday. The pairs in both categories that earn the most ranking points will be crowned champions at the conclusion of the event on Sunday.

 1st Central American Under-19 Beach Volleyball Championship:

-Champions

Women: GUATEMALA – Paola Alvarado and María Juárez

Men:COSTA RICA – Alexandre Lezcano and Criforth Fallas

-Final Standings

Women: 1. Guatemala, 2. Nicaragua, 3. Costa Rica, 4. Honduras, 5. El Salvador, 6. Belize, 7. Panama

Men: 1. Costa Rica, 2. Nicaragua, 3. El Salvador, 4. Guatemala, 5. Belize, 6. Honduras, 7. Panama

Félix Sabio reelected President of AFECAVOL

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TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, November 18, 2023. – Mr. Félix Ambrosio Sabio González of Honduras was reelected President of the Association of Central American Volleyball Federations AFECAVOL for the 2024-2028 term during the 2023 Ordinary and Election General Assembly held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on November 18.

The seven National Volleyball Federations of Central America chose Félix Sabio for a second term as the President of the Zonal Association, a member of the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation.

The AFECAVOL Executive Committee is composed as follows:

President: Félix Sabio González, Honduras

First Vice President: Bertha Cuadra Cuadra, Nicaragua

Second Vice President: Allan Sharp, Belize

General Secretary: Carlos Enrique Santis Rangel, Guatemala

Treasurer: Shean Jyh Liou, El Salvador

First Vocal: Carlos Echandi, Costa Rica

Second Vocal: Marco Pérez, Panama

To the center Lic. Cristobal Marte President of NORCECA and Felix Sabio President of AFECAVOL, others members of the Board of Directors AFECAVOL

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The Ordinary General Assembly had the active participation of NORCECA President, Mr. Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, who addressed the assembly, commending AFECAVOL’s work in 2023, stating, “Among the three Zonal Associations of NORCECA, AFECAVOL is an example of development and organization in our region. Its members have faced and overcome adversities in each of their countries, and with the work and assistance of NORCECA, they have managed to overcome them”.

President Marte Hoffiz emphasized congratulating AFECAVOL for fulfilling its competition schedule and ensuring the development of volleyball in Central America.

“AFECAVOL is an institution that has looked after the development of the zone and not just an individual country. In that sense, the evaluation by NORCECA is positive”, added Marte Hoffiz.

During the working session, the 2023 reports from the Presidency, Treasury, and Administrative Secretariat of AFECAVOL were approved. Additionally, working commissions presented reports for 2023 and proposals for 2024.

President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz also presented the NORCECA Presidency report and informed the assembly that he would run for the NORCECA Presidency in the upcoming 2024 Congress for his last four-year term according to the FIVB constitution.

One of the highlights during the session was President Sabio´s new initiative and approval to create the AFECAVOL Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Final Four senior events, where the top four countries in the AFECAVOL ranking will compete.

In the 2024 plans, is the effort to organize the Central American Beach Volleyball Tour and incorporate it into the NORCECA Tour.

The host countries for the 2024 Competitions were also decided (dates to be confirmed).

Volleyball:

– VI Central American Women’s U-23 Championship *rescheduled* (born in 2002) – El Salvador

– I Central American Girls’ U17 Championship (born in 2008) – Nicaragua

– I Central American Boys’ U17 Championship (born in 2008) – Costa Rica

– XV Central American Women’s U19 Championship (born in 2006) – Honduras

– XV Central American Men’s U19 Championship (born in 2006) – El Salvador

– XX Central American Women’s U21 Championship (born in 2004) – Belize

– XX Central American Men’s U21 Championship (born in 2004) – Panama

– I Central American Men’s Final Four Championship – Guatemala

– I Central American Women’s Final Four Championship – Costa Rica/Nicaragua/Honduras

Beach Volleyball:

– The AFECAVOL Executive Committee will session in a future date to decide dates, integrate events into the NORCECA Tour, and determine the host countries and dates for U17 and U19 Central American Championships.

President Félix Sabio expressed his gratitude for the commitment and support of all members in January 2020, just two months after the global Covid-19 pandemic declaration.

President Félix Sabio’s message was of gratitude for the AFECAVOL members’ commitment to support and contribute to his presidency when he took the position in January 2019, just two months before the global Covid-19 Pandemic was declared.

“We took on challenges and overcame them. We will continue to be a reference in NORCECA as the most active, organized, and forward-thinking Zonal Association. A lot of events are scheduled for 2024, where we will add four new events to our competition calendar, which I am convinced will be a success”, said Félix Sabio.

He also informed the assembly that AFECAVOL’s upcoming Assemblies will take place in November and concluded the session by thanking the trust and support of NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte and NORCECA General Director Arateide Cáceres”.

Zonal Association Presidents Share Latest Updates At Seminar

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November 3, 2023.- The FIVB organized the fourth Zonal Association Presidents’ seminar on October 26, providing the Zonal Associations with an opportunity to share their latest achievements and updates.

Following presentations by a number of Zonal Association Presidents during the previous seminar, the remaining leaders have now shared details on their ongoing activities, achievements and future plans, which included Zonal members of our NORCECA Confederation

·       Association of Central American Federations of Volleyball (AFECAVOL) President Felix Sabio Gonzalez

·       North and Central Volleyball Zonal Association (NCVA) President Mark Eckert

·       Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) President Mushtaque Mohammed.

Additionally, the FIVB President updated the Zonal Associations on the FIVB’s achievements since the last meeting. These achievements include the highly successful Olympic Qualification Tournaments, which saw six teams per gender secured tickets to next year’s Olympic Games Paris 2024, the latest results of the Volleyball Empowerment and Development programmes, and the recent election of FIVB Board of Administration member Cecilia Tait as an IOC member.

The discussions also focused on the successful conclusion of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships earlier this month.

Highlighting the tournament, FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° said:

“Just earlier this month, we concluded a 10-day celebration of beach volleyball – the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. For the first time in the event’s history, it was hosted in Mexico. Mexico did a remarkable job hosting these World Championships. From the very start of the event, they showcased warm hospitality as well as commitment to delivering one of the best events ever. From the Opening Ceremony and throughout the 10 days of exciting matches across three cities in the Tlaxcala region, Mexico once again proved its strong hosting credentials with full venues, passionate fans and an incredible atmosphere.”

FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo, also highlighted some of the FIVB’s notable achievements through the Volleyball Empowerment and Development programmes:

“We are very proud of the results our programmes achieve all around the world. Just to share some examples with you, the Canada women’s national volleyball team has moved up to 11th place in the Senior World Rankings while fighting for a place at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Meanwhile, the France women’s national team has qualified for the VNL 2024, while their men’s beach volleyball teams have greatly improved and are hoping to potentially qualify two teams to Paris 2024. Mexico’s beach volleyball teams won gold in the men’s and bronze in the women’s events at the Central American and Caribbean Games 2023.

“The Belgium men’s national team took the OQT by surprise with their impressive performance, coming very close to qualifying for the Games and beating strong national teams. Gambia men’s beach volleyball team qualified for the World Championships 2021 and 2023 and is now fighting to be in Paris next year. In addition, the beach volleyball national teams of Thailand have greatly improved their performance and saw good results at the Asian Games. The Dominican Republic women’s team qualified for Paris 2024, topping their pool at the competition. And of course, our pilot project, the Kenya women’s national team were this year crowned African Nations Champions for the first time since 2015.”

The Presidents of the Continental Confederations and members of the FIVB Development and Volleyball Empowerment Commissions were also invited to join the seminar.

The next Zonal Association Presidents’ Seminar will be scheduled for the beginning of next year.

Brazilians Ana Patricia and Duda Brazil Champions of Women’s Beach Volleyball at Santiago 2023

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 26, 2023 – Brazilians Ana Patricia and Duda secured a 2-0 victory (22-20, 21-18) over Canadians Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes in the Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

The bronze medal went to Corine Quiggle and Sarah Lewis of the United States, who defeated Argentina’s Ana Gallay and Fernanda Pereyra 2-0 (21-18, 21-10).

In a closely contested match, the Brazilians showcased their experience, with Duda’s strong serving and Ana Patricia’s well-timed blocks to stop the efforts of Brandie and Melissa.

This marked Brazil’s the fourth gold medal in the history of the Pan American Games, with their first win dating back to 2011. For Canada, this was their first medal ever at these Games.

Mexico’s Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores finished in fifth place after a 2-0 victory (21-9, 12-18) over Peru’s Claudia Gaona and Lisbeth Allcca.

Puerto Rico’s María González and Allanis Navas secured seventh place with a 2-1 victory (21-19, 18-21, 15-9) over Chile’s María Rivas Zapata and Chris Vorpahl in Women’s Beach Volleyball at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

George and André secure Gold for Brazil in Men’s Beach Volleyball at Santiago 2023

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 27, 2023 – George and André of Brazil clinched the gold medal by defeating Cubans Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alayo 2-1 (21-12, 19-21, 15-13) in the Men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

Chile’s Marco Grimalt and Esteban Grimalt won the bronze medal with a 2-1 (21-14, 18-21, 15-12) victory over Hagen Smith and Logan Webber of the USA.

After a slow start, with nerves affecting the young Cuban pair (22 and 21 years old), they gradually gained confidence, thanks to Alayo’s blocking skills, which improved Noslen’s position in defense.  

In the second set, Cuba came out strong, displaying solid defense and strong blocking, while Brazil struggled to overcome the net defense. This pushed the match to the third set, where George once again showcased his impressive defense, and André contributed with defensive plays and strong blocks that limited their opponents’ actions.

Brazil is the most successful team in the history of the Pan American Games, with three gold medals, while Cuba now has one gold and one silver.

Canada’s Jake MacNeil and William Russell secured fifth place with a 2-0 victory over Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen, and Argentina’s Nicolás and Tomás Capogrosso won 2-0 against Ecuador’s Dany León and Marcos Tenorio for seventh place.

Cuba and Brazil return to Men’s Beach Volleyball Pan American Games finals

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 26, 2023. Cuba and Brazil will feature in a dream final with a taste of revenge in the Men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament of the Pan American Games Santiago 2023, to be held on Friday at Parque Peñalolén.

Noslen Díaz/Jorge Alayo from Cuba and George/André from Brazil will face each other again here in Santiago. Cuba defeated Brazil in three sets in pool-play.

To reach the final, Díaz/Alayo defeated Logan Webber/Hagen Smith from the United States 2-0 (21-15, 21-13). Alayo’s net reach and Diaz’s defense made the difference against the Americans who progressed to semifinals undefeated.

Meanwhile, George/André won 2-0 (21-13, 21-17) against cousins Marcos and Esteban Grimalt from Chile, the current champions. A great defense from George and André’s blocking kept the Grimalts under control, and they won’t be able to defend the title they earned four years ago in Lima, Peru.

George/André BRA

Cuba will seek its second gold medal in the history of the Pan American Games, while Brazil is the most successful with two gold medals, the last one in 2011.

In matches for positions 5-8, Miguel Sarabia/Juan Virgen from Mexico battled to win 2-1 (21-14, 16-21, 16-14) against Dany León and Marcos Tenorio from Ecuador. Meanwhile, Jake MacNeil/William Russell from Canada won 2-0 (21-15, 21-17) against the Capogrosso brothers, Nicolás and Tomás (ARG). Mexico and Canada will play for fifth place.

Matches Friday October 27

For 7th place: Capogrosso N./Capogrosso T. (ARG) vs. Leon/Marcos (ECU)

For 5th place: Sarabia/Virgen (MEX) vs. MacNeil/Russell (CAN)

For the bronze medal: Grimalt M./Grimalt E. (CHI) vs. Smith/Webber (USA)

For the gold medal: Diaz/Alayo (CUB) vs. George/Andre (BRA)

Results Thursday, October 26

Classification 5-8

Leon/Marcos (ECU) 1-2 (14-21, 21-16, 14-16) Sarabia/Virgen (MEX)

MacNeil/Russell (CAN) 2-0 (21-15, 21-17) Capogrosso N./Capogrosso T (ARG)

For 11th place: Giuliano/Gonzalo (PAR) 2-0 (21-14, 22-20) Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL).

For 9th place: Hannibal/Llambías (URU) 2-1 (15-21, 25-23, 15-12) Noriega/Murray (COL).

