Tag: Beach Volleyball

Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Nicaragua reach CAC Games Beach Volleyball Men’s semifinals

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

The semifinals will be held on Monday June 26.

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

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

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

Ruben Mora (1) and Jefferson Cascante (2) of Nicaragua

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

Results postions 9 to 21

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

Saturday’s Results

Cuartos de final

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

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

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

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

Juegos por posiciones del 9 al 21

BIZ 2-0 TCI 10 forfeit

PAN 2-0 MQE forfeit

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

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

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

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

TCI – MQE (DNS)

Kevin Rodriguez (1) and Josué Rivera (2) of Puerto Rico

Sunday’s Classification matches

JAM vs CAY 10:00 a.m. C2

SKN vs DOM 10:00 a.m. CC

HAI vs LCA 11:00 a.m. C2

ANT vs VIN 11:00 a.m. CC

BIZ vs PAN 12:00 md CC

CRC vs VEN 2:00 p.m. CC

GUA vs COL 3:00 p.m. CC

ESA vs ISV 7:00 p.m. CC

Puerto Rico, México, Cuba and Dominican Republic advance to Women’s Semifinals

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

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

The semifinal matches will be on Monday June 24.

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

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

Abril Flores of Mexico tips the ball

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

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

Yennifer Rivera of Cuba

Position matches 9-23

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

Quarterfinal Results

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

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

CUB def CCS (injury team B)

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

Positions 9 to 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

HON 2-0 ANT (DNS)

Sunday’s schedule (Positions 5-16)

ISV vs CAY 8:00 a.m. C2

TTO – COL 8:00 a.m. CC

BER vs BIZ 9:00 a.m. C2

JAM vs CRC 9:00 a.m. CC

CCS vs NCA 1:00 p.m. CC

SKN vs LCA 4:00 p.m. CC

GRN vs PAN 5:00 p.m. CC

ESA vs VEZ 6:00 p.m. CC 

Ariel Sainz: “Beach Volleyball at San Salvador 2023, challenge overcome”

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

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

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

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

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

Costa del Sol Stadium

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

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

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

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

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

San Salvador 2023 officially established

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SAN SALVADOR.- The XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games, San Salvador 2023, were inaugurated under a colorful atmosphere of sporting fraternity.

The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, welcomed each of the countries that will compete from June 23 to July 8 in the main sports event of the region.

“Welcome to El Salvador, the heart of America”, said Bukele during the opening speech of the games.

He indicated that San Salvador 2023 will serve to demonstrate the existing brotherhood between nations of Central America and the Caribbean.

He indicated that the assembly of the sports event has not been an easy task, but he pointed out that they assumed the responsibility of the assembly because it was an opportunity to show the world the change that El Salvador has had as a country.

While the President of Centro Caribe Sports, Luis Mejía Oviedo, thanked the Salvadoran people for saving and rescuing the Central American and Caribbean Games, which were affected by the economic recess caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“President Bukele, you have given us a lesson and that is to have faith and trust in ourselves”, said Mejía Oviedo, who highlighted that every time he spoke with the Salvadoran Prime Minister, he expressed confidence and trust that the games would be a reality.

“Thank you El Salvador for saving our games. Long live the Central American and Caribbean Games,” he said.

Opening ceremony 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games

He also took the opportunity to thank the Dominican Republic and the government of Luis Abinader, for opening the doors of the Caribbean nation to serve as a sub-venue for several sports.

Mejía Oviedo took the opportunity to congratulate each National Olympic Committee: “You have done a titanic job”.

The President of the Organizing Committee of San Salvador 2023 (COSSAN 2023), Yamil Bukele, detailed the adversities they overcame and how they remained optimistic in the face of the doubts and pessimism of many people.

“These games will remain for history, because where many saw difficulties, we saw opportunities”, considered the also Ad Honorem president of the National Sports Institute of El Salvador (Indes).

He thanked the collaborators and workers who worked long hours for the assembly of San Salvador 2023.

The XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games, San Salvador 2023, will be held in the Dominican Republic, which hosted seven sports disciplines.

Eight duos to battle for the Men’s Beach Volleyball semifinals at the CAC Games

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

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

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

Cuban monster block against Dominican Republic

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

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

Friday’s Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kevin Rodriguez of Puerto Rico spikes

Saturday’s schedule

Quarterfinals

MEX vs CRC 2:00 p.m. CC

CUB vs VEN 3:00 p.m. CC

GUA vs PUR 6:00 p.m. CC

COL vs NCA 7:00 p.m. CC

Matches for positions 9-23

BIZ vs TCI 10 :00 a.m. CC

PAN vs MQE 10:00 a.m. C2

JAM vs SKN 11:00 a.m. CC

DOM vs CAY 11:00 a.m. C2

HAI vs ESA 2:00 p.m. C2

ISV vs LCA 3:00 p.m. C2

Battles for a ticket into women’s semifinals are ready

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

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

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

Nahima Silva of Nicaragua

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

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

Friday’s results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maria Gonzalez of Puerto Rico reaches to spike

Quarterfinal schedule, Saturday June 24

MEX vs ESA 12:00 md CC

PUR vs VEN 1:00 p.m. CC

GUA vs CUB 4:00 p.m. CC

NCA vs DOM 5:00 p.m. CC

Posiciones del 9 al 22

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

LCA vs ANT 8:00 a.m. C2

TTO vs ISV 9:00 a.m. CC

COL vs CAY 9:00 a.m. C2

BER vs JAM 12:00 a.m. C2

CRC vs BIZ 1:00 .m. C2

Financial And Legal Presentations Discussed At The FIVB Board Of Administration Meeting

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FIVB accounts 2022 approved alongside some changes to the FIVB Regulations

The FIVB Board of Administration meeting continued today with the 2022 Accounts and legal presentations, as well as the reiteration of the initial decision, in line with the latest IOC recommendations, regarding the participation of the national teams from Russia and Belarus in international and continental events.

During the meeting, the Board of Administration approved the Business Report 2022 – Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet, as well as the report of the FIVB Controller 2022 and the Deloitte External Auditors’ Report 2022.

Additionally, the Board of Administration was presented with the legal presentation and proposals of the Legal Commission, which included changes to a number of FIVB Regulations, the appointment of the FIVB Disciplinary Panel and approval of the CAVB Constitution.

Following the detailed review of the FIVB Legal Commission, the FIVB Board of Administration also reiterated its previous decision that all Russian and Belarusian national teams, clubs, officials and beach volleyball and snow volleyball athletes are not eligible to participate in all international and continental events until further notice, which is in line with the latest IOC recommendations. It has also been decided not to display Russia and Belarus in the World Rankings for the duration of their non-participation at events as their ranking points remain frozen as per the decision of the FIVB Board of Administration in October 2022.

Men’s Beach Volleyball at the CAC Games reaches the round of 16

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

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

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

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

Luis Garcia of CCS (GUA) in action against SKN

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

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

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

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

Noslen Diaz of Cuba against Nicaragua

Resultados del jueves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juegos del viernes

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

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

CUB vs DOM 12:00 md. CC

CAY vs VEN 12:00 md. C2

PUR vs ESA 3:00 CC

GUA vs HAI 3:00 p.m. C2

ISV vs NCA 4:00 p.m. CC

LCA vs COL 4:00 p.m. C2

Women’s Beach Volleyball Round of 16 decided at 2023 CAC Games

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COSTA DEL SOL, El Salvador, June 22, 2023.- The round of 16 teams that are battling to reach the quarterfinals in the women’s beach volleyball tournament of the San Salvador 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games is ready.

After an intense day of competition, with challenging matches, the best ranked teams of each pool are seeded for the knockout round.

Abril Flores/Atenas Gutiérrez of Mexico booked their ticket after defeating the Jamaican duo of Chauna Kelly/Petal Smith 2-0 (21-16, 21-6) in Pool A.