Canada and Brazil reach Santiago 2023 Women’s Beach Volleyball Finals

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 26, 2023 – Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes from Canada and the 2023 world runners-up Ana Patricia/Duda from Brazil will face off in the Women’s Beach Volleyball final of the nineteenth Pan American Games Santiago 2023 at Parque Peñalolén on Friday.

Both pairs looked unstoppable from in pool-play and in the semifinals, securing their spot in the finals undefeated, without obstacles.

Canadians Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes defeated Ana Gallay/Fernanda Pereyra from Argentina 2-0 (21-15, 21-15). For Canada, this is their first medal in the Pan American Games since beach volleyball was introduced in the event in 1999.

Ana Patricia/Duda BRA

Meanwhile, Brazil, returning to a final since 2011, will seek its fourth gold medal (they also have three bronze medals). Ana Patricia/Duda won 2-0 (21-11, 21-18) against Corine Quiggle/Sarah Lewis from the United States.

Ana Gallay and Fernanda Pereyra who silver medal in Lima 2019, four years ago. In addition, Gallay won gold in Toronto 2015. The Argentinians will compete for the bronze medal against the American pair Quiggle/Lewis.

The United States won the gold medal in the Lima 2019 edition.

In other matches, Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores from Mexico won 2-1 (17-21, 21-12, 15-11) against María González/Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico, and they will face Lisbeth Allcca/Claudia Gaona from Peru for the fifth place. Allcca/Gaona won 2-0 (21-18, 22-20) against María Rivas Zapata/Chris Vorpahl from Chile.

Matches for Friday, October 27:

For 7th place: González/Navas (PUR) vs. Rivas Zapata/Chris (CHI)

For 5th place: Gutiérrez/Flores (MEX) vs. Allcca/Gaona (PER)

For the bronze medal: Gallay/Pereyra (ARG) vs. Quiggle/Murphy

For the gold medal: Brandie/Melissa (CAN) vs. Ana Patricia/Duda (BRA)

Results from Thursday, October 26:

Classification 5/8

Allcca/Gaona (PER) 2-0 (21-18, 22-20) Rivas Zapata/Chris (CHI)

Gutierrez/Flores (MEX) 2-1 (17-21, 21-12, 15-11) González/Navas (PUR)

11th place: Karelys/Ariana (ECU) 0-2 (17-21, 20-22) Erika/Michelle (PAR)

For 9th place: Payano/Almanzar (DOM) 2-0 (21-13, 21-13) Diana/Margarita G. (COL)

USA against Brazil and Canada face Argentina in Women’s Beach Volleyball Semifinals

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 25, 2023.- In women’s Beach Volleyball semifinals at Santiago 2023, Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy from the United States will face Ana Patricia/Duda from Brazil, while Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes from Canada will play Ana Gallay/Fernanda Pereyra from Argentina.

Quiggle/Murphy (USA) won 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) against María Rivas/Chris Vorpahl from Chile, who had the support of hundreds of fans at the Parque Peñalolén Beach Volleyball Center.

Melissa/Brandie (CAN) had no trouble defeating María González/Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico, winning 2-0 (21-11, 21-14).

On the other hand, the world runners-up Duda/Ana Patricia (BRA) won 2-0 (21-12, 21-9) against Lisbeth Allcca/Claudia Gaona from Peru.

Gallay/Pereyra (ARG), silver medalists in the previous edition of the Games in Lima, advanced to the semifinals after winning 2-0 (21-16, 21-17) against Abril Flores/Atenas Gutierrez from Mexico. The Mexican team put up a strong fight until point 15, but from there, the Argentine pair Gallay/Pereyra managed to pull away.

Sarah Murphy y Corinne Quiggle USA

Games on Thursday, October 26:

Classification 5/8

Allcca/Gaona (PER) vs Rivas Zapata/Chris (CHI)

Gutierrez/Flores (MEX) vs González/Navas (PUR)

Position 11: Karelys/Ariana (ECU) vs Erika/Michelle (PAR)

Position 9: Payano/Almanzar (DOM) vs Diana/Margarita G. (COL)

Semifinals

Ana Patricia/Duda (BRA) vs Quiggle/Murphy (USA)

Gallay/Pereyra (ARG) vs Brandie/Melissa (CAN)

Wednesday’s results, October 26:

Position 13

Williams/Quesada (CRC) 2-1 (21-18, 15-21, 15-8) N. Girón/Alvarado (GUA)

Position 15

Bianchi/Acuña (URU) 2-0 (21-19, 21-14) Soler/Molina (ESA)

Classification 9/12

Erika/Michelle (PAR) 1-2 (21-16, 19-21, 12-15) Diana/Margarita G. (COL)

Payano/Almanzar (DOM) 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) Karelys/Ariana (ECU)

Quarterfinals

Quiggle/Murphy USA 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) Rivas Zapata/Chris CHI     

Ana Patrícia/Duda BRA 2-0 (21-12, 21-9) Allcca/Gaona PER             

Brandie/Melissa CAN 2-0 (21-11, 21-14) Gonzalez/Navas PUR                    

Gallay/Pereyra ARG 2-0 (21-16, 21-17) Gutierrez/Flores MEX

Cuba against USA and Chile versus Brazil in Men’s Beach Volleyball Semifinals

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 24, 2023. – Hagen Smith/Logan Webber of the United States and JorgeAlayo/Noslen Díaz of Cuba, the current champions Marco Grimalt/Esteban Grimalt of Chile, and George/Andre of Brazil, will feature in the  Men’s Beach Volleyball semifinals oat the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

Hagen Smith and Logan Webber of the United States won 2-0 (21-18, 21-15) against Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico. Juan Virgen won’t be able to repeat the silver medal he earned four years ago in Lima, Peru.

Meanwhile, Jorge Alayo/Noslen Diaz of Cuba performed at a high level, prevailing 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) against Dany León/Marcos Tenorio of Ecuador.

George/Andre of Brazil won an exciting 2-1 (21-17, 15-21, 17-15) match against Nicolás and Tomás Capogrosso of Argentina. It was an intense game, with the Capogrosso brothers making things difficult for George/Andre in a battle of strong offense and good defense from Tomás and solid blocking by Nicolás.

The current champions, cousins Marco and Esteban Grimalt of Chile, won 2-0 (23-21, 21-18) against Jake MacNeil and Williams Russell of Canada, after a highly contested match,

especially in the first set, with Russell’s blocks on one side and Marco on the other.

Esteban Grimalt y Marco Grimalt CHI

Games on Wednesday, October 26:

Classification 5/8:

Leon/Marcos (ECU) vs Sarabia/Virgen (MEX)

MacNeil/Russell (CAN) vs Capogross N./Capogrosso T (ARG)

For 11th place: Giuliano/Gonzalo (PAR) vs Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL).

For 9th place: Hannibal/Llambías (URU) vs Noriega/Murray (COL);

Semifinals

Diaz/Alayo (CUB) vs Smith/Webber (USA)

Grimalt M./Grimalt E. (CHI) vs George/Andre (BRA)

Wednesday’s results

Position 13/14

Mora/López (NCA) 2-1 (24-26, 21-14, 15-7) Guatemala/Flores (ESA)

Position 15/16

D. Dyner/Varela (CRC) 0-2 (15-21, 12-21) Blanco/García GUA

Classification 9-12

Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL) 1-2 (21-19, 15-21, 10-15) Noriega/Murray (COL)

Hannibal/Llambías (URU) 2-1 (21-13, 18-21, 15-10) Giuliano/Gonzalo (PAR)

Quarterfinals

Smith/Webber (USA) 2-0 (21-18, 21-15) Sarabia/Virgen (MEX)

Díaz/Alayo (CUB) 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) León/Marcos (ECU)

Capogrosso N./Capogrosso T (ARG) 1-2 (17-21, 21-15, 15-17) George/André (BRA)

Grimalt M./Grimalt E. (CHI) 2-0 (23-21, 21-18) MacNeil/Russell (CAN)

Exciting Quarterfinals in Women’s Beach Volleyball

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 23, 2023 – With the qualification of Puerto Rico, Argentina, Peru, and Chile, an exciting quarterfinal round of the Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago are expected on Wednesday.

Maria Gonzalez and Allanis Navas from Puerto Rico defeated Karelys Simisterra and Ariana Vilela from Ecuador 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) and will face Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes from Canada in the quarterfinals.

Ana Gallay and Fernanda Pereyra from Argentina also secured their spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanzar from the Dominican Republic 2-0 (21-18, 21-15). They will now face Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores from Mexico.

Lisbeth Allcca and Claudia Gaona from Peru won 2-0 (21-19, 21-19) against Erika Mongelos and Michelle Valiente from Paraguay, setting up a quarterfinal match against Ana Patricia and Duda from Brazil.

Maria Rivas Zapata and Chris Vorpahl from Chile won 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) against Diana Rios and Margarita Guzman from Colombia. The Chilean team will compete in quarterfinals against USA’s duo of Corinne Quiggle and Sarah Murphy.

Erika Mongelos PAR

Results Classification 13-16 round:

Bianchi and Acuña (URU) 1-2 (21-17, 16-21, 8-15) Williams and Quesada (CRC)

N. Girón and Alvarado (GUA) 2-1 (21-16, 11-21, 15-12) Soler and Molina (ESA)

Matches on Wednesday, October 25:

Position 13

N. Girón and Alvarado (GUA) vs. Williams and Quesada (CRC)

Position 15

Bianchi and Acuña (URU) vs. Soler and Molina (ESA)

Quarterfinals:

Quiggle and Murphy (USA) vs. Rivas Zapata and Chris (CHI)

Ana Patrícia and Duda (BRA) vs. Allcca and Gaona (PER)

Brandie and Melissa (CAN) vs. Gonzalez and Navas (PUR)

Gutierrez and Flores (MEX) vs. Gallay and Pereyra (ARG)

Men’s Beach Volleyball Quarterfinal Round is set

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 24, 2023 – Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Ecuador advanced to the Men’s Beach Volleyball quarterfinals at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games after winning their respective qualifying matches.

Canada’s Jake MacNeil and William Russell defeated Uruguay’s Hans Hannibal and Llambías 2-0 (21-14, 21-16) to qualify for the quarterfinals, where they will face Chile’s cousins Marcos and Esteban Grimalt.

The Mexican duo of Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen had to battle hard and push themselves to the limit to win 2-0 (23-21, 21-19) against Colombians Juan Noriega and Johan Murray, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Hagen Smith and Logan Webber of the United States.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s George and André won 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) against Paraguay’s Giuliano Massare and Gonzalo Melgarejo and will now face Nicolás and Tomás Capogrosso from Argentina.

Ecuador’s Dany León and Marcos Tenorio won 2-0 (23-21, 21-10) against Bolivia’s Ruddy Salvatierra and Luis Calvo and will have Cubans Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alayo as their quarterfinal opponents.

Williams Russell CAN

Results Tuesday, October 24:

MacNeil/Russell (CAN) 2-0 (21-14, 21-16) Hannibal/Llambías (URU)

George/André (BRA) 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) Giuliano/Gonzalo (PAR)

León/Tenorio (ECU) 2-0 (23-21, 21-19) Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL)

Sarabia/Virgen (MEX) 2-0 (21-19, 21- ) against Noriega/Murray (COL)

Classification 13-16

Mora/López (NCA) 2-0 (21-12, 21-17) D. Dyner/Varela (CRC)

Guatemala/Flores (ESA) 2-0 (21-18, 21-18) Blanco/García GUA

Matches on Wednesday, October 25:

For 13th place

Mora/López (NCA) vs. Guatemala/Flores (ESA)

For 15th place

D. Dyner/Varela (CRC) vs. Blanco/García GUA

Classification 9-12

Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL) vs. Noriega/Murray (COL)

Hannibal/Llambías (URU) vs. Giuliano/Gonzalo (PAR)

Quarterfinals

Smith/Webber (USA) vs. Sarabia/Virgen (MEX)

Díaz/Alayo (CUB) vs. León/Marcos (ECU)

Capogrosso N./Capogrosso T (ARG) vs. George/André (BRA)

Grimalt M./Grimalt E. (CHI) vs. MacNeil/Russell (CAN)

Canada, USA, Mexico, and Brazil await in Women’s Beach Volleyball Quarterfinals

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 23, 2023 – Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes of Canada, Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy of the United States, Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores of Mexico, and Ana Patricia/Duda of Brazil advanced directly to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

Brandie/Melissa finished undefeated in Group D, after beating Erika Mongelos/Michelle Valiente of Paraguay 2-0 (21-13, 21-8) on day three of competition.