In the round of 16, Flores/Gutiérrez will face Teisha Joseph/Apphia Glasgow of Trinidad and Tobago who prevailed over Grenada in the qualifier match.

In Pool B, Julibeth Payano/Bethania Almanzar (DOM) beat Ana Maria Beltrand/Yaleny Moreno of Colombia (21-18, 21-15) and are ready to face Nelissa Ramirez/Shantell Arnold of Belize.

Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanzar of DominicanRepublic

The Central Caribe Sports -CCS- team of Natalia Girón/Estefanie Bethancourt won 2-0 (21-10, 21-10) against Cristina Almeida/Amber Benneth (ISV). Girón and Bethancourt will meet Lisa Leblanc/Megan Calhoun of Bermuda in the eight-finals, they finished third place in Pool B.

Gabriela Brito/Juliennis Regalado (VEN), defeated Nahima Silva/Lolette Rodríbuez of Nicaragua 2-0 (21-13, 21-14) to top Pool D and advance into the eight-finals where they will face Deajra Tulloch/Chlouie Gaetos of Cayman Islands, third in pool A.

Maria Gonzalez/Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico beat Angel Williams/Kianny Araya of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-14, 21-9) for first place in Pool E and face in the round of 16 Ana Maria Beltrand/Yaleny Moreno of Colombia, who ended second place in Pool B.

Cuba’s Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros were first place of Pool F after beating Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina of El Salvador 2-0 (21-17, 21-16).

Cuba will play against Chauna Kelly/Petal Smith of Jamaica, second place in Pool A, while Soler/Molina (ESA) will face Almeida/Benneth (ISV), second in Pool C to move into the round of sixteen.

Silva/Rodríguez (NCA) and Williams/Araya (CRC) will meet in the Central American derby for the round of eight teams, both finishing second place in Pools D and E respectively.

Natalia Girón of Centro Caribe Sports (GUA)

Thursday’s results

Flores/Gutierrez           MEX     2-0 (21-16, 21-6)    Kelly/Smith JAM    

Beltran/YAleny             COL      0-2 (18-21, 15-21) Payano/Almanzar DOM 

Frankel/Tammenga      SUR     0-2 Forfeit of team A LeBlanc/Calhoun BER       

N. Giron/Betancourt (CCS)       2-0 (21-10, 22-20)  Almeida-Anz/Bennett ISV    

Wilson/Cuero               PAN      2-0 (21-14, 21-8)    Edwards/Lewis ANT 

Gabi/Juliennis VEN      2-0 (21-13, 21-14)  Silva/Lolette NCA     

Thornia/Stafford           GRN     2-0 (27-25, 22-20)  Allen/Lake SKN        

Gonzalez/Navas           PUR      2-0 (21-17, 21-9)   Williams /Quesada CRC        

Murillo/Bruhier HON     0-2 (16-21, 14-21)  Joseph/Glasgow TTO

Soler/Molina                 ESA      0-2 (17-21, 16-21) Rivera/Amanda CUB             

Ramirez/Arnold            BIZ       2-0 (21-17, 21-12)  Denila/Neptune LCA            

Thornia/Stafford           GRN     0-2 Forfeit of team A Joseph/Glasgow TTO        

Wilson/Cuero               PAN      0-2 (12-21, 20-22)  Ramirez/Arnold BIZ             

Edwards/Lewis             ANT      2-0 Forfeit of team B  Frankel/Tammenga SUR

Friday’s matches

MEX vs TTO 9:00 a.m. CC

ISV vs ESA 9:00 C2

PUR vs COL 10:00 a.m. CC

CAY vs VEN 10:00 a.m C2

GUA vs BER 1:00 p.m. CC

JAM vs CUB 1:00 p.m. C2

NCA vs CRC 2:00 pm. CC

BIZ vs DOM 2:00 p.m. C2 

FIVB Executive Committee confirms commitment to innovation in sport

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 21, 2023.- The FIVB Executive Committee, led by FIVB President Dr Ary S Graça F°, today met in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, to discuss further innovations and opportunities for the sport and its development all over the world.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Executive Committee to discuss the agenda planned for the Board of Administration meeting, set for 22-24 June 2023, as well as several other important topics. These included the timeline for the Continental Confederations’ Congresses 2024 and the change of National Federation of Origin requests.

Opening the meeting, the FIVB President said:

“The FIVB will never stop innovating and providing more opportunities for our sport. During this week’s Board of Administration meeting, we will present a number of important innovations that will be the next major milestones for our sport and I am delighted that the Executive Committee is fully aligned in its support for these projects.”

Intense day of Men’s Beach Volleyball at the CAC Games 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Casey Santamaria of CAY

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

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

Thursday schedule – pool-play

MEX vs PUR 10:00 a.m.

COL vs DOM 11:00 a.m.

CCS vs SKN 2:00 p.m.

TCI vs ANT 3:00 p.m.

NCA vs CUB 6:00 p.m.

BIZ vs JAM 6:00 p.m.

ESA vs CRC 7:00 p.m.

PAN vs LCA 7:00 p.m.

Women’s Beach Volleyball started at the CAC 2023 Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yvonne Soler of El Salvador celebrates

Results Wednesday

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

Thursday schedule

MEX vs JAM 8:00 a.m.

COL vs DOM 9:00 a.m.

GUA vs ISV 12:00 MD

VEN vs NCA 1:00 p.m.

PUR vs CRC 4:00 p.m.

ESA vs CUB 5:00 p.m.

SUR vs BER 9:00 a.m.

PAN vs ANT 12:00 MD

GRA vs SKN 1:00 p.m.

HON vs TTO 4:00 p.m.

BIZ vs LCA 5:00 p.m.

Women’s Teams

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

Beach Volleyball start the CAC Games San Salvador 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women’s Beach Volleyball kicks off at 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Costa Rica during oficial registration

Composición de Grupos

Pool A: Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica.

Pool B: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Suriname

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday schedule

CAY vs JAM 8:00 a.m.  Central Court

COL vs SUR 9:00 a.m.

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

GUA vs PAN 12:00 Central Court

ISV vs ANT 12:00 Court 2

Women’s Teams:

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

22 Countries in Men’s Beach Volleyball at CAC Games San Salvador

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

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

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

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

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

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

Puerto Rico during oficial registration

Pool Composition

Pool A: Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands

Pool B: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Haiti

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

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

Pool E: Nicaragua, Cuba, Jamaica, Belize

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

Wednesday morning schedule

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

DOM vs HAI    11:00 a.m.

GUA vs MQE   2:00 p.m.

SKN vs VIN      2:00 p.m. (court 2)

Equipos Hombres:

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

Beach Volleyball at Central American and Caribbean Games 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Men’s Podiums

1998Rossell/Chambers CUBJackson/Sotelo MEXDe Jesús/Velasco PUR
2002Hernández/Papaleo PURRodríguez/Hernández MEXVásquez/Rodríguez VEN
2006Álvarez/Villar CUBHenríquez/Hernández VENOntiveros/Ontiveros MEX
2010Hernández/Villafañe VENMiramontes/Vírgen MEXIrizarry/Rodríguez PUR
2014González/Díaz CUBVillafañe/Henríquez VENVírgen/Ontiveros MEX
2018González/Díaz CUBVírgen/Ontiveros MEXMurray/Manjarres COL

Composite Medals

CountryGoldSilverBronzeTotal
CUB4004
VEN1124
PUR1023
MEX0426
COL0011

Women’s Podiums

1998Amaral/Huerta MEXFerrer/Blanco CUBAbreu/Zambrano VEN
2002García/Gaxiola MEXRodríguez/Cova VENBonilla/Santos DOM
2006Fernández/Larrea CUBVírgen/Revuelta MEXRodríguez/García VEN
2010Candelas/García MEXAcevedo/Santiago PURGalindo/Galindo COL
2014Flores/Martínez CUBCandelas/Revuelta MEXPazo/Agudo VEN
2018Leila/Maylen CUBYuli/Diana COLAgudo/Gabi VEN

Composite Medals 

CountryGoldSilverBronzeTotal
MEX3205
CUB3104
VEN0145
PUR0101
DOM0011
COL0112

Canada wins gold at Beach Pro Tour Challenge in Jurmala

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JURMALA, Latvia, June 18, 2023.-  Canada’s Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes won their first Beach Pro Tour gold medal as a team in Jurmala, Latvia, today.

Canada defeated Switzerland’s Zoé Vergé-Dépré and Esmée Böbner 2-0 (21-17, 21-17).

Although the Swiss duo put pressure on Canada with their serve, Canada out blocked (5-1) their opponents, led in attack points and made fewer errors.

“It was a really solid week of consistent play by us. We stuck together, overcoming some adversity and really enjoyed playing each point,” said Humana-Paredes, who won this event last year with previous partner, Sarah Pavan.

“It’s been a long time on the road and we’re excited to go home to celebrate with our loved ones and get ready for the next one!”

Brandie Wilerson CAN blocks during gold medal match

Brandie/Melissa also won a bronze medal at the Elite 16 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, earlier this month.

“I am so happy, this team has been working hard so it’s so good to see it come out as a gold medal,” Wilkerson said in the post-match interview. “Every point we played as if it was the first point of the game until the very end. Our opponents are talented, and had a great tournament, so it was an effort to play against them.”

Earlier today, Canada’s team also beat home country favourites Anastasija Samoilova and Tina Graudina in the semifinal 2-0 (21-17, 21-16) to advance to the gold medal match. Latvia ended up winning the bronze medal over Brazil’s Tainá/Victoria in a tie break (21-11, 20-22, 15-13).

For more information on the Beach Pro Tour, which counts towards Olympic qualification points, see the Beach Volleyball World website: https://en.volleyballworld.com/beachvolleyball/competitions/beach-pro-tour/

NORCECA Mourns Passing of Volleyball Referee Hernán Casamiquela

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 16, 2023.- The NORCECA Confederation is deeply saddened by the loss of Argentinean Referee Hernán Casamiquela who passed away in Brasilia, Brazil.

Hernán Casamiquela was currently in Brasilia fulfilling his  referee duties at the Volleyball Nations League and passed away for natural causes.  

Casamiquela had a remarkable career as a national and international referee, with a long trajectory at World Championships and Olympic Games; he was current director of the National Refereeing Secretariat in Argentina.

NORCECA extends its deepest condolences to the international refereeing family, the Argentinean Volleyball Federation, and his loved ones during this difficult time.

Puerto Rico, USA, Canada and Dominican Republic Women qualify to the World Championship

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 8, 2023.- The women’s teams Puerto Rico, the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic qualified to the World Championship in Tlaxcala, Mexico at the NORCECA Continental Qualifying Beach Volleyball Tournament, that concluded on Thursday on the sand courts at Los Corales Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Puerto Rico’s Allanis Navas/María González took the top honors after beating Kelley Kolinske/Hailey Harward of the United States in gold medal match 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15 -11).

Shanice Marcelle/Sophie Bukovec of Canada won the bronze medal match defeating Bethania Almanzar/Julibeth Payano of the Dominican Republic (4th place) 2-0 (21-19, 21-11).

María González (PUR) spikes, Kelley Kolinske (USA) blocks

Fifth place went to Amanda Armenteros/Yenifer Rivera of Cuba after defeating Ximena Núñez/Kianny Araya of Costa Rica (6th place) 2-1 (19-21, 21-11, 15-8), while seventh place went to Natalia Girón/Estefanie Bethancourt from Guatemala who beat Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez from Nicaragua (8th place) 2-0 by forfeit.

Yvone Soler/Laura Molina from El Salvador finished ninth place beating Melanie Valenciana/Bailey Foy from the U.S. Virgin Islands (10th place) 2-0 (21-18, 21-13) and iChauna Kelly/Petal Smith of Jamaica finished eleventh over Chlouie Gaetos/Deajra Tulloch (12th place) 2-1 (21-10, 15-21, 15-10).

The 2023 Beach Volleyball World Championship will take place in Tlaxcala, Mexico from October 6 to 15.

Cuba, Nicaragua, USA and Canada Men win berths to World Championship

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 8, 2023.- Cuba, Nicaragua, the United States and Canada Men won the four berths to the World Championship in Tlaxcala, Mexico, granted by the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Qualifying Tournament, which concluded with success this Thursday on the sand courts at Los Corales Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Jorge Alayo/Noslen Díaz of Cuba were crowned champions of the Tournament after defeating 2-0 (21-12, 21-10) over the duo of Rubén Mora/Dany López from Nicaragua in gold medal match of the event.

Samuel Schatchter/Daniel Dearing of Canada won bronze due to an injury of Andrew Benesh with teammate Miles Partain of the United States (4th place).

Jorge Alayo digging

Andy Blanco/Luis García from Guatemala won the match for fith place, after it was suspended because  Hayerling De Jesús accompanied by Oscar Martínez of Dominican Republic (6th place) presented a muscle cramp and had to retire from the game in the third set.

Danier Dyner/Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica finished seventh, defeating Garrett Bucklin/Robert Cronshaw of Virgin Islands (8th place) who withdrew.

In ninth place were Joseph Clercent/Sheldon Descartes from Saint Lucia after beating Franklin Flores/Armando Guatemala from El Salvador (10th) 2-1 (8-21, 23-21, 15-13), the eleventh position went to Mark Blake/Javian Smith of Jamaica who defeated Jesario Ebanks/Stephen Watson of Cayman Islands (12th place).

The 2023 Beach Volleyball World Championship will take place in Tlaxcala, Mexico from October 6 to 15.

USA, Canada and Puerto Rico Women undefeated at NORCECA World Qualifier

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 7, 2023.- Women duos of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico advanced undefeated to the quarterfinal round of the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball in Punta Cana, a Qualifier tournament to the 2023 World Championship.

USA’s duo of Kelley Kolinse and Haley Harward easily defeated Cubans Amanda Armenteros and Yenifer Rivera 2-0 (21-10, 21-10) in Pool A. Then they controlled two Central American tandems, that of Yvonne Soler and Laura Molina of El Salvador 2-0 (21-4, 21-8), and Guatemalans Natalia Giron and Estefanie Bethancourt 2-0 ( 21-17, 21-20).

Canadians Shanice Marcelle and Sophie Bukovec went undefeated in Pool B, first defeating Chlouie Gaetos/Deajra Tulloch of Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-7, 21-7), then over Lolette Rodriguez and Socorro Lopez of Nicaragua 2-0 (21-13, 22-20), followed by a 2-0 (21-10 , 21-9) victory against Ximena Núñez and Kianny Araya of Costa Rica.

Shanice Marcelle (2) and Sophie Bukovec (1) of Canada

In Pool C, Allanis Navas alongside Maria Gonzalez started their campaign with two solid wins. First with a 2-0 (21-11, 21-5) win over Chauna Kelly and Petal Smith of Jamaica, followed by a 2-0 (21-4, 21-6) against Melanie Valenciana and Bailey Foy of U.S. Virgin Islands. Dominicans Bethania Almanzar and Julibeth Payano were resilient in the end, but Navas and Gonzalez pulled off their third win 2-0 (21-12, 23-21).

Also advancing into the quarterfinal round are Bethania Almanzar/Julibeth Payano (DOM), Ximena Núñez/Kianny Araya (CRC), Amanda Armenteros/Yenifer Rivera (CUB), Natalia Girón/Estefanie Bethancourt (GUA), y Socorro López/Lolette Rodriguez (NCA).

The quarterfinal competition starts this Thursday at 8:30 am (local time) on the sand courts located at Los Corales Beach in Punta Cana, the winners will qualify to the 2023 World Championship in Tlaxcala, Mexico and will advance into semifinals.