In the other group match, Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar (DOM) prevailed 2-0 (32-30, 21-19) against María Bianchi/Sol Acuña (URU) after a long battle in which both teams saved five set points in the first set.

In Group B, Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy of the United States won 2-0 (24-22, 21-17) against Ana Gallay/Fernanda Pereyra of Argentina, securing the top spot and advancing to the quarterfinals. Lisbeth Allcca/Claudia Gaona (PER) defeated Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado (GUA) 2-0 (22-20, 21-10).

In Group A, Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores of Mexico defeated Chilean pair Chris Vorpahl/María Rivas 2-0 (21-14, 21-15), securing their ticket to the quarterfinals. The local team will play an elimination match against Diana Ríos/Margarita Guzmán of Colombia, who finished third in Group C.

Karelys Simisterra/Ariana Vilela of Ecuador won 2-0 (21-15, 21-18) against Angel Williams/Kianny Quesada of Costa Rica, taking third place in the group.

In Group C, Ana Patricia and Duda of Brazil claimed the top spot after a 2-0 (21-15, 21-11) victory over María González/Allanis Navas (PUR), while the Colombian pair Diana/Margarita defeated Yvone Soler/Laura Molina (ESA) 2-0 (21-13, 21-10).

Brandie Wilkerson y Mellisa Humana-Paredes CAN

These are the Round of 12 matches scheduled for Tuesday; the winners will advance to Wednesday’s quarterfinals:

Gallay/Pereyra (ARG) vs. Payano/Almanzar (DOM); the winners will face Mexico.

González/Navas (PUR) vs. Karelys/Ariana (ECU); the winners will go against Canada.

Erika/Michelle (PAR) vs. Peru (Allcca/Gaona); the winners will face Brazil.

Rivas Zapata/Chris (CHI) will compete against Diana/Margarita G (COL); the winners will take on the United States.

Classification for 13th-16th place:

Bianchi/Acuña (URU) vs. Williams/Quesada (CRC)

N. Girón/Alvarado (GUA) against Soler/Molina (ESA)

USA, Cuba, Argentina, and Chile advance in Men’s Beach Volleyball

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 23, 2023. – Logan Webber/Hagen Smith of the United States, Noslen Díaz/Jorge Alayo of Cuba, Argentina’s pair Nicolás and Tomás Capogrosso, and cousins Marcos and Esteban Grimalt of Chile advanced to the quarterfinals of the Men’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

In Group B, Smith/Webber of the United States defeated Hans Hannibal/Nicolás Llambías of Uruguay 2-1 (21-16, 19-21, 15-12) to secure the top spot in the group. Ruddy Salvatierra/Luis Calvo of Bolivia won 2-0 (21-15, 21-14) against Andy Leonardo/Luis García from Guatemala.

In Group C, Diaz/Alayo (CUB) triumphed 2-1 (21-16, 18-21, 15-8) against George/André of Brazil to advance to the quarterfinals. Ruddy Salvatierra/Luis Calvo (BOL) won 2-0 (21-16, 21-18) against the duo of Armando Guatemala/Frankñin Flores from ESA.

In Group D, Nicolás and Tomás Capogrosso (ARG) defeated Jake MacNeil/William Russell of Canada 2-0 (21-14, 21-12) and secured the first place in the group and their ticket to the quarterfinals. Dany León/Marcos Tenorio of Ecuador won 2-0 (21-19, 21-14) against Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela (CRC) and finished second in the group.

In Group A, M.Grimalt/E. Grimalt (CHI) won 2-0 (21-17, 21-16) against Mexico’s tandem  Miguel Sarabia/Juan Virgen. Giuliano Massare/Gonzalo Melgarejo (PAR) won 2-0 (21-13, 21-17) against Rubén Mora/Dany Lopez (NCA).

Esteban Grimalt y Marco Grimalt CHI

These are the Round of 12 matches scheduled for Tuesday, with the winners advancing to the quarterfinals on Wednesday:

MacNeil/Russell (CAN) vs. Hannibal/Llambías (URU); the winner will face Grimalt M./Grimalt E. (CHI)

George/André (BRA) vs. Giuliano/Gonzalo (PAR), and the winner will go against Capagroso N/Capagrosso T (ARG)

León/Tenorio (ECU) will face Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL), and the winner will face Diaz/Alayo (CUB)

Sarabia/Virgen (MEX) vs. Noriega/Murray (COL), with the winner going against Smith/Webber USA.

Classification for 13th-16th place:

Dyner/Varela CRC – Mora/López (NCA)

Guatemala/Flores ESA- Blanco/García GUA

United States and Argentina advance to the Men’s Quarterfinals

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 23, 2023 – Argentinians Nicolás and Tomás Capogrosso and the United States duo of Logan Webber and Hagen Smith have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Men’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

Nicolás and Tomás Capogrosso defeated Canadians Jake MacNeil/William Russell 2-0 (21-14, 21-12), finishing first-place in Group D and their ticket to the quarterfinals scheduled for Wednesday.

In Group B, Smith/Webber from the United States won 2-1 (21-16, 19-21, 15-12) against Hans Hannibal/Nicolás Llambías from Uruguay, securing the top spot in the group.

In the other match in Group D, Dany León/Marcos Tenorio of Ecuador won 2-0 (21-19, 21-14) against Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica, earning the second-place in the group.

Meanwhile, Ruddy Salvatierra/Luis Calvo of Bolivia won 2-0 (21-15, 21-14) against Andy Leonardo/Luis García of Guatemala in Group B.

In the elimination matches scheduled for Tuesday, León/Tenorio (ECU) will face Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL), who finished third in Group B, and MacNeil/Russell (CAN) will face Hannibal/Llambías (URU), the second-place team from Group B.

Canada and the United States secure direct tickets in the Women’s Quarterfinals

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 23, 2023 – Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes from Canada and Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy from the United States advanced directly to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.

Brandie and Melissa finished undefeated in Group D, beating Paraguay’s dúo of Erika Mongelos/Michelle Valiente, 2-0 (21-13, 21-8) on day three of competition.

In Group B, Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy from the United States defeated Ana Gallay/Fernanda Pereyra from Argentina, 2-0 (24-22, 21-17), for first-place and advancing to the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Lisbeth Allcca/Claudia Gaona from Peru prevailed over Guatemala’s Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado, 2-0 (22-20, 21-10) in Group D.

In the elimination matches scheduled for Tuesday to determine the teams advancing to the quarterfinals, Gallay/Pereyra (ARG) will face Payano/Almanzar (DOM), and Erika/Michelle (PAR) will compete against Allcca/Gaona (PER).

The quarterfinal round will take place on Wednesday at the Beach Volleyball Center in Parque Peñalolén.

Qualification at stake in the Men’s Beach Volleyball at Santiago 2023

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 21, 2023 – The Men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games has reached a point of maximum anticipation where the top positions in each group will be decided on Monday will determine the top positions in each group.

In Group A, Mexicans Miguel Sarabia/Juan Virgen prevailed 2-0 (21-15, 21-17) against Rubén Mora/Dany Lopez (NCA), while Chile’s Marco Grimalt/Esteban Grimalt defeated Giuliano Massare/Gonzalo Melgarejo (PAR) 2-0 (21-18, 21-13).

On Monday, Sarabia/Virgen will clash against the Grimalt cousins, champions of the last edition of the Pan American Games held in Lima in 2019, for first place of group A,

In Group B, Hagen Smith/Logan Webber (USA) had to dig deep to win 2-1 (21-15, 18-21, 15-10) against Andy Leonardo/Luis García (PANAM), while Hans Hannibal/Nicolás Llambías (URU) won 2-0 (21-16, 23-21) against Ruddy Salvatierra/Luis Calvo (BOL).

In Group C, George/Andre (BRA) continued without complications and prevailed 2-0 (21-15, 21-10) against Juan Noriega/Johan Murray (COL). Meanwhile, Noslen Diaz/Jorge Alayo (CUB) comfortably won 2-0 (21-13, 21-12) against Armando Guatemala/Franklin Flores (ESA), setting the stage for Brazil and Cuba to decide the group’s top spot.

In Group D, Canadians Jake MacNeil/William Russell achieved a 2-0 victory (21-11, 21-14) against Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica. Argentinians Nicolás Capogrosso/Tomás Capogrosso won 2-0 (21-17, 21-13) against Dany León/Marcos Tenorio of Ecuador.

This is the most challenging group, as Ecuadorians León/Tenorio’s victory over Canada on the first day of competition, has left Argentina, Canada, and Ecuador with chances of qualification.

George of Brasil

Monday’s Matches:

MacNeil/Russell (CAN) vs Capogrosso N./Capogrosso T. (ARG) 12:30

Smith/Webber (USA) Hannibal/Llambías (URU) 13:00

D. Dyner/Varela (CRC) Leon/Marcos (ECU) 13:30

Blanco/Garcia (GUA) Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL) 14:00

Giuliano/Gonzalo (PAR) Mora/Lopez (NCA) 18:00

George/Andre (BRA) Diaz/Alayo (CUB) 18:30

Noriega/Murray (COL) Guatemala/Flores (ESA) 19:30

Grimalt M./Grimalt E. (CHI) Sarabia/Virgen (MEX) 20:00

Eight pairs secured their second consecutive victory in Women’s Beach Volleyball at Santiago 2023

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 22, 2023 – Eight pairs secured their second consecutive victory in the Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games, and on Monday they will compete for a spot in the quarterfinals.

The leaders of each group will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the second-place teams will face the third-place teams for the remaining quarterfinal spots.

In Group A, Chile’s María Rivas/Chris Vorpahl defeated Karelys Simisterra/Ariana Vilela (ECU) 2-1 (21-17, 16-21, 18-16), snatching three match points for the Ecuadorian team. On Monday, they will face the Mexican pair of Abril Flores/Atenas Gutierrez, who also won their Sunday match against Angel Williams/Kianny Quesada (CRC) by a 2-0 (21-12, 21-9) score.

In Group B, Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy of the United States obtained their second victory by defeating Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado (PANAM) 2-0 (21-13, 21-11); while Ana Gallay/Fernanda Pereyra (ARG) defeated Lisbeth Allcca/Claudia Gaona of Peru 2-0 (21-16, 21-15).

In Group C, the Brazilian pair Ana Patrícia/Duda won 2-0 (21-13, 21-10) against Diana Ríos/Margarita Guzmán (COL). Meanwhile, María Gonzalez/Alanis Navas of Puerto Rico triumphed 2-0 (21-16, 21-11) against Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina (ESA).

In Group D, Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes (CAN) won their second match  defeating Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar (DOM) 2-0 (22-20, 21-16). Erika Mongelos/Michelle Valiente (PAR) won 2-0 (21-8, 21-15) against Isabel Bianchi/Sol Acuña of Uruguay.

Angela Williams y Kianny Araya of Costa Rica

Monday’s Schedule:

Brandie/Melissa (CAN) vs Erika/Michelle (PAR) 10:30

Quiggle/Murphy (USA) vs Gallay/Pereyra (ARG) 11:00

Payano/Almanzar (DOM) vs Bianchi/Acuña (URU) 11:30

N. Giron/Alvarado (GUA) vs Allcca/Gaona (PER) 12:00

Ana Patrícia/Duda (BRA) vs Gonzalez/Navas (PUR) 16:30

Karelys/Ariana (ECU) vs Williams/Quesada (CRC) 17:00

Diana/Margarita G (COL) vs Soler/Molina (ESA) 17:30

Rivas Zapata/Chris (CHI) vs Gutierrez/Flores (MEX) 19:00

Women make a strong start in Beach Volleyball at Santiago 2023

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 21, 2023.- The women’s beach volleyball tournament of the Pan American Games Santiago 2023 kicked off on Saturday, October 21, with the top-ranked pairs securing their victories without much trouble.

In Group A, the local duo Maria Rivas/Chris Vorpahl defeated Angel Williams/Kianny Quesada (CRC) with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-17) victory. After a closely contested start, Rivas/Vorpahl capitalized on their strong service to pull ahead, supported by a crowd of fans who filled the Beach Volleyball Center at Peñalolén Park.

Meanwhile, Atenas Gutierrez/Abril Flores (MEX) had to step up the pace against their opponents, ending with a 2-0 (21-19, 21-17) win over Karelys Simisterra/Ariana Vilela (ECU).