USA, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada Men advance undefeated at NORCECA World Qualifier

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 7, 2023.- Teams from the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada won all three of their preliminary round matches to advance undefeated to the quarterfinals of the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball World Championship Qualifier in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Andrew Benesh and Miles Partain of the United States in Pool A easily defeated Jesario Ebanks/Stephen Watson of Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-4, 21-4) and dominated Oscar Martinez/Hayerling Goris of the Dominican Republic 2-0 (21-15, 21-14). Benesh and Partain’s most battled performance was overcoming Cubans Jorge Alayo and Noslen Diaz (21-19, 26- 24) who also move into the quarterfinals.

Garrett Bucklin and Robert Cronshaw of the U.S. Virgin Islands managed two beat the two Central American tandems in Pool C, first they overpowered Danier Dyner/Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-18, 21-19) and Andy Blanco/Luis Garcia of Guatemala 2-0 (21-13, 21-17), followed by their third victory against Jamaica´s Mark Blake/Javian Smith 2-0 (21-12, 21- 5).

Sam Schachter of Canada digging

Canadians Sam Schachter and Daniel Dearing had no setbacks in their three Pool B victories. Sam and Dan first defeated Joseph Clercent/Sheldon Descartes of Saint Lucia 2-0 (21-8, 21-10), followed by a 2-0 (21-12, 21-14) over Franklin Flores/Armando Guatemala of El Salvador and closing the day 2-0 (21 -18, 21-16) against Ruben Mora and Dany Lopez of Nicaragua.

In addition to Dominicans Oscar Martinez/Hayerling Goris, three Central American pairs will also compete in quarterfinals, Danier Dyner/Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica, Andy Blanco/Luis Garcia of Guatemala and Rubén Mora/Dany López of Nicaragua.

Winners of the quarterfinals that start at 8:30 (local time) on Thursday, will win the ticket to the 2023 Beach Volleyball World Championship and will advance to semifinals here at Los Corales Beach in Punta Cana.

Four slots up for bids at Continental World Championship Qualifier

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 6, 2023.- The NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball World Championship qualifier has lined up the Confederation’s top teams set to compete in Punta Cana June 7-8 for four slots per gender up for bids to the FIVB 2023 World Championship to be held in October at Tlaxcala, Mexico.

The entry list of twelve teams per gender representing 13 countries has standout names at the Continental NORCECA Beach Tour, the Beach Pro Tour and World Championships.

In the women’s field the number one seeded team is that of the United States, Kelley Kolinske, winner of several NORCECA and Beach Pro Tour medals, with partner Hailey Harward who have teamed up just this year. 

Canada’s Sophie Bukovec, silver medalist at the 2022 World Championship in Rome with former partner Brandie Wilkerson, is teaming up with Shanice Marcelle  who has been competing at the NORCECA Tour since 2021 and in several Beach Pro Futures events.

Allanis Navas and Maria Gonzalez of Puerto Rico have become a NORCECA force since 2018, reaching the NORCECA podium on six occasions and just this weekend won the first Under-23 NORCECA Beach Tour.

USA’s Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh lead the men’s list, they won the bronze medal this past Sunday at the Elite16 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, and are competing at their first continental event.

The second seeded team is that of Olympian Samuel Schatcher and Dan Dearing, the number one team of Canada won the 2022 NORCECA Finals and several medals at the NORCECA Tour, finished second at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and qualified to the 2022 World Championship winning this event.

Cubans Jorge Luis Alayo and Nolsen Diaz have made it to the podium in each of the four NORCECA continental events they played in 2022, in this 2023 Varadero event (their only NORCECA this year), won this past weekend the first Under-23 NORCECA tournament and reached this year’s Saquarema Beach Pro Tour semifinals.

NORCECA mourns the loss of Guido Salvo

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SANTO DOMINGO, 6 de junio de 2023.- NORCECA is saddened to learn about the loss of Guido Alberto Salvo Pelleiro, former President of the National Volleyball Federation of Uruguay.

Guido Salvo presided Uruguay Volleyball from 2016 to 2021 and was member of the South American Volleyball Confederation, from where he supported and collaborated with NORCECA in organizing numerous Pan American Cups and Multisports Events that have united both Confederations.

NORCECA and president Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz express their deepest condolences to his respected family and to the Uruguayan volleyball family.

Puerto Rico wins the gold medal in the women’s NORCECA U23 Tour

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 4, 2023.- Puerto Ricans Allanis Nava and María González took the top honors showing a great level of play in gold medal match over Dominicans Jeneiry Rosario and Yari Cleto 2-0 (21-9, 21-10) in Los Corales Beach in Punta Cana.

Canadian duo of Sophia Hladyniuk and Emma Braticevic defeated Dominicans Ruth Martínez and Crismil Paniagua 2-0 (21-14, 21-15) to win the bronze medal.

In the match for fifth place of the event, Ximena Nuñez and Kianny Quesada of Costa Rica prevailed 2-0 (21-15, 21-14) against Naomi Monney and Andrea Godoy of Guatemala.

Allanis Navas (2) and María González (1) of Puerto Rico celebrate during gold medal match

Maryn McCoombs and Lucia Finlason of Cayman Islands finished seventh after  Sofi/Molina of Costa Rica forfeited.

Nahima Silva/Ella Resau of Nicaragua took ninth place over Daniela Vigil and Karla Tovar of El Salvador in three sets 2-1 (21-16, 18-21, 15-5). 

USA’s Miles Partain & Andrew Benesh win Bronze in Ostrava

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OSTRAVA, Czech Republic, June 4, 2023.- Miles Partain & Andrew Benesh of the United States won the bronze medal at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 men’s tournament on Sunday in Ostrava.

Miles Partain & Andrew Benesh, seeded 13th in the main draw bracket, made their way to the podium after starting their Ostrava quest from Wednesday’s qualifiers. Their bronze was the pair’s second medal on the Beach Pro Tour, after the gold they took at the first Dubai Challenge in October.

Partain & Benesh had to go against home favourites Ondrej Perusic & David Schweiner and the fantastic Ostrava crowd on the centre court stands that cheered the Czech team on. However, that seemed to be counter-productive for the Perusic & Schweiner this time as they made far too many unforced errors allowing the Americans to dominate throughout the match and celebrate a 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) upset of the fourth-seeded opponents.

 Schweiner was the best scorer of the match with 18 points, while defender Perusic finished with seven. Benesh had 15 and Partain – 13.

Miles Partain & Andrew Benesh

In the semifinals Partain & Benesh took the first set of that match, but then Qatar’s Cherif Younousse & Ahmed Tijan fought back to win it by 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15-9). Ahmed outscored everyone on the court with 23 points, including an ace, while Cherif raised three kill blocks and also aced once to tally 17 points to his name. Benesh finished with 22 points, while Partain added another 15.

Reigning Olympic and world champions, FIVB World Ranking leaders and defending Ostrava trophy-holders Anders Mol & Christian Sorum of Norway won the gold medal over  Cherif & Ahmed 2-1 (21-15, 19-21, 15-12).

VW Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16: all results

Cannon & Sponcil and Melissa & Brandie reach Ostrava podium

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OSTRAVA, Czech Republic, June 4, 2023.- Terese Cannon & Sarah Sponcil of the United States won the silver medal and Canadians Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes won the bronze at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 event in Ostrava.

· Watch Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16 replays on VBTV.

Terese Cannon & Sarah Sponcil started their Ostrava campaign from Wednesday’s qualifiers and made it all the way to Sunday’s final. It was the fourth Beach Pro Tour podium for their team. Tokyo 2020 Olympian Sponcil had already been on the Ostrava podium once, as she and her previous partner Kelly Claes (now Cheng) took the 2021 4-star gold in the Czech city, which is when they qualified for the Games in Japan.

Also from the qualifiers, Melissa Humana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson, completed the podium with bronze. It was only the third Beach Pro Tour appearance for the recently formed pairing of Canadian Olympians and they already have their first medal. Brandie had a 2018 4-star silver from Ostrava with Heather Bansley.

Melissa and Brandie Canada, bronze medal

Cannon & Sponcil, seeded bottom 16th in the main draw bracket, dominated the first set of Sunday’s big final against Ana Patricia & Duda, but the top-seeded Brazilians fought back to triumph after a 2-1 (17-21, 21-14, 15-12) victory, mostly thanks to their solid performance in offence.

In the bronze medal match, fifth-seeded Nina Brunner & Tanja Huberli of Switzerland had control over the scoreboard only during the first few rallies of the first set, but then 13th-seeded Melissa & Brandie pushed forward on all counts and dominated the rest of the game on the way to a 2-0 (21-16, 21-14) shutout.


Earlier in the semifinals, Cannon & Sponcil opened for the day with a hard-fought 2-1 (19-21, 23-21, 15-13) comeback against Melissa & Brandie.

Dominican Duos advance to Women Semifinals at the NORCECA U23 Tour

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 3, 2023.- Two duos of the Dominican Republic will compete in the women’s semifinals of the Under-23 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour being successfully held at Los Corales beach in Punta Cana.

The two Dominican couples qualified for the semifinals of the event that concludes this Sunday, after winning in Saturday’s quarterfinals.

Rosario and Cleto defeated Monney and Godoy from Guatemala 2-0 (24-22, 21-10) to advance to the next phase of the tournament, while in an electrifying match full of emotions, injuries, and passion, the duo of Martínez and Paniagua defeated Núñez and Quezada from Costa Rica in three intense sets (23-21, 23-25, 18-16) to get their ticket to the next stage.

In accordance with the regulations of the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation, two teams from the same country that both reach the semifinals will have to face each other, therefore the duo of Rosario and Cleto will have to face the team formed by Martínez and Paniagua of Dominican Republic.

The other two couples that advanced to the semifinals are the one made up of Hladyniuk and Braticevic from Canada who easily beat the one made up of McCoombs and Finlason from the Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-3, 21-9) and the duo of Navas and González from Puerto Rico defeated Sofi and Molina from Costa Rica 2-1 (21-13, 21-13).

The other two pairs advancing into semifinals are Canadians Hladyniuk and  Braticevic and Puerto Rico’s Navas and Gonzalez.

Sophia Hladyniuk of Canada

Hladyniuk and Braticevic easily beat McCoombs and Finlason of Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-3, 21-9), while Navas and González triumphed over Sofi and Molina of Costa Rica  2-0 (21-13, 21-13).

In semifinals, Dominicans will face each other, and Canada goes up against Puerto Rico.

The semifinals are scheduled on Sunday at 9:00 am (local time) as well as matches for positions 5 to 11, medal matches will be held during the afternoon.

Cuba, Nicaragua, Canada and Costa Rica advance to Men Semifinals in the NORCECA U23

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 3, 2023.- Cuba, Canada and Costa Rica advanced to the men’s Under-23 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour semifinals, after winning in quarterfinals at Los Corales beach in Punta Cana.

The Canadian duo of Chadwick/Gannett defeated  Guatemala’s Ventura/Izaguirre 2-1 (27-29, 21-14, 15-6) in a marathon match that lasted for 1 hour and four minutes to advance into the semifinals.

Canadian duo of Chadwick/Gannett

The other three pairs in the semifinals are that Araya/Varela (CRC) who defeated Licht/Abrams (CAN) 2-0 (28-26, 21-16), Cubans Alayo/Díaz who struck down the Guardado twins from El Salvador 2-0 (21-2, 21-7) in a match that barely lasted 20 minutes and Nicaragua’s Cascante/Meneses who overcame Morton/Zendai (SKN) in three well fought sets 2-1 (19 -21, 21-14, 15-9).

The competition will conclude on Sunday starting at 9:00am (local time) with the semifinals on courts 1 and 2, while matches for positions 5 to 12 will be played on court 3; medal matches will be held in the afternoon.

Brandie and Melissa set to make first semifinal appearance

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OSTRAVA,  Czech Republic, June 3, 2023.- Canadians Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes are ready to fight for their first international medal after just three events together as they continued their impeccable run at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, on Saturday with another win and are now set to compete in the semifinals of the tournament on Sunday.

The Canadian Olympians will face Americans Terese Cannon and Sarah Sponcil in one of the semifinals of the women’s tournament in Ostrava, at 09:00 local time (07:00 UTC).

Watch all matches at the Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16 event live on VBTV.

To make it to the semifinals in Ostrava, the two, who started the tournament on Wednesday’s qualifier, had to win six matches and they did so while dropping just one set. That happened on Saturday, when they faced Americans Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss in the quarterfinals and pulled off a hard-fought, three-set (21-19, 13-21, 15-12) win.

Their next opponents Cannon and Sponcil had as long of a route as theirs, also beginning their campaign in Ostrava in the qualifier. The Americans won five of their six matches in Ostrava so far and prevailed over Swiss Olympic medalists Anouk Vergé-Dépré and Joana in the quarterfinals with a comfortable 2-0 (21-16, 21-14) victory.

VW Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16: schedule and results

In men, Americans Andy Benesh and Miles Partain also reached the semifinals and will face Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan of Qatar on Sunday at 12:00 local time (10:00 UTC)

Partain and Benesh had a long route to the semifinals, having played as many as seven matches since they started their campaign in Ostrava, on Wednesday, in the qualifier. The Americans had two matches on Saturday and overcame Poland’s Michal Bryl and Bartosz Losiak 2-0 (21-19, 21-19) in the Round of 12 and Swedish David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig also in two sets (21-18, 21-0) in the quarterfinals – Hellvig was forced to withdraw from the match at the end of the first set after he sustained a wrist injury.

Seven duos undefeated at start the Men’s Under-23 Preliminary Round

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 2, 2023.- Seven duos undefeated on the first day of competition at the Under-23 NORCECA 2023 Beach Volleyball Tournament, taking place on the sand courts located at Los Corales beach in Punta Cana.

In pool D, Araya/Varela (CRC) had no difficulties in beating their two opponents; they first defeated George/Daley of British Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-7, 21-8) and then against  Maldonado/Paredes 2-0 (21-10, 21-10).

Guardado twins of El Salvador, also in pool D, controlled Maldonado/Paredes (DOM) 2-0 (21-11, 21-10) and George/Daley (IVB) by a 2-0 (21-4, 21-2) score.

Morton/Zendai of St. Kitts and Nevis in pool A got a win 2-0 (21-15,21-7) over Cayman Islands’ of Watson/Verhoeven who were also defeated by  Canadians Chadwick/Gannett 2-0 (21-11, 21-9).

Also, Guatemala’s Ventura/Izaguirre and Nicaragua’s Cascante/Meneses dominated Joseph/Martin de Antigua y Barbudas in pool B, 2-0 (21-7, 21-6) and 2-0 (21-9, 21-6) respectively.  

Alayo/Díaz of Cuba in pool C, obtained a 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) victory over Licht/Abrams of Canada in pool C, who earlier defeated Gil/Wilmore of the Dominican Republic 2-0 (21-7, 21-16).

The preliminary round concludes on Saturday morning, to then carry out the draw to determine the crossover quarterfinal round and the teams who play for placing matches in the afternoon.