In Group B, Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy from the United States overcame Lisbeth Allcca/Claudia Gaona from Peru with a 2-0 (21-13, 21-18) victory. Ana Gallay/Fernanda Pereyra (ARG) won 2-0 (21-11, 21-16) against Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado (PANAM).

In Group C, Ana Patricia/Duda (BRA) had no difficulties as they easily defeated Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina (ESA) with a 2-0 (21-9, 21-6) win. The Central American and Caribbean champions, María Gonzalez/Alanis Navas from Puerto Rico, secured a 2-0 (21-15, 21-10) victory over Diana Ríos/Margarita Guzmán (COL).

In Group D, Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes (CAN) won 2-0 (21-11, 21-6) against Isabel Bianchi/Sol Acuña from Uruguay. In an intense match, especially in the first set, Erika Mongelos/Michelle Valiente (PAR) emerged victorious with a 2-0 (22-20, 21-16) result against Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar (DOM).

Alanis Navas PUR

The group stage matches will continue on Sunday:

Brandie/Melissa (CAN) vs Payano/Almanzar (DOM) at 10:30

Erika/Michelle (PAR) vs Bianchi/Acuña (URU) at 11:30

Quiggle/Murphy (USA) vs N. Giron/Alvarado (GUA) at 11:00

Gallay/Pereyra (ARG) vs Allcca/Gaona (PER) at 12:00

Ana Patrícia/Duda (BRA) vs Diana/Margarita G (COL) at 16:30

Gutierrez/Flores (MEX) vs Williams/Quesada (CRC) at 17:00

Gonzalez/Navas (PUR) vs Soler/Molina (ESA) at 17:30

Rivas Zapata/Chris (CHI) vs Karelys/Ariana (ECU) at 19:00

A great atmosphere in Santiago 2023 beach volleyball

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 21, 2023. Beach volleyball at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games began this Saturday, October 21, with a large number of fans who filled the Beach Volleyball Center in Peñalolén Park.

On the first day of the day, with four women’s matches and four men’s matches, in women, in group D, Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes (CAN) defeated Isabel Bianchi/Sol Acuña, from Uruguay, 2-0 (21-11, 21-6). Erika Mongelos/Michelle Valiente (PAR) won 2-0 (22-20, 21-16) over Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar (DOM).

In group B, Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy, from the USA, beat Lisbeth Allcca/Claudia Gaona, from Peru, 2-0 (21-13, 21-18). Ana Gallay/Fernanda Pereyra (ARG) defeated Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado (PANAM) 2-0 (21-11, 21-16).

Men’s matches

In group D, the Ecuatorian couple, Dany León/Marcos Tenorio, gave the first surprise of the tournament by beating the Canadians Jake MacNeil/William Russell 2-0 (21-18, 22-20).

Meanwhile, the Argentines Nicolás Capogrosso/Tomás Capogrosso beat Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela, from Costa Rica, 2-0 (21-12, 21-11).

In group B, Hagen Smith/Logan Webber (USA) beat Ruddy Salvatierra/Luis Calvo (BOL) 2-0 (21-15, 21-15). Hans Hannibal/Nicolás Llambías (URU) defeated Andy Blanco/Luis García (PANAM) 2-0 (21-14, 21-13).

Spectacular high-level expected at Pan American Beach Volleyball

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 20, 2023.- The Beach Volleyball Tournament at the Pan American Games Santiago 2023 will kick off on Saturday at the Beach Volleyball Center in Parque Peñalolén that features two spectacular courts ready for a high-level competition.

The best pairs from the continent come together in pursuit of coveted medals at the Games.

The schedule and competition system were announced to the 32 pairs representing 16 countries in both men’s and women’s, by Ed Drakich, the International Technical Delegate, along with Mushtaque Mohammed and Glenn Quinlan, and Referee Delegate André Trotier.

In the men’s tournament, the local pair Marco and Esteban Grimalt, gold medalists in the last edition of the Games in Lima, will once again face Mexican Juan Virgen, the silver medalist, and Nicolás Capogrosso of Argentina, the bronze medalist.

In women, the golden duo from Lima 2019, Pardon/Cook of the USA, won’t be defending their title, but Corinne Quiggle and Sarah Murphy will represent the United States. Ana Gallay/Fernanda Pereira from Argentina are the only medalists from the 2019 Pan American Games (silver) aiming for a podium finish again.

Brazilian powerhouse Ana Patrícia/Duda Brazil, 2022 World Champions and silver medalists at the recent 2023 World Championship in Tlaxcala, are determined to carry Brazil back to the top of the podium, a feat the South American country hasn’t achieved since 2011 (Brazil finished third in 2015 and 2019).

The Canadian duo of Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana Paredes appears to be strong contenders. Both competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with different partners. Melissa made her Pan American Games debut in Toronto 2015. Melissa and Brandie are bringing experience and will push win a medal for Canada after many years.

Schedule for Saturday, October 21

Women’s Matches

Brandie/Melissa (CAN) will face Bianchi/Acuña from Uruguay at 10:30 a.m. on Court 1.

Followed by, Quiggle/Murphy (USA) against Allcca/Gaona from Peru on Court 2. Erika/Michelle (PAR) will play against Payano/Almanzar (DOM) on Court 2 at 11:30 a.m.

Gallay/Pereira (ARG) will face N. Girón/Alvarado (PANAM) on Court 1 at 12:00 p.m.

In the second block of women’s matches:

Ana Patrícia/Duda (BRA) will face Soler/Molina (ESA) at 4:30 p.m. on Court 2. Gutierrez/Flores (MEX) will compete against Karelys/Ariana (ECU) on Court 1 at 5:00 p.m.

Gonzalez/Navas (PUR) will face Diana/Margarita G (COL) on Court 2 at 5:30 p.m. The local pair, Rivas Zapata/Chris (CHI), will compete against Williams/Quesada (CRC) on Court 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Men’s Matches

MacNeil/Russell (CAN) will face León/Marcos (ECU) on Court 2 at 12:30 p.m. Smith/Webber (USA) will play against Salvatierra/Calvo (BOL) on Court 1 at 1:00 p.m.

Capogrosso N/Capogrosso T (ARG) will compete against D. Dyner/Varela (CRC) on Court 2 at 1:30 p.m. Hannibal/Llambías (URU) will face Blanco/García (PANAM) on Court 1 at 2:00 p.m.

Later in the day:

Sarabia/Virgen (MEX) will compete against Giuliano/Gonzalo (PAR) on Court 1 at 6:00 p.m.

George/Andre (BRA) will face Guatemala/Flores (ESA) on Court 2 at 6:30 p.m. Diaz/Alayo (CUB) will compete against Noriega/Murray (COL) on Court 2 at 7:30 p.m. Grimalt M./Grimalt E. (CHI) will face Mora/Lopez (NCA) on Court 1 at 8:00 p.m.

Pool Distribution

Women

Pool A: Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica

Pool B: United States, Argentina, PANAM SPORT (Guatemala), Peru

Pool C: Brazil, Puerto Rico, Colombia, El Salvador

Pool D: Canada, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Uruguay

Men

Pool A: Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Nicaragua

Pool B: United States, Uruguay, PANAM SPORT (Guatemala), Bolivia

Pool C: Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, El Salvador

Pool D: Canada, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador

Melissa and Brandie Canada’s Santiago 2023 Opening Ceremony flag bearers

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 20, 2023.- The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced that beach volleyball partners Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson will be Team Canada’s flag bearers for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games Opening Ceremony. 

In the first year of their partnership, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are one of the top women’s beach volleyball teams in the world – currently fifth in the FIVB World Rankings. The duo, who were former indoor volleyball teammates at York University, began competing together professionally on the Beach Pro Tour in February. While Humana-Paredes is making her return to the Pan Am Games after debuting in her hometown at Toronto 2015, Wilkerson will be competing at her first Pan Ams in Santiago.

These will be a special Games for Humana-Paredes, whose parents are Chilean. Both women aim to be a positive force on and  off the court. Humana-Paredes has been a member of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission since 2019 and Wilkerson is the co-founder of Project Worthy, a scholarship program aimed at increasing BIPOC representation in volleyball. 

Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson both made their Olympic debuts at Tokyo 2020 with their former partners. Both pairs finished fifth, matching Canada’s best-ever Olympic result in women’s beach volleyball.

Canada has not won a Pan Am Games medal in beach volleyball since 1999. In the sport’s debut at the Pan Ams, Jody Holden and Conrad Leinemann won gold in the men’s event on home sand in Winnipeg. 

The beach volleyball tournaments at Santiago 2023 take place October 21 to 27 (Days 1 to 7) at the Parque Peñalolen. Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson will open play October 21 against Uruguay. 

QUOTES:

“I’m extremely excited and honoured to have this role, to share my story as well as the story of my sport and federation. Honestly I’m just overjoyed. I’ve never experienced an Opening Ceremony before so to be able to do this, and with the person I’d want to do it with the most, is exciting. I’m so extremely proud to be Canadian!”

– Brandie Wilkerson, Team Canada Santiago 2023 Opening Ceremony flag bearer

“This is something that as an athlete you want to do one day and you hope you have the privilege of doing. The fact that I can do it in Chile, which is where my family is from, and that my family will be able to witness it, is extremely meaningful. At multi-sport events like this, I think it’s so important to share stories and to be models of different representations and different body types and different sports and different backgrounds and how we all come together and are united here as one. It gives you a lot of perspective and reminds you of why you’re doing this, and the power of sport. We’ve been part of Team Canada a couple of times, and every time it’s extra special to feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

– Melissa Humana-Paredes, Team Canada Santiago 2023 Opening Ceremony flag bearer

“When we decide who will carry the Canadian flag at the Pan American Games, we look not only to athletes’ sporting achievements, but the values they demonstrate and their impact on others. Brandie and Melissa are both incredible athletes and inspirational role models. The way they carry themselves both on and off the field of play makes them the perfect choice for this role. I can’t wait to follow them into the Estadio Nacional as they proudly lead the way for Team Canada in the Opening Ceremony.”

– Christine Girard, Team Canada’s Santiago 2023 Chef de Mission 

“These incredible athletes are leaders in all that they do. From their great synergy on the court to their devotion off the field of play as leaders in their community, Brandie and Melissa truly reflect what our delegation stands for. To see them now get to share this experience as teammates will make it all the more special.”

Beach Volleyball brings together 32 teams at Santiago 2023

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 17, 2023 – The Beach Volleyball tournament at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games to be held at the Beach Volleyball Center at Peñalolén Park from October 21 to 27 will bring together 32 teams, with 16 pairs per gender.

Teams will compete in a preliminary pool stage, with four groups of four teams in each gender.

The top teams in each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, while the second and third-placed teams will play in the round of 16 to determine the eight best teams in the tournament. From there on, semifinals and medal matches will be played.

Additionally, the teams that finish last in their group will compete for the 13th place, just as the losers in the round of 16 will vie for the 9th place, and those defeated in the quarterfinals will play for the fifth position.