Men’s Results Day 1:

SKN Morton/Zendai d CAY Watson/Verhoeven 2-0 (21-15,21-7)

NCA Cascante/Meneses d ANT Joseph/Martin 2-0 (21-9, 21-6)

CAN Licht/Abrams d DOM Gil/Wilmore 2-0 (21-7, 21-16)

ESA Guardado Y./Guardado C. d DOM Maldonado/Paredes 2-0 (21-11, 21-10)

CRC Araya/Varela d IVB George/Daley 2-0 (21-7, 21-8)

CAN Chadwick/Gannett d CAY Watson/Verhoeven 2-0 (21-11, 21-9)

GUA Ventura Izaguirre d ANT Joseph/Martin 2-0 (21-7, 21-6)

CUB Alayo/Díaz d CAN Licht/Abrams 2-0 (21-12, 21-12)

CRC Araya/Varela d DOM Maldonado/Paredes 2-0 (21-10, 21-10)

ESA Guardado Y./Guardado C. d IVB George/Daley 2-0 (21-4, 21-2)

Dominican Women surprises in the NORCECA U-23 Beach Tour

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 2, 2023.- Dominican duo of Ruth Martínez and Crismil Paniagua surprised after winning their both matches on the first day at the 2023 NORCECA Under-23 Beach Volleyball Tour.

Martinez and Paniagua beat the Benjamín/Joseph from Antigua & Barbuda 2-0 (21-9, 21-12) and Costa Rica’s Sofi/Molina with a 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) score to remain undefeated in the tournament.

Navas/Gonzalez of Puerto Rico had no resistance in pool B, to finish the day unbeaten, with wins over Dominicans Rosario/Cleto 2-0 (21-10, 21-9) and over  McCoombs/Finlason of Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-3, 21-7).

In pool A, Núñez/Quesada of Costa Rica defeated Nicaraguans Silva/Resau 2-0 (21-15, 21-18) who then fell to Canadian duo of   Hladyniuk/Braticevic 2-0 (21-15, 21-11).

Ximena Nuñez of Costa Rica spikes

Pool-play will resume on Saturday on the courts at beach Los Corales in Punta Cana.

Women’s Results day 1:

CRC Nunez/Quesada d NCA Silva/Resau 2-0 (21-15, 21-18)

CAY McCoombs/Finlason d ESA Daniela/Tobar 2-1 (18-21, 21-19, 15-6)

PUR Navas/González d DOM Rosario/Cleto 2-0 (21-10, 21-9)

DOM Martínez/Paniagua d ANT Benjamín/Joseph 2-0 (21-9, 21-12)

CRC Sofi/Molina d GUA Monney/Godoy 2-1 (17-21, 21-17, 15-13)

CAN Hladyniuk/Braticevic d NCA Silva/Resau 2-0 (21-15, 21-11)

PUR Navas/Gonzalez d CAY McCoombs/Finlason 2-0 (21-3, 21-7)

ESA Daniela/Tovar d DOM Rosario/Cleto 2-0 (21-12, 21-12)

GUA Money/Godoy d ANT Benjamin/Joseph 2-0 (21-6, 21-10)

DOM Martinez/Paniagua d CRC Sofi/Molina 2-0 (21-17, 21-17)

Two American duos and Canada into Ostrava  women’s quarterfinals

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OSTRAVA, Czech Republic, June 2, 2023.- USA’s Hughes & Cheng, Cannon & Sponcil and Melissa & Brandie of Canada won their pools to jump into the last eight of the women’s Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16.

Without dropping a single set in pool play, Sara Hughes & Kelly Cheng cruised directly into quarterfinals as one of the four pool winners. So did Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson. Terese Cannon & Sarah Sponcil of the United States and Cinja Tillmann & Svenja Muller of Germany booked the other two direct tickets to the last eight of the tournament.

· Watch all matches at the Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16 event live on VBTV.

Having started off their Ostrava campaign with a straight-set victory over the world’s number three team Barbara Seixas & Carol Solberg of Brazil on Thursday, Hughes & Cheng continued their Pool C journey with two more shutouts on Friday. First, the Americans mastered a 2-0 (21-19, 21-18) win over Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallists Taliqua Clancy & Mariafe Artacho Del Solar of Australia, seeded third in Ostrava, taking advantage of the many unforced errors of the opponents. Then, they dominated over compatriots Betsi Flint & Julia Scoles on the way to a 2-0 (21-13, 21-11) sweep. The three-way tie between the remaining teams in the pool was resolved on point ratio in favour of Clancy & Mariafe for the runner-up spot and Scoles & Flint for the third place, leaving Barbara & Carol out of contention.

Melissa & Brandie followed up on their two straight-set wins on Thursday with another one on Friday to top the final Pool D standings on a flawless record. The Canadian qualifiers handed another shutout, 2-0 (21-19, 21-16), to fourth-seeded Agatha Bednarczuk & Rebecca Cavalcanti of Brazil.

Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson of Canada

Despite falling 2-0 (21-19, 21-18) to reigning world champions Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) & Ana Patricia Ramos of Brazil, Terese Cannon & Sarah Sponcil kept their place on top of the Pool A table to progress to the quarterfinals. In what proved to be a crucial battle for the third place in the pool, USA’s Kristen Nuss & Taryn Kloth claimed a 2-0 (23-21, 21-9) win over European champions Anastasija Samoilova & Tina Graudina of Latvia, their first of the tournament, but enough to overtake the opponents in the standings and send them home.

VW Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16: schedule and results

In men, US qualifiers Miles Partain & Andrew Benesh, finished third in Pool D to stay alive in the tournament, while a three-way tie in Pool A between teams with 1-2 win-loss records was resolved on point ratio which left USA’s Crabb & Brunner out of contention.

24 teams ready to compete at U23 NORCECA Tour in Punta Cana

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, June 1, 2023.- 24 teams are ready to see action in the Under-23 Tournament part of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour 2023 starting this Friday in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic .

13 men’s teams and 11 women’s teams registered during the preliminary inspections on Thursday, aiming to advance from the preliminary pool-play that begins Friday at 9:00 am (local time) on the courts at Los Corales beach in Punta Cana .

There are 28 games scheduled for the first day of competition, 16 in the men’s branch and 12 in the women’s, the quarterfinals will be on Saturday and the semifinal along with the finals on Sunday in addition to placing matches.

El Salvador during Preliminary Inquiry

Men’s Teams: CAN Cameron Chadwick/Tynan Gannett , Martin Licht/Steven Abrams; GUA Mario Ventura/Jose Izaguirre; CUB Jorge Alayo/Nosién Díaz; CRC Julián Araya/Jhostin Varela; ESA Yoel Guardado/ Christopher Guardado; SUN Angel Gil/George Wilmore, Rolvin Maldonado/Ricardo Paredes; NCA Jefferson Cascante/Josue Meneses; SKN Elkreen Morton/Zendai Richards; CAY Stephen Watson/Jayden Verhoeven; ANT Khaliq Joseph/Roshaun Martin; IVB J’adon George/Jaroy Daley.

Women’s Teams: CAN Sophia Hladyniuk/Emma Braticevic; PUR Allanis Navas/Maria González; GUA Naomi Monney/Andrea Godoy; SUN Ruth Martínez/Crismil Paniagua, Jeneiry Rosario/Yari Cleto; ESA Daniela Vigil/Karla Tovar; CRC Ximena Nuñez/Kianny Araya, Sofia Vega/Laura Molina; NCA Nahima Silva/Ella Resau; CAY Maryn McCoombs/Lucie Finlason; ANT Nia Benjamin/Jassania Joseph.

Cannon & Sponcil and Melissa & Brandie march on in Ostrava main draw

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OSTRAVA, Czech Republic, June 1, 2023.- On Thursday, USA’s Terese Cannon & Sarah Sponcil were the first team to score two victories at Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16 women’s main draw.

However, Canadian qualifiers Melissa Humana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson were the first duo to secure their spot in the women’s quarterfinals after also sweeping both their games.

Watch all matches at the Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16 event live on VBTV.

Opening court 2 for action in the early morning, Cannon & Sponcil, seeded bottom 16th, engaged in a Pool A battle with fellow Americans Kristen Nuss & Taryn Kloth and battled their way to a 2-0 (21-17, 22-20) victory with a 23-point contribution from Sponcil.

In the second leg of pool play, Cannon & Sponcil repeated their result from the first match and managed a 2-0 (21-17, 22-20) shutout of Anastasija & Tina. At the same time, Duda & Ana Patricia bounced back from losing the first set to Nuss & Kloth and saved their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 (18-21, 21-18, 15-7) comeback victory. Ana Patricia hammered out as many as 33 points against 27 from Kloth.

Taryun Kloth USA digs

In Pool D, 13th-seeded Melissa & Brandie started their day with a 2-0 (21-17, 21-18) shutout of fifth-seeded Nina Brunner & Tanja Huberli of Switzerland. Brandie was the best scorer of the match with 20 points, including three aces and three blocks. In the afternoon, the Canadians disappointed the home crowd with a 2-0 (21-15, 21-17) sweep of their game against Czechia’s Barbora Hermannova & Marie-Sara Stochlova to secure a top-two finish in the pool after the last leg on Friday.

Straight-set matches marked the first leg in Pool C. USA’s Sara Hughes & Kelly Cheng found no match in the world’s number three team Barbara Seixas & Carol Solberg of Brazil, who had to make their way to the main draw through Wednesday’s qualifiers. The Americans dominated the game to master a 2-0 (21-15, 21-17) sweep with a 21-point match high from Cheng. At the same time, at centre court, Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalists Taliqua Clancy & Mariafe Artacho Del Solar of Australia, seeded third, hammered out a 2-0 (21-14, 21-18) shutout of Americans Betsi Flint & Julia Scoles.

Women’s pool play resumes on Friday morning at 08:30 local time (06:30 UTC).

In men, Germans Clemens Wickler & Nils Ehlers started with a win, a 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 15-6) comeback against American qualifiers Miles Partain & Andrew Benesh. The Americans then bounced back with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-14) sweep of their meeting with the Chilean cousins Grimalt  with a 24-point tally from Partain.

USA’s Trevor Crabb & Theodore Brunner bounced back from their loss to French Youssef Krou & Arnaud Gauthier-Rat 2-0 (21-17, 21-15) with a 2-1 (19-21, 21-19, 15-11) comeback victory over Brazilians Pedro Solberg & Guto, as Brunner hammered out 29 points, including seven blocks and two aces.

Men’s pool play resumes on Friday morning at 10:10 local time (08:10 UTC).

VW Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16: schedule and results

Three American teams and one from Canada on way to Ostrava Elite16 main draw

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OSTRAVA, Czech Republic, May 31, 2023.- American men duos of Trevor Crabb & Theodore Brunner and Miles Partain & Andrew Benesh, USA’s Terese Cannon & Sarah Sponcil and Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson in women, earned a spot in the main draw at the 2023 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 event in Ostrava that got underway on Wednesday with the qualification brackets.

· Watch all matches at the Beach Pro Tour Ostrava Elite16 event live on VBTV.

Cannon & Sponcil were the first team to qualify for Thursday’s main draw. After a 2-0 (21-13, 21-15) shutout of China’s Xinxin Wang & Lingdi Zhu, the Americans then faced Lithuania’s Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte, and despite the opponents’ driven performance in the first set, produced a 2-0 (22-20, 21-10) shutout.

Qualification bracket seeding leaders Melissa & Brandie were merciless in both of their matches, first cruising to a 2-0 (21-2, 21-7) blowout of Czechia’s Anna Pavelkova & Katerina Pavelkova, then hammering out a 2-0 (21-17, 21-13) sweep of Switzerland’s Esmee Bobner & Zoe Verge-Depre, to book the last vacancy in the 16-team women’s main draw.

Brandie Wilkerson of Canada receiving

In men, Crabb & Brunner had to deal with a match against compatriots, but in the first round, when they claimed a 2-0 (21-15, 21-16) win over fellow Americans Chaim Schalk & Tri Bourne. Their second match offered a fierce three-set battle with Austria’s Robin Seidl & Moritz Pristauz, in which Crabb & Brunner came back from a set down to squeeze out a narrow 2-1 (24-26, 21-18, 18-16) victory.

Partain & Benesh followed a similar path through the qualifier grind. First, they knocked out French hopefuls Arthur Canet & Teo Rotar with a 2-0 (21-15, 21-15) sweep, but then they had to battle back from a set down against Estonia’s Kusti Nolvak & Mart Tiisaar to stop the clocks deep into the tie-breaker overtime at a 2-1 (15-21, 21-11, 19-17) victory.

Main draw action on Thursday starts at 08:30 local time (06:30 UTC) with women’s pool play, as reigning world champions Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) & Ana Patricia Ramos of Brazil take on reigning European champions Anastasija Samoilova & Tina Graudina of Latvia at centre court, while Cannon & Sponcil engage in an all-American duel with Taryn Kloth & Kristen Nuss on court 2.

Teams from NORCECA who entered the women’s main draw from the beginning are all from USA: Sara Hughes/Kelly Cheng, Kristen Nuss/Taryn Kloth, Julia Scoles/Betsi Flint.

Two Norceca Beach Volleyball events land in Punta Cana

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 30, 2023 – Two NORCECA Beach Volleyball events land in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic running from June 1-9.

The Under-23 NORCECA Tournament will be taking place from June 1 to 5 with 12 countries competing for ranking points as part of the qualification system for age-group international events: Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Under 23 event is the new beach volleyball circuit that the NORCECA Confederation has created for athletes to earn ranking points for this age-group.

Amos Anglade, member of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Commission said, “we are pleased with this new circuit because each team will be taking their position on their own and not like in the past when the senior ranking was used to distribute teams at a regional, continental and world level”.

NORCECA president Cristobal Marte  Hoffiz and all beach volleyball lovers are enthusiastic about our Confederations new initiative.

In addition to earning ranking points, the circuit will benefit the players to compete in major events with more experience, which in the future contributes to improving the level of competition at the senior beach tour.

The second event from June 6-9 is the qualifying tournament to the Tlaxcala 2023 FIVB World Championship. Thirteen countries have confirmed to compete: Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Saint Lucia.

The World Championship qualifier event grants 4 slots per gender to be in Tlaxcala from October 6-15.

NORCECA is saddened to learn of the loss of Raiza O’Farril, former member of las “Morenas Del Caribe”

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HAVANA, Cuba, May 30, 2023.- The North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA is saddened to learn of the loss of Raiza O’Farril, ex member of the legendary “Morenas Del Caribe” of Cuba.

Volleyball Cuban legend, performed as setter of the Cuban team that won both Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and several world championships, was a key piece of the famous Morenas del Caribe under the direction of mythical coach Eugenio George, who captivated the world during the 90’s.

The news was confirmed to NORCECA by Mireya Luis NORCECA Vice President and former teammate who expressed “a beautiful person has passed away, an excellent woman, excellent athlete, a Morena del Caribe; it’s painful, rest in peace my child”.

Raiza O’Farril passed away this morning at the age of 51 after a short battle against cancer and leaves to mourn two daughters to whom we send our deepest condolences.  

Level I Beach Volleyball Course closing ceremony

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 26, 2023.- With the support of the National Physical Education Institute and the North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA, the Level I Beach Volleyball International Course for Coaches and Physical Education professor concluded successfully.

Ten professors from the INEFI joined professors and coaches from Ecuador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Cuba, Italy and the Dominican Republic took part of the International Course.

FIVB instructor Mauro Hernandez of Spain conducted the course, he is one of the most respected instructors worldwide, who has taken part in Olympic Games, several World Tour stages, Pan American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games, among others.

The participants were subjected to a five-day working program that included theory and practice at the Volleyball Training facilities at Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.

After handing out the certificates, Mauro Hernandez said “I am satisfied with the great level and knowledge of the participants, especially from the Dominican professors, who are ensuring a promising future for volleyball in at a school level throughout the country”.

Hernandez congratulated the National Physical Education Institute for joining the Regional Volleyball Development Center in Dominican Republic directed by Professor Nelson José Ramírez for his initiative, “I will take this idea to my country to start a program like this one, as one of the FIVB politics is to integrate schools to our sports’ programs”.

Professor Ramírez stated that NORCECA president Cristobal Marte is interested in schools to be part of the development of volleyball in the region.