Pool Distribution

Women

Pool A: Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica

Pool B: United States, Argentina, Independent Athletes (Guatemala), Peru

Pool C: Brazil, Puerto Rico, Colombia, El Salvador

Pool D: Canada, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Uruguay

Men

Pool A: Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Nicaragua

Pool B: United States, Uruguay, Independent Athletes (Guatemala), Bolivia

Pool C: Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, El Salvador

Pool D: Canada, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador

Pool Stage Schedule

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

Session 1

Women’s Tournament

10:30. Group D: Canada vs. Uruguay

11:00. Pool B: United States vs. Peru

11:30. Pool D: Paraguay vs. Dominican Republic

12:00. Pool B: Argentina vs. Independent Athletes Team

Men’s Tournament

12:30. Pool D: Canada vs. Ecuador

13:00. Pool B: United States vs. Bolivia

13:30. Pool D: Argentina vs. Costa Rica

14:00. Pool B: Uruguay vs. Independent Athletes Team

Session 2

Women’s Tournament

16:30. Pool C: Brazil vs. El Salvador

17:00. Pool A: Mexico vs. Ecuador

17:30. Pool C: Puerto Rico vs. Colombia

Men’s Tournament

18:00. Pool A: Mexico vs. Paraguay

18:30. Pool C: Brazil vs. El Salvador

Women’s Tournament

19:00. Pool A: Chile vs. Costa Rica

Men’s Tournament

19:30. Pool C: Cuba vs. Colombia

20:00. Pool A: Chile vs. Nicaragua

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

Session 1

Women’s Tournament

10:30. Pool D: Canada vs. Dominican Republic

11:00. Pool B: United States vs. Independent Athletes Team

11:30. Pool D: Paraguay vs. Uruguay

12:00. Pool B: Argentina vs. Peru

Men’s Tournament

12:30. Pool D: Canada vs. Costa Rica

13:00. Pool B: United States vs. Independent Athletes Team

13:30. Pool D: Argentina vs. Ecuador

14:00. Pool B: Uruguay vs. Bolivia

Session 2

Women’s Tournament

16:30. Pool C: Brazil vs. Colombia

17:00. Pool A: Mexico vs. Costa Rica

17:30. Pool p C: Puerto Rico vs. El Salvador

Men’s Tournament

18:00. Pool A: Mexico vs. Nicaragua

18:30. Pool C: Brazil vs. Colombia

Women’s Tournament

19:00. Pool A: Chile vs. Ecuador

Men’s Tournament

19:30. Pool C: Cuba vs. El Salvador

20:00. Pool A: Chile vs. Paraguay

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23

Session 1

Women’s Tournament

10:30. Pool D: Canada vs. Paraguay

11:00. Pool B: United States vs. Argentina

11:30. Pool D: Dominican Republic vs. Uruguay

12:00. Pool B: Independent Athletes Team vs. Peru

Men’s Tournament

12:30. Pool D: Canada vs. Argentina

13:00. Pool B: United States vs. Uruguay

13:30. Pool D: Costa Rica vs. Ecuador

14:00. Pool B: Independent Athletes Team vs. Bolivia

Session 2

Women’s Tournament

16:30. Pool C: Brazil vs. Puerto Rico

17:00. Pool A: Ecuador vs. Costa Rica

17:30. Pool C: Colombia vs. El Salvador

Men’s Tournament

18:00. Pool A: Paraguay vs. Nicaragua

18:30. Pool C: Brazil vs. Cuba

Women’s Tournament

19:00. Pool A: Chile vs. Mexico

Men’s Tournament

19:30. Pool C: Colombia vs. El Salvador

20:00. Pool A: Chile vs. Mexico

Dr. Ary Graça praises the World Championship in Tlaxcala and the Mexican Volleyball Federation

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 15, 2023 – FIVB President, Dr. Ary Graça, commended the organization of the 2023 Beach Volleyball World Championship in Tlaxcala, Mexico, during a meeting with the President of the Mexican Volleyball Federation, Jesús Perales Navarro.

The highest volleyball world executive made an assessment of what Mexico represents as a Federation which has been highly positive for the FIVB, as it has demonstrated the capacity to successfully host international events, such as the World Junior Championships, stages of the Beach Volleyball World Tour, and, of course, the current World Championship in Tlaxcala, which is the first to be organized outside of the European continent in the past 20 years.

Dr. Graça emphasized the importance of Mexico as one of the six countries that participated in all the World Junior Volleyball Championships this year, highlighting the future and potential of its teams.

Therefore, for Dr. Graça, future events in Mexico are of great interest, with a focus on supporting the Mexican national teams with world-class coaching staff, as well as future international events to be held in Mexico and its Professional Volleyball League, all fueled by Mexico’s passionate fan base.

“Mexico is on the right path”, Dr. Graça commented. “It’s a work that requires a lot of patience, laying the foundation with the youth categories, and it’s of great interest to continue supporting Mexico’s volleyball” he added.

A look ahead of Beach Volleyball at the Pan American Games

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SANTIAGO, Chile, October 16, 2023.- The Beach Volleyball double gender tournament at the 2023 Pan American Sports Games will take place at Peñalolén Park in the City of Santiago, Chile, from October 21 to 27.

The Beach Volleyball Center in Peñalolén Park will gather 19 countries competing for seven days.

Beach Volleyball was first introduced to the Pan American Games at the Winnipeg 1999 edition and has been dominated by Brazil in both men and women.

Brazil has won the men’s tournament in two occasions, in Rio De Janeiro 2007 and Guadalajara 2011, of the five times they’ve reached the gold medal match. Emanuel Fernando Scheffler Rego, three-time Olympic medalist, won them both, in 2007 with Ricardo Santos and in 2011 with Alison, both also Olympic medalists.

In the past edition of Lima 2019, Brazil didn’t reach the podium. Canada, Chile, Cuba and Mexico have one gold medal each.

Chilean cousins Marco and Esteban Grimalt won the previous edition, the only medal for Chile and as hosts are targeting to repeat their feat in front of the home crowd.

In women, Brazil won in Winninpeg 1999, Rio De Janeiro 2007 and Guadalajara 2011. Juliana Silva and Larissa França won back-to-back the 2007 and 2011 editions, the duo was world champions in 2011. Argentina, Cuba and the United States have one gold medal each.

USA’s Jace Pardon and Karissa Cook won the previous edition of the Games in Lima 2019.

Men’s Podiums

YEARGOLDSILVERBRONZE
1999Holden/Leinemann CANLula Barbosa/Garrido BRALopes/Neto BRA
2003Alvarez/Rossell CUBLuizão/Paulo Emilio BRAHernández/Papaleo PUR
2007Emanuel/Ricardo BRALoomis/Stolfus USAAlvarez/Munder CUB
2011Alison/Emanuel BRAHernández/Mussa VENEtchegaray/Suárez ARG
2015Ontiveros/Virgen MEXAlvaro/Vitor BRADíaz/Gonzalez CUB
2019Grimalt/Grimalt CHIOntiveros/Virgen MEXCapogrosso/Azaad ARG

Men’s Composite Medals

CountryGoldSilverBronzeTotal
BRA2316
MEX1102
CUB1023
CAN1002
CHI1001
USA0101
VEN0101
ARG0022
PUR0011

Women’s Podiums

YEARGOLDSILVERBRONZE
1999Behar/Bedê BRAPavley/Miller USAAmaral/Huerta MEX
2003Fernández/Larrea CUBGarcía/Gaxiola MEXAna/Larissa BRA
2007Juliana/Larissa BRAFernández/Larrea CUBCandelas/García MEX
2011Juliana/Larissa BRACandelas/García MEXSantiago/Yantín PUR
2015Gallay/Klug ARGFlores/Martínez CUBCarolina/Liliane BRA
2019Pardon/Cook USAGallay/Pereyra ARGAngela/Carolina BRA

Women’s Composite Medals 

CountryGoldSilverBronzeTotal
BRA3036
CUB1203
ARG1102
USA1102
MEX0224
PUR0011

Cheng and Hughes dethrone Duda and Ana Patrícia to become world champions in Mexico

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 15, 2023.- The United States are back at the top of the women’s podium at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships after 14 years as Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes triumphed in the 14th edition of the tournament, which came to an end on Sunday in Tlaxcala.

In an exciting gold medal match, Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes dethroned defending champions Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa and Ana Patrícia Ramos of Brazil, who got to the last day of the event undefeated and with no sets dropped, to secure a two-set (21-16, 24-22) victory. Their compatriots Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss took bronze, making the Americans have two teams on the podium for the first time since 1999.

The 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships matches are available on demand on VBTV.

Cheng and Hughes’ world title came in their second stint as partners. The two, who formed the most successful team in the history of American collegiate beach volleyball and took bronze at the 2013 FIVB U21 World Championships, competed together internationally from 2015 to 2018, when they split.

The two reunited at the end of 2022 and have had great success since then, winning four titles in the 12 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour events before the biggest victory of their careers on Sunday in Tlaxcala.

“I’m just so thankful for Sara,” Cheng reacted. “I’m so proud of her and I just thank God for putting us back together. I’m very thankful to be here.”

The 28-year-old Americans became the third different team from their country to triumph at the World Championships, joining three-time winners Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor, who won the 2003, 2005 and 2007 editions of the tournament, and April Ross and Jennifer Kessy, who took the title in 2009. The United States have now five golds, trailing Brazil by just one among the women.

Cheng and Hughes’ victory in Tlaxcala also earned the United States a berth at next year’s Paris Olympics. If the two are confirmed to occupy that spot in the Games, it would be the second Olympic appearance for Cheng, who took ninth in Tokyo 2020 with Sarah Sponcil, and the first for Hughes. The new world champions also get to split the 60,000 dollars prize money offered to the winners.

Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes USA 2023 World Champions

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Results

The bronze medal match at the Tlaxcala Bullring saw a battle between Kloth and Nuss and Australian Olympic medalists Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho, which was won by the Americans in three sets (15-21, 21-19, 15-8).

The most relevant result of their professional career so far, the bronze medal won in Tlaxcala marked the sixth podium appearance of the Americans in 2023 – they took gold in La Paz and Uberlândia, silver in Hamburg and Paris and bronze in Gstaad on Beach Pro Tour Elite16 tournaments.

Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss USA 2023 World Championship Bronze Medalists

“I can’t thank Mexico enough, from the bottom of my heart”, said the 1.73m-tall Nuss, who earned the nickname ‘Chaparrita’ (shorty, in Spanish) from the Mexican fans. “I love my new nickname and we’re definitely going to have a churro and probably a Margherita because it’s Mexico, so why not? We’re also very thankful for all the support we have back home.”

Czechs Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner won the men’s gold to Sweden’s David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig in a fantastic three-set (21-15, 17-21, 15-13) battle at the Tlaxcala Bullring. Poland’s Michal Bryl and Bartosz Łosiak took bronze defeating USA’s Theo Brunner and Trevor Crabb in two sets (21-17, 21-18).

USA vs. Brazil rivalry to have another chapter in Tlaxcala final

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 14, 2023.- For the seventh time in 14 editions of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships and the first since 2011, beach volleyball powerhouses the United States and Brazil will meet in the gold medal match of the event, on Sunday, in Mexico.

Cheng/Hughes and Duda/Ana Patrícia to play for the world title in Mexico on Sunday

Set to start at 16:00 local time (22:00 UTC) at the Tlaxcala Bullring, the decider of the event will reunite Americans Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes and defending champions Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa and Ana Patrícia Ramos of Brazil. Earlier, at 13:15 local time (19:15 UTC), USA’s Taryn Kloth/Kristen Nuss and Australia’s Taliqua Clancy/Mariafe Artacho will meet for bronze.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

The gold medal match in Tlaxcala will be the tie-breaker between the countries when it comes to World Championships finals as each nation has won three of the previous six encounters and also between the two duos, which are even with two triumphs in their four international duels to date. The last final involving South Americans and North Americans was in 2011, when Juliana Felisberta and Larissa França defeated Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor in Rome.

Brazil, with 17 medals (six golds, five silver and six bronze), and the United States, with 11 (four golds, five silver and two bronze), are the top medal-winners among the women at the World Championships. In each of the 14 editions of the event, there was at least one team from one of the two countries at the podium and only once, in 2013, no Brazilians or Americans played in the final.

The all-American semifinal in Tlaxcala was a match full of ups and downs and turnarounds. Cheng and Hughes, who had lost a match in pool play in Mexico, took down the then-undefeated Kloth and Nuss in the tie-breaker (18-21, 21-12, 15-13) to move forward.

The duel in the semifinals in Tlaxcala marked the sixth time the two teams, who are the heavy favorites to represent the United States at next year’s Paris Olympics, met in 2023. It was the fourth time Cheng and Hughes prevailed over Kloth and Nuss, who had triumphed in the last two encounters.

The 28-year-old Cheng and Hughes, who are in their second stint as partners, continue in great form since they reunited, at the end of 2022. Since they joined forces again, the Americans have won four titles in the 12 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour events they played, never finishing worse than ninth.

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

In the match that ended the day at the Tlaxcala Bullring, Duda and Ana Patrícia continued their strong run to their second-straight world title, claiming their sixth two-set victory in the tournament, downing Tokyo Olympic silver medalists Clancy and Mariafe 2-0 (21-17, 21-14).

In men, Trevor Crabb and Theo Brunner of the United States will play for the bronze medal against Poland’s Michal Bryl/Bartosz Łosiak at 12:00 local time (18:00 UTC). The gold medal will be at 14:30 local time (20:30 UTC) between Swedisth Åhman/Hellvig and Czechs Perusic/Schweiner.

The Americanas lost in semifinals to Czechia’s Ondrej Perusic/David Schweiner (15-21, 12-21) in semifinals.

Americans Hughes/Cheng and Nuss/Kloth to meet in Semifinals

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 13, 2023.- The women’s semifinals of the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships will have an All-American duel and a battle between duos from Brazil and Australia on Saturday in Tlaxcala. The matchups were set at the conclusion of the quarterfinal round of the tournament in Mexico, on Friday.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

USA’s Kelly Cheng/Sara Hughes and Taryn Kloth/Kristen Nuss will open the semifinals at the Tlaxcala Bullring at 18:00 local time (00:00 UTC, Sunday), with Brazil’s Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa/Ana Patrícia Ramos and Australia’s Taliqua Clancy/Mariafe Artacho meeting two hours later.

The two quarterfinals held in Tlaxcala ended with American duos on top. In the first of them, Cheng and Hughes gave no chance to Brazilians Tainá Bigi and Victoria Lopes, moving forward with a two-set (21-14, 21-16) win.

Prior to the meeting with the Brazilians, Cheng and Hughes had played in tie-breakers in both the Round of 32 and the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, the two had a stronger start and took control of the match from the beginning.

In the second quarterfinal match of the night in Tlaxcala, Kloth and Nuss dropped their first set in the tournament, but still walked away with a 2-1 (21-17, 19-21, 15-8) over reigning European champions Nina Brunner and Tanja Hüberli of Switzerland.

Taryn Kloth/Kristen Nuss (USA)

Defending champions Duda and Ana Patrícia get to the semifinals as the only team in the entire tournament to have not dropped a single set yet. In their sixth match in Huamantla, the Brazilians topped Dutch Olympians Raisa Schoon and Katja Stam 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) in the quarterfinals.

Their semifinal opponents, Australians Clancy and Mariafe took bronze at the 2019 World Championship. The Tokyo Olympic silver medalists sealed their return to the semifinals with a sweep (22-20, 21-16) of Canadian Olympians Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson in Apizaco.

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

Trevor Crabb and Theo Brunner make it to the semifinals

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 13, 2023.- Trevor Crabb and Theodore Brunner of the United States beat Brazilians Pedro Solberg and Gustavo ‘Guto’ Carvalhaes on Friday to make it into the men’s semifinals of the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

Besides USA’s Trevor Crabb/Theo Brunner, Poland’s Michal Bryl/Bartosz Łosiak, Sweden’s David Åhman/Jonatan Hellvig and Czechs Ondrej Perusic/David Schweiner also advanced to the semifinals, which will be held on Saturday in Tlaxcala.

The Americans will meet Czechs Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner who knocked out defending champions Anders Mol and Cristian Sorum of Norway. The other semifinal feature Bryl/Łosiak and Åhman/Hellvig.

Bryl/Łosiak and Åhman/Hellvig will battle in the first semifinal, set to start at 17:00 local time (23:00 UTC), with Perusic/Schweiner meeting Brunner/Crabb two hours later at the Tlaxcala Bullring.

Brunner and Crabb dominated Brazilians Pedro Solberg and Gustavo ‘Guto’ Carvalhaes in two sets (21-17, 21-14) in Huamantla to book their spots in the semifinals.

Trevor Crabb and Theo Brunner (USA) against Brazil

Perusic and Schweiner showed nerves of steel to upset Olympic and world champions Mol and Sørum in the tie-breaker (21-14, 14-21, 15-12) in the quarterfinals.

In the other quarterfinal held in Tlaxcala, Poles Bryl and Łosiak eliminated Americans Miles Partain and Andy Benesh with a straight-set (21-19, 21-16) victory and will both appear in the semifinals of the World Championships for the first time in their careers.

Åhman and Hellvig were pushed to their limits by Dutch Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot in Apizaco but managed to secure a three-set (32-30, 22-24, 15-12) win and advance to the semifinals in the first appearance at the World Championship.

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

Canada and two USA teams move into the Women’s quarterfinals

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 12, 2023.- Kloth/Nuss, Hughes/Cheng from the United States and Melissa/Brandie of Canada move into the women’s quarterfinals of the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship after the Round of 16 was completed across four Mexican cities on Thursday.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

Americans Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss continued their march to the medal rounds with a two-set (24-22, 21-14) victory over Brazilians Agatha Bednarczuk and Rebecca Cavalcanti in Tlaxcala.

Competing at the World Championships for the first time, the Americans have eliminated two world champions in the last two days – Canadian Sarah Pavan in the Round of 32 and Agatha in the Round of 16.

In the quarterfinals, Kloth and Nuss will meet reigning European champions Nina Brunner and Tanja Hüberli of Switzerland, who overcame another American duo in the Round of 16, beating Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles in straight sets (21-17, 27-25).

Sara Hughes USA

The second American team in the quarterfinals, Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes had a tougher path on Thursday, coming from behind to defeat Latvian stars Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova in the tie-breaker (19-21, 21-16, 15-11).

Their quarterfinal opponents, Tainá Bigi and Victoria Lopes also had a dramatic Round of 16 victory in Tlaxcala. The Brazilians got the better of Germans Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann, who had defeated them in pool play, winning a tight three-set (21-19, 22-24, 15-13) match and eliminating last year’s bronze medalists.

Canadians Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson also kept their record clean in Mexico, getting their fifth straight-set (21-14, 21-11) victory in the event against Swiss Esmée Böbner and Zoé Vergé-Dépré. They will now face Tokyo Olympic silver medalists Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho of Australia, who needed the tie-breaker (21-18, 15-21, 15-11) to handle Italians Marta Menegatti and Valentina Gottardi.

Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes CAN

Cheng/Hughes and Tainá/Victoria will play in the first quarterfinal, in Tlaxcala, at 17:00 local time (23:00 UTC). One hour later, Clancy/Mariafe and Melissa/Brandie will clash in Apizaco. Tlaxcala will host the third duel of the day, between Kloth/Nuss and Brunner/Hüberli, at 19:00 local time (01:00 UTC, Saturday). The match between Duda/Ana Patrícia and Stam/Schoon will end the day, at 21:00 local time (03:00 UTC).

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

Both USA Men duos make it to Quartefinals

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 12, 2023.- Theo Brunner/Trevor Crabb and Miles Partrain/Andy Benesh of the United States made into the men’s quarterfinals of the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship winning thier Round of 16 matches on Thursday.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

Theo Brunner and Trevor Crabb topped Australians Thomas Hodges and Zachery Schubert in two sets (21-17, 21-17).

In the quarterfinals, Theo and Trevor will face Brazilians Pedro Solberg/Gustavo ‘Guto’ Carvalhaes who overcame compatriots Evandro Gonçalves/Arthur Lanci in a tie-break (15-21, 24-22, 15-11).

Miles Partain and Andy Benesh beat Italians Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula in straight sets (21-14, 21-17).

Theo Brunner and Trevor Crabb USA

Partrain and Benesh will meet Poles Michal Bryl and Bartosz Łosiak in Friday’s quarterfinals. The Poles eliminated Germans Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler in two sets (21-18, 21-16).

Also advancing, reigning Olympic and world champions Anders Mol and Christian Sørum of Norway beat Italians Paolo Nicolai and Samuele Cottafava 2-0 (21-19, 21-17) in the Round of 16 and will now play Czechs Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner, who prevailed over Italians Daniele Lupo and Enrico Rossi in two sets (21-15, 21-17).

Stefan Boermans/Yorick de Groot of the Netherlands obtained a three-set (21-18, 16-21, 15-13) victory over compatriots Matthew Immers/Steven Van de Velde, and will now face David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig of Sweden who eliminated Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen of the Netherlands with a two-set (21-13, 21-11) victory.

The men’s quarterfinals will start in Tlaxcala, at 16:00 local time (22:00 UTC) and will continue with matches in Tlaxcala at 18:00 local time (00:00 UTC, Saturday) and Apizaco at 19:00 local time (01:00 UTC, Saturday) before concluding with an encounter in Huamantla at 20:00 local time (00:20 UTC, Saturday).

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

NORCECA and FIVB Mourns Passing of Volleyball Family Member Mark Tennant from Canada

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October 12, 2023.- NORCECA and the FIVB is deeply saddened by the passing of Mark Tennant from Canada, whose contributions to the sport of volleyball spanned over four decades, encompassing roles as a player, coach, technical leader and international representative.

Tennant was a cherished and prominent figure within the global Volleyball Family. His knowledge and expertise were invaluable contributions to various NORCECA and FIVB Commissions, in addition to his role as a Technical Delegate at several volleyball and beach volleyball events.

His legacy in the development of volleyball in Canada includes his key role in staging international events, such as the 1999 Women’s Junior World Volleyball Championship among others. While leading the women’s programme at the University of Saskatchewan, Tennant pioneered Supervolley, one of Canada’s largest and most prestigious open tournaments. Over its 20-year history, it evolved into the biggest tournament in North America, drawing teams from across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

NORCECA, the FIVB and global Volleyball Family extend their heartfelt condolences to the Canada volleyball community, as well as his family and loved ones, at this difficult time.

Seven NORCECA teams make it to the Round of 16 in Mexico

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 11, 2023.- Seven NORCECA teams remain in competition at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship in Tlaxcala, advancing into Thursday’s Round of 16.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

USA’s Theo Brunner and Trevor Crabb eliminated an Australian duo and will now face another one from the same country in the Round of 16. They defeated Chris McHugh and Paul Burnett in two sets (21-15, 21-17) on Wednesday and will now meet Thomas Hodges and Zachery Schubert, who overcame Canadians Sam Schachter and Dan Dearing 2-0 (21-16, 24-22).

Another American duo, Andy Benesh and Miles Partain triumphed over Poles Piotr Kantor and Jakub Zdybek in straight sets (21-17, 21-16) and will face Italians Adrian Carambula and Alex Ranghieri in the Round of 16 who beat China’s Ha Likejiang and Wu Jiaxinin 2-0 (21-17, 25-23).

Trevor Crabb USA

In the women’s field, Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss of the United States, still undefeated in Mexico, advanced to the next round with a sweep (23-21, 21-12) of Canadians Sarah Pavan and Molly McBain. They will now face Brazilians Agatha and Rebecca.

The United States will have another team in the Round of 16, in Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft, who advanced with a three-set (22-24, 24-22, 15-12) win over Brazilians Andressa Cavalcanti and Vitoria Rodrigues. Their next opponents will be Dutch Raisa Schoon and Katja Stam, who knocked out the European Championship silver medalists, Daniela Álvarez and Tania Moreno of Spain, in straight sets (34-32, 23-21).

Americans Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes, who overcame the Austrian Klinger sisters Ronja and Dorina in the tie-breaker (27-25, 19-21, 15-9) will face Latvians Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova, who topped China’s Jie Dong/Fan Wang 2-0 (21-14, 21-17).

Kelly Cheng USA attacks against Austria

Another American team, formed by Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles, also made it to the Round of 16 with a two-set (23-21, 21-8) win over Czechs Barbora Hermannová and Marie-Sara Štochlová. Their next opponents will be reigning European champions Nina Brunner and Tanja Hüberli of Switzerland, who topped Poland’s Jagoda Gruszczynska/Aleksandra Wachowicz in two sets (21-16, 21-14).

Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes and Esmée Böbner/Zoé-Vergé-Dépré will meet in the last Round of 16 duel. The Canadians advanced with a sweep (21-17, 21-17) of Finland’s Taru Lathi/Niina Ahtiainen while the Swiss knocked out French Lézana Placette and Alexia Richard also in two sets (26-24, 21-16).

The eight Round of 16 duels will be held on Thursday, during the afternoon, in Mexico, with Tlaxcala hosting half of the matches per gender and Huamantla and Apizaco welcoming two encounters each per gender.

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

Pavan/McBain and Evans/Budinger advance to the Round of 32 in Mexico

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 10, 2023.- Canadians Sarah Pavan and Molly McBain and USA’s Miles Evans and Chase Budinger earned a second chance at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships on Tuesday by winning their ‘lucky loser’ matches in Mexico and remaining alive in the tournament.

With 32 of the 48 teams that started the tournament in contention, the Round of 32 will be played on Wednesday across the cities of Tlaxcala, Apizaco and Huamantla, opening the elimination rounds of the event, which will continue until Sunday, when the medal matches will be held.

Reuniting the eight lower-ranked third-placed teams from the pool stage, the ‘lucky loser’ round featured four matches per gender on Tuesday.

In the women’s field Olympian Sarah Pavan with partner Molly McBain defeated Ariana/Karelys of Ecuador 2-0 (21-13, 21-10) in Tlaxcala.

Mexicans Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores were eliminated after falling 1-2 (18-21, 21-19, 10-15) against Klinger D./Klinger R. from Austria.

In Apizaco, Americans Miles Evans and Chase Budinger eliminated the last Mexican team in the event, defeating Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia 2-0 (24-22, 21-19).

Evans/Budinger (USA) v Sarabia/Virgen (MEX)

NORCECA teams still in competition: WOMEN Kristen Noth/Taryn Kloth USA, Sara Hughes/Kelly Cheng USA, Melissa Humana-Paredes/Brandie Wilkerson CAN, Julia Scoles/Betsi Flint USA, Terese Cannon/Megan Kraft USA, Sarah Pavan/Molly McBain CAN. MEN Miles Partrain/Andrew Benesh USA, Trevor Crabb/Theodore Brunner USA, Jorge Luis Alayo/Noslen Diaz CUB, Samuel Schachter/Daniel Dearing CAN, Miles Evans/Chase Budinger USA.

Cuba’s Alayo/Diaz and Canada’s Schachter/Dearing move forward in Tlaxcala

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 10, 2023.- Cuba’s Jorge Alayo/Noslen Diaz and Canada’s Sam Schachter/Daniel Dearing advanced to the Round of 32 at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

Jorge Alayo and Noslen Diaz topped pool I with two victories and one loss, after beating Mexico’s Ricardo Galindo and Oziel Aguirre 2-0 (21-18, 21-11) on Monday.

Sam Schachter/Daniel Dearing beat Abicha/El Azhari of Morocco 2-0 (21-19, 21-10) to claim second place in pool L with a 2-1 record.

Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia and Juan Virgen finished third place in pool L after falling 0-2 (24-26, 17-21) to Vitor Felipe/Renato of Brazil.

Sarabia and Virgen will play the ‘lucky loser’ round on Tuesday against Miles Evans and Chase Budinger of the United States for another chance to make it into the Round of 32, which will be held on Wednesday.

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

In the women’s field, Americans Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft (2-1) also advanced winning pool I after beating Xue/X.Y. Xia of China 2-0 (22-20, 21-14).

Making it into the ‘lucky loser’ round are Canadians Sarah Pavan and Molly McBain, and Mexicans Atenas Gutierrez and Abril Flores. Pavan/McBain beat Allanis Navas and Maria Gutierrez of Puerto Rico 2-0 (21-19, 21-12) to finish third in pool H. Gutierrez/Flores, third in pool L after falling to Swiss Vergé-Depré A./Mäder.

On Tuesday, Pavan and McBain will face Ariana/Karelys of Ecuador, while Gutierrez and Flores play Klinger D./Klinger R. of Austria, for a spot in the Round of 32.  

Three USA Men duos move forward in Tlaxcala

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 9, 2023.- American duos Andy Benesh/Miles Partain, Theo Brunner/Trevor Crabb, and Chase Budinger/Miles Evans, became on Sunday one of the first men’s teams to advance to the elimination rounds in the Tlaxcala 2023 Beach Volleyball World Championship.

Benesh and Partrain, with three wins in their three Pool C matches in Tlaxcala, the winners of this year’s Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Gstaad Elite16 finished in first place in the pool and completed the first round of the tournament undefeated.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

On Sunday, at the Tlaxcala Bullring, the 28-year-old Benesh and the 21-yer-old Partain trailed for the first time in the event but raised their game to beat French Youssef Krou and Arnaud Gauthier-Rat 2-1 (16-21, 21-15, 15-10) in a rainy match to keep their clean record.

Ranked fourth in the FIVB Beach Volleyball Men’s World Rankings, the Americans now focus on the Round of 32, which begins on Wednesday.

One of the toughest pools in the event, Pool D had a lot of turnarounds on Sunday before ending with Americans Theo Brunner and Trevor Crabb in first place and Ukrainians Sergiy Popov and Eduard Reznik in second place. Last-minute entrants Chase Budinger and Miles Evans of the United States finished third and continue in the tournament.

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

Pool play will be completed on Monday, when 16 men’s matches will be played and the remaining eight pools will be set. The ‘lucky loser’ round will be played on Tuesday, ahead of the Round of 32, on Wednesday.

Results:

Benesh/Partrain 2-0 (21-9, 21-14) v Peter/Hernan (FIVB); 2-0 (23-21, 21-17) v Mol H./Berntsen (NOR); 2-1 (16-21, 21-15, 15-10) v Krou/Gauthier-Rat (FRA).

Crabb Tr/Brunner 1-2 (20-22, 21-18, 7-15) v Popov/Reznik (UKR); 2-0 (21-18, 21-18) v Evans/Budinger (USA); 2-1 (19-21, 21-19, 15-12) v George/Andre (BRA).

Evans/Budinger (USA) 0-2 (17-21, 22-24) v Geroge/Andre (BRA); 0-2 (18-21, 18-21) v Crabb Tr/Brunner (USA); 2-0 (21-15, 21-11) v Popov/Reznik (UKR).

Four NORCECA Women teams with 2-0 record guaranteed to move on in Tlaxcala

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TLAXCALA, Mexico, October 9, 2023.- With two wins, Americans Taryn Kloth/Kristen Nuss, Sarah Hughes/Kelly Cheng and Julia Scoles/Betsi Flint, and Canadians Brandie Wilkerson/Melissa Humana-Paredes are guaranteed a spot in the Round of 32 in the 2023 Tlaxcala 2023 Beach Volleyball World Championship.

With two wins in their first matches in Tlaxcala, the four teams are one of the 12 women’s duos that clinched a spot in the elimination rounds of the event one day ahead of time, on Sunday.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships live on VBTV.

With still one match left to complete the preliminary round, Nuss/Kloth and Hughes/Cheng, the numbers 2 and 3 ranked team of the event, lead pool B and Ce respectively. Melissa/Brandie are on top of pool D and Scoles/Flint of pool J.

Pool play concludes on Monday, with the last 24 matches (two in each pool) completing the schedule for the opening round of the tournament. At the end of the day, the 28 teams that will advance directly to the Round of 32 and the eight that will have to play the ‘lucky loser’ round will be known. The ‘lucky loser’ round will be played on Tuesday, ahead of the Round of 32, on Wednesday.

Beach Volleyball World Championships – Match Schedule and Results

Results:

Nuss/Kloth 2-0 (21-15, 21-15) v Akiko/Yurika (JPN); 2-0 (21-19, 21-19) v Paulikiene/Raupelyte (LTU).
Hughes/Cheng 2-0 (21-4, 21-10) v Albarran/Vidaurrazaga (MEX); 2-0 (21-17, 21-12) v Ittlinger/Borger (GER).
Melissa/Brandie 2-0 (21-9, 21-10) v Yakki/Mahassine (MAR); 2-0 (21-14, 21-10) v Erika/Michelle (PAR).
Scoles/Flint 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) v Klinger D./Klinger R. (AUT); 2-0 (21-4, 21-11) v Quesada/Williams (CRC).  

Historic Beach Volleyball World Championship in Tlaxcala starts Friday

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, October 3, 2023.- The pool phase of the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Champions is fully set to start with 96 teams representing 40 different countries to compete in Mexico from October 6-15.

Marking the return of the event to Latin America for the first in two decades, the 14th edition of the World Championship will be played across four venues in the cities of Tlaxcala, Huamantla and Apizaco and will include as many as 216 matches – half in each gender.

Watch the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship live on VBTV.

The men’s and women’s winners will each earn a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics for their countries as well as a share of the $ 1 million prize money.

During the first phase of the tournament, teams in each of the 12 pools will play in a round-robin format. The top two teams in each pool and the best four teams that rank third in their respective pools will move directly to the Round of 32.

The remaining eight third-placed tandems will play a four-match lucky loser round to fill the last four spots in the elimination rounds. From the Round of 32 forward, the tournament continues on a single elimination format, with the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and medal matches.

These are the teams representing NORCECA:

MEN

Miles Partrain/Andrew Benesh (3) USA, Miguel Sarabia/Juan Virgen (12) USA, Chaim Schalk/Tri Bourne (19) USA, Trevor Crabb/Theodore Brunner (21) USA, Jorge Luis Alayo/Noslen Diaz (33) CUB, Samuel Schachter/Daniel Dearing (36) CAN, Ricardo Galindo/Isaias Oziel Aguirre (40) MEX, Jorge Barajas/Gabriel Cruz (41) MEX, Andy Alexis Blanco/Luis Garcia (42) GUA, Ruben Mora/Dany Lopez (44) NCA.

WOMEN

Kristen Noth/Taryn Kloth (2) USA, Sara Hughes/Kelly Cheng (3) USA, Melissa Humana-Paredes/Brandie Wilkerson (4) CAN, Atenas Gutierrez/Abril Castro (12) MEX, Julia Scoles/Betsi Flint (15) USA, Terese Cannon/Megan Kraft (16) USA, Sarah Pavan/Molly McBain (32) CAN, Alexandra Klineman/Hailey Harward (38) USA, Kianny Araya Quesada/Angel Williams (39) CRC, Susan Torres/Ivanna Rivera (40) MEX, Allanis Navas/Maria Gonzalez (41) PUR, Bethania Almanzar/Julibeth Payano (44) DOM, Esperanza Albarran/Yeray Vidaurrazaga (46) MEX.

Follow the tournament here  2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship 

Nuss & Kloth finish second at Paris Elite16

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PARIS, France, October 2, 2023.- For a second consecutive time, after the Hamburg Elite16 in August, Taryn Kloth & Kristen Nuss of the United States lost to top-seeded Duda/Ana Patricia of Brazil in the women’s final to settle for silver, their second on the Tour.

The second-seeded Americans also have four gold and one bronze medal in their showcase.

The Paris Elite16 Beach Por Tour took place at Roland-Garros Stadium from September 27 to October 1.

The Paris bronze went to last year’s Paris Elite16 winners Katja Stam & Raisa Schoon of the Netherlands, who won 2-0 (21-17, 22-20) over Gottardi & Megegatti of Italy.

Taryn Kloth & Kristen Nuss

In Sunday’s gold medal game, Ana Patricia & Duda and Nuss & Kloth engaged in a three-set battle at the end of which the Brazilians celebrated a 2-1 (21-10, 18-21, 15-13) victory. The South Americans were really convincing during the first set to win it by a wide margin, but the North Americans came back to gain control in the second, level the match and push it to a tie-breaker.

In semifinals, Nuss & Kloth beat Italians Gottardi & Menegatti 2-0 (21-13, 21-17).  

VW Beach Pro Tour Paris Elite16: all results

NORCECA teams final standings

Women: 2. Nuss/Kloth (USA), 5. Melissa/Brandie (CAN), Hughes/Cheng (USA), 9. Scoles/Flint, 13. Cannon/Kraft, 17, Pavan/McBain, 21. Alix/Harward.

Men: 9. Partrain/Benesh (USA), 17. Crabb Tr./Brunner, 21. Evans/Brudinger (USA), Schalk/Bourne.

The United States wins men’s gold in Punta Cana

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, October 1, 2023.- In a match that went to the maximum of three sets, the United States couple Timothy Brewster/Kyle Friend took top honors in the Punta Cana Volleyball Classic for the second consecutive year, defeating the Canada duo Jake MacNeil/William Russell 2-1 (21-14, 16-21, 15-11).

The bronze also went to the United States with the Hagen Smith/Logan Webber duo that defeated the Mexicans Ricardo Galindo/Isaías Aguirre 2-0 (22-20, 21-13).

Fifth place was occupied by the Canadian pair Arran Chambers/Liam Kopp who beat the Guatemalan duo Andy Blanco/Luis García 2-0 21-15, 21-11).

The Dominicans Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez finished seventh by dispatching Eddy Toro/Gregory De La Cruz of Aruba in two sets (21-19, 21-19), while Robert Cronshaw/Bryce Mayer of the Virgin Islands finished ninth after winning their match against the Dominicans Jorge Rosario/Rolvin Maldonado 2-0 (21-16, 21-15).

Timothy Brewster/Kyle Friend USA

Eleventh position went to the Costa Ricans Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela who defeated Zendai Richards/Shawn Seabrookes from Saint Kitts 2-0 (21-16, 21-16).

The other results of the day were:

Jake MacNeil/William Russell (CAN) d Ricardo Galindo/Isaías Aguirre 2-0 21-16, 21-15), Timothy Brewster/Kyle Friend USA) d Hagen Smith/Logan Webber 2-0 (21-9, 21-16 ), Daneil Williams/Fabien Whitfield (TTO) d Christopher Oxford/Isaac Nelson (GRN) 2-0 (21-6, 21-14), Arran Chambers/Liam Kopp (CAN) d Eddy Toro/Gregory De La Cruz (ARU ) 2-0 (21-16, 21-15), Andy Blanco/Luis García (GUA) d Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez (DOM) 2-1 (19-21, 21-16, 21-15).

Puerto Rico takes gold in Punta Cana

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, October 1, 2023.- The Puerto Rican duo Allanis Navas/María González won the gold medal this sunday at the Fourth Stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour 2023 after beating the team of USA Lexy Denaburg/Molly Turner 2-0 (23-21, 21-11).

The bronze was won by the other pair from the United States Corine Quiggle/Sarah Murphy who defeated the Dominican Republic duo Bethania Almanzar/Julibeth Payano 2-0 (21-15, 21-19).

In fifth position were the Canadians Dana Roskic/Calinda Kok who defeated the Mexicans Esperanza Albarrán/Yeray Vidaurrazaga 2-0 (21-17,21-18).

The Costa Ricans Angel Williams/Kianny Quesada finished seventh, defeating Guatemala Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15-12).

Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico digs

The other Canadian duo Lea Monkhouse/Marie-AlexBelanger finished ninth, beating the Virgin Islands Melanie Valenciana/Taylor Buckner 2-0 (21-10, 21-8), while the eleventh position was occupied by the Dominicans Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras who they beat Suraya Chase/Phylecia Armstrong 2-0 21-17, 21-5).

The other results of the day were:

Kathya Vasquez/Sofía Velasquez (ESA) d Britney Choon/Tsyan Selvon (TTO) 2-0 (21-11, 21-16), Lexy Denaburg/Molly Turner (USA) d Corine Quiggle/Sarah Murphy (USA) 2-0 (21-14, 21-13), Allanis Navas/María González (PUR) d Bethania Almanzar/Julibeth Payano (DOM) 2-0 (21-13, 21-10), Esperanza Albarrán/Yeray Vidaurrazaga (MEX) d Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado (GUA) 2-0 (21-11, 21-12), Dana Roskic/Calinda Kok (CAN) d Angel Williams/Kianny Quesada (CRC) 2-1 (18-21, 21-13, 15 -9).

Two American duos, Mexico and Canada advance to the Semifinal in Punta Cana

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, September 30, 2023.- The United States pairs formed by Timothy Brewster/Kyle Friend and Hagen Smith/Logan Webber, the Canadians Jake MacNeil/William Russell and the Mexicans Ricardo Galindo/Isaías Aguirre advanced this Saturday to the Semifinal of the fourth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour 2023.

Timothy Brewster/Kyle Friend defeated the Canadians Arran Chambers/Liam Kopp 2-0 (21-11, 21-19) in the Quarterfinals, while Hagen Smith/Logan Webber defeated the Dominicans Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez 2- 0 21-14, 21-16).

The Canadian duo Jake MacNeil/William Russell dispatched Andy Blanco/Luis García of Guatemala in two sets (21-17, 21-15), while the pair of Ricardo Galindo/Isaías Aguirre of Mexico defeated Eddy Toro/Gregory De La Cruz of Aruba 2-0 (21-11, 21-11).

The two United States teams will meet in one of the Semifinals and Mexico and Canada will collide in the other.

The Semifinals will be played this Sunday in the morning.

The other results of the day were:

Ricardo Galindo/Isaías Aguirre (MEX) d Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela (CRC) 2-0 (21-17, 22-20), Hagen Smith/Logan Webber (USA) d Zendai Richards/Shawn Seabrookes (SKN) 2-0 (21-6, 21-11), Andy Blanco/Luis García (GUA) d Robert Cronshaw/Bryce Mayer (ISV) 2-0 (21-12, 21-19), Arran Chambers/Liam Kopp (CAN) d Christopher Oxford/Isaac Nelson (GRN) 2-0 (21-14, 21-9), Jake MacNeil/William Russell (CAN) d Daneil Williams/Fabien Whitfield (TTO) 2-0 (21-15, 21-10), Timothy Brewster/Kyle Friend (USA) d Jorge Rosario/Rolvin Maldonado (DOM) 2-0 (21-14, 21-9), Robert Cronshaw/Bryce Mayer (ISV) d Zendai Richards/Shawn Seabrookes (SKN) 2-0 (21-11, 21-18) and Jorge Rosario/Rolvin Maldonado (DOM) d Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela 2-0 (24-22, 21-14).

Two couples from the United States, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are in the Punta Cana Semifinals

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, September 30, 2023.- Corine Quiggle/Sarah Murphy and Lexy Denaburg/Molly Turner from USA, accompanied by the Dominicans Bethania Almanzar/Julibeth Payano and Allanis Navas/María González from Puerto Rico are in the Semifinals of Women of the fourth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour 2023 in Punta Cana.

The two couples from USA will face each other this Sunday in the first Semifinal, while in the other Semifinal, the Dominican Republic will clash with Puerto Rico.

Corine Quiggle and Sarah Murphy advanced to the Semifinals by beating Katherine Albarrán and Yerai Vidaurrazaga of Mexico 2-0 (21-13, 21-15), while Lexy Denaburg and Molly Turner dispatched Canadians Dana Roskic and Calinda Kok 2-0 ( 21-15, 21,17).

The Dominicans Bethania Almanzar and Julibeth Payano achieved their place by defeating the Costa Ricans Angel Williams and Kianny Quesada in the Quarterfinals 2-0 (23-21, 21-13), while Allanis Navas and María Gonzalez from Puerto Rico advanced by beating Natalia Girón and Paola Alvarado of Guatemala 2-0 (21-10, 21-15).

The other results of the day were:

Angel Williams/Kianny Quesada (CRC) d Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado (GUA) 2-1 (16-21, 21-13, 16-14), Suraya Chase/Phylecia Armstrong (TTO) d Keshanice Mitchell/Thornia Mitchell (GRN) ) 2-1 (19-21, 21-14, 15-6), Katherine Albarrán/Yerai Vidaurrazaga (MEX) d Lea Monkhouse/Marie-Alex Belanger (CAN) 2-0 (21-10, 21-15), Allanis Navas/María Gonzalez (PUR) d Bethania Almanzar/Julibeth Payano (DOM) 2-0 (22-20,21-11), Lexy Denaburg/Molly Turner (USA) d Britney Choon/ Tsyan Selvon (TTO) 2-0 (21-5, 21-3), Corine Quiggle/Sarah Murphy (USA) d KathyaVasquez/Sofía Velasquez (ESA) 2-0 (21-8, 21-6), Dana Roskic/Calinda Kok (CAN) d Crismil Paniagua /Nallelin Taveras (DOM) 2-0 (21-19, 21-15), Britney Choon/ Tsyan Selvon (TTO) d Keshanice Mitchell/Thornia Mitchell (GRN) 2-1 (21-11, 20-22, 15- 10), Lea Monkhouse/Marie-Alex Belanger (CAN) d Suraya Chase/Phylecia Armstrong (TTO) 2-0 (21-15, 21-10) and Melanie Valenciana/Taylor Buckner (ISV) d Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras ( SUN) 2-0 (21-12, 21-15).

Costa Ricans Williams/Quezada, Guatemalans Girón/Alvarado and Quiggle/Murphy from the United States with two wins

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, September 29, 2023.- The Costa Rican couples of Angel Williams/Kianny Araya, Guatemala’s Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado and the USA couple Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy achieved two wins at the start of the fourth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour 2023 that is played on the courts located on Los Corales Beach in Punta Cana.

The Costa Rican duo Angel Williams/Kianny Araya achieved their two wins after beating Keshanice Mitchell/Thornia Mitchell of Granada 2-0 (21-10, 21-6) and Suraya Chase/Phylecia Armstrong of Trinidad Tobago 2-0 (21 -8, 21-21-11).

The Guatemalan duo of Natalia Girón/Paola Alvarado defeated Suraya Chase/Phylecia Armstrong of Trinidad Tobago 2-0 (21-15,21-14) and in their second game Keshanice Mitchell/Thornia Mitchell of Granada 2-0 (21- 5, 21-10).

Corinne Quiggle/Sarah Murphy of the United States defeated Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras of the Dominican Republic 2-0 (21-11, 21-7) and Canada’s Dana Roskic/Calinda Kok 2-0 (23-21, 21-10)

The results of the other matches of the day were:

Bethania Almanzar/Julibeth Payano (DOM) d Melanie Valenciana/Taylor Buckner (ISV) 2-0 (27-25, 21-11), Esperanza Albarrán/Yeray Vidaurrazaga (MEX) d Britney Choon/Tsyan Selvon (TTO) 2-0 (21-6, 21-10), Lexy Denaburg/Molly Turner (USA) d Lea Monkhouse/Marie-Alex Belanger (CAN) 2-1 (21-18, 20-22, 15-9), Dana Roskic/Calinda Kok (CAN) d Kathya Vasquez/Sofía Velásquez (ESA) 2-0 (21-10, 21-15), Allanis Navas/María González (PUR) d Melanie Valenciana/Taylor Buckner (ISV) 2-0 (21-8 , 21-9), Lea Monkhouse/Marie-Alex Belanger (CAN) d Britney Choon/Tsyan Selvon (TTO) 2-0 (21-7, 21-7), Lexy Denaburg/Molly Turner (USA) d Esperanza Albarrán/ Yeray Vidaurrazaga (MEX) 2-0 (21-10, 21-19) and Crismil Paniagua/Nallelin Taveras d Kathya Vasquez/Sofía Velásquez (ESA) 2-0 (22-20, 21-16).

The competition continues this Saturday with the continuation of the Preliminary Round, the Quarterfinals and the losers’ round.

Four undefeated male duos in Punta Cana

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, September 29, 2023.- The Guatemalan pair of Andy Blanco/Luis García, as well as Timothy Brewster/Kyle Friend and Hagen Smith/Logan Webber from the USA and Ricardo Galindo/Isaías Aguirre from Mexico remained undefeated on the first day of competition of the fourth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour 2023.

The American duo of Timothy Brewster/Kyle Friend won their two matches of the day, the first against Jake MacNeil/William Russell of Canada by 2-0 (21-13, 21-11) followed by another 2-0 against Daneil Williams/Fabien Whitfield of Trinidad Tobago (21-9, 21-14), while the pairing of Hagen Smith/Logan Webber, also from USA defeated Eddy Toro/Gregory De La Cruz of Aruba 2-0 (21-13, 21-8 ).

The duo of Andy Blanco/Luis García of Guatemala also won their two games, disposing of the Canadians Arran Chambers/Liam Kopp 2-1 (21-11, 19-21, 17-15) followed by a 2-0 victory over Christopher Oxford /Isaac Nelson of Granada (21-6, 21-11).

Hagen Smith/Logan Webber (USA)

The Mexicans Ricardo Galindo/Isaías Aguirre remained undefeated on this first date of the tournament, winning their only match against the Dominican duo of Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez 2-0 (21-17, 23-21).

The other results from the first day of competition were:

Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela (CRC) d Hayerling De Jesús/Oscar Martínez 2-0 (21-17, 21-10), Eddy Toro/Gregory De La Cruz (ARU) d Zendai Richards/Shawn Seabrookes (SKN) 2-0 (21-18, 21-17), Robert Cronshaw/Bryce Mayer (ISV) d Christopher Oxford/Isaac Nelson (GRN) 2-0 (21-13, 21-13), Jorge Rosario/Rolvin Maldonado (DOM) d Daneil Williams/Fabien Whitfield (TTO) 2-0 (21-13, 21-18), Arran Chambers/Liam Kopp (CAN) d Robert Croshaw/Bryce Myers (ISV) 2-1 (13-21, 21-10, 15 -11) and Jake MacNeil/William Russell (CAN) d Jorge Rosario/Rolvin Maldonado (DOM) 2-0 (21-16, 21-11).

This Saturday the Preliminary round will continue and in the afternoon the Quarterfinals and the losers’ round will be played.

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