Ramirez closed the ceremony thanking Alberto Rodríguez director of INEFI for his support, as well as that of the Dominican Olympic Committee and the Dominican Sports Ministry.

Virgen and Sarabia dethrone Urrutia/Satterfield at Cayman Islands

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SEVEN MILES BEACH, Cayman Islands (May 21, 2023) – Juan Virgen alongside Miguel Sarabia of Mexico won the third phase of the Norceca Tour in Cayman Islands defeating Jake Urrutia and Ian Sutterfield of the United States.

The Mexican duo beat last year’s champions here in Cayman Islands Jake Urrutia – Ian Satterfield 2-0 (21-15, 21-16). They dominated the first set without a problem, but in the second set they came back from a disadvantage.

Olympian Juan Virgen has several titles in different Norceca events, he has been one of the few players that keeps competing in the tour, although he is active in FIVB events.

Americans, Jake Urrutia / Ian Satterfield reached the final, dominating Guatemala’s Andy Leonardo / Luis Garcia without complications 21-19, 21-10.

Miguel Sarabia (1) and Juan Virgen (2) of Mexico win their first Norceca title as a team

The Mexican semifinal could not be completed when Gabriel Cruz was injured and wasn’t able to continue playing with Jorge Barajas. Therefore, Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia advanced to the championship match.

Third place went to the Guatemalans Leonardo/Garcia.

Mens Semifinals – Urrutia / Satterfield (USA) d. Blanco / García (GUA) (21-19, 21-10); Sarabia / Virgen (MEX) d. Barajas / Cruz (MEX) (injury); 11th place – Kwasny / Rodriguez (ISV) d. Hodge / Seabrooke (SKN) (24-26, 21-17, 15-13); 9th place – Kemp / Gannett (CAN) d. Cascante / Lopez (NCA) (21-17, 21-15); 7th place – Flores / Guatemala (ESA) d. Macneill / Russell (CAN) (forfeit);  5th place – Kolinske / Smith (USA) d. Williams / Whitfield (TTO) (21-10, 21-10); 3rd place – Blanco / Garcia (GUA) d. Barajas / Cruz (MEX) (injury); Championship Match – Virgen / Sarabia (MEX) d. Urrutia / Satterfield (USA) ( 21-15, 21-16)

Alanis Navas/Maria Gonzalez conquer Cayman Islands

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SEVEN MILES BEACH, Cayman Islands (May 21, 2023) – The duo of Alanis Navas and Maria Gonzalez from Puerto Rico won their second title in the history of the NORCECA Tour after conquering Caiman Islands.

The Puerto Ricans defeated Natalia Giron / Estefanie Bethancourt of Guatemala in the title match in straight sets 21-14, 21-15.

Girón / Bethancourt become the second team from Guatemala to reach the final, Susana Alvarado alongside Lula Ramírez finished second in 2012.

Navas and Gonzalez add their second continental title, their first was in 2022 at Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic. It is the third occasion that Puerto Rico wins at Seven Miles Beach previously Yarleen Santiago / Dariam Acevedo won in 2010 and 2011.

María González of Puerto Rico spikes

In the match for third place Ruby Sorra / Lea Monkhouse of Canada defeated Cubans Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros in two sets (21-19, 21-18).

The final day began with the semifinal matches, with Natalia Giron / Estefanie Bethancourt of Guatemala reaching the country’s second final after defeating Yenifer Rivera / Amanda Armenteros of Cuba (21-17, 21-14).

In the other semifinal, Alanis Navas / Maria Gonzalez of Puerto Rico had to battle three sets to defeat Canadians Ruby Sorra / Lea Monkhouse (19-21, 21-15, 18-16).

Womens Semifinals – Navas / González (PUR) d. Sorra / Monkhouse (CAN) (19-21, 21-15, 18-16);  Giron / Bethancourt (GUA) d. Rivera / Amanda (CUB) (21-17, 21-14); 11th place – López / Silva (NCA) d. Thompson / Gandolfi 9caY) (21-17, 21-17); 9th place – Albarran / Torres (MEX) d. Corah / Goodman (CAN) (15-23, 21-12); 7th place – Kelly Smith (JAM) d. Gutierrez / Flores (MEX) (injury); 5th place – Chacon / DeBerg (USA) d. Soler / Molina (ESA) (21-12, 21-9); 3rd place – Sorra / Monkhouse (CAN) d. Rivera / Amanda (CUB) (21-19, 21-18); Championship Match – Navas / González (PUR) d. Giron / Bethancourt (GUA) (21-14, 21-15)

NORCECA mourns the passing of Bill Kauffman

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 21, 2023.- The NORCECA Volleyball Confederation was saddened to learn of the death of Bill Kauffman, former member of the NORCECA Press Commission.

Bill Kauffman served as senior manager of communications at USA Volleyball from where he was appointed for many international volleyball tournaments and held the position of secretary of the NORCECA Press commission.

Kauffman died on May 20 of natural causes.

NORCECA sends our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Semifinal in Cayman Islands is a repeat of the 2022 Final

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SEVEN MILES BEACH, Cayman Islands (May 20, 2023) – The men’s semifinal of the Cayman Islands NORCECA Tour will feature a repeat of the 2022 final between United and Guatemala; the other semifinal is between the two Mexican pairs.

Jake Urrutia / Ian Satterfield of the United States will face Andy Leonardo / Luis Garcia of Guatemala, both pairs staged in this same arena the 2022 final, won by Urrutia and Satterfield. The Americans reached the semi-final after defeating Trinidad & Tobago, Daneil Williams / Fabien Whittfield (25-23, 21-16).

For their part, the Guatemalans overcame Canadians, Russell Macneil / Jake Macneil, in three sets (16-21, 24-21, 15-12).

Luis García of Guatemala against Canada’s block

The other semifinal will be between Mexicans. After their quarterfinal victory, Jorge Barajas / Gabriel Cruz over William Kolinske / Hagan Smith of the United States 18-21, 21-17, 16-14. Meanwhile, veteran Juan Virgen alongside Miguel Sarabia defeated Franklin Flores / Armando Guatemala of El Salvador 21-8, 21-19.

The semifinals are scheduled for 10:30 AM (local time), the championship match will be played later in the afternoon.

Mens Quarter Finals – Blanco / Garcia (GUA) d. Macneal / Russell (CAN) (12-21, 23-21, 15-12); Barajas / Cruz (MEX) d. Flores / Guatemala (ESA) (21-9, 21-10); Urrutia / Satterfields (USA) d. Williams / Whitfield (TTO) (25-23, 21-16).

Cuba, Canada, Guatemala and Puerto Rico are Cayman Islands Semifinalists

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SEVEN M ILES BEACH, Cayman Islands (May 20, 2023) – Cuba, Canada, Guatemala and Puerto Rico advanced to the Women’s Semifinals of the third stage of the NORCECA Tour in Cayman Islands.

The Cuban duo, Yenifer Rivera / Amanda Armenteros defeated Mexico’s Atenas Gutierrez / Abril Flores in a three-set battle (21-19, 20-22, 17-15), by far the best match of the tournament.

Alanis Navas / Maria Gonzalez of Puerto Rico reached their first semifinal of the season by defeating team USA of Alaina Chacon / Kylie DeBerg 2-0 (22-20, 21-17)

Ruby Sorra / Lea Monkhouse of Canada achieved a quick victory over Jamaicans Chauna Kelly / Petal Smkith  by a 21-15, 21-3 score.

The Central American battle between Guatemalans Natalia Giron / Estefanie Bethancourt and (Yvonne Soler / Laura Molina of El Salvador was dominated by Giron and Bethancourt 21-15, 21-17.

Natalia Girón and Estefanie Bethancourt of Guatemala advance to gold medal match in Cayman Islands

With these results, the Sunday’s semifinals are:

Ruby Sorra / Lea (Canad) vs Alanis/Navas (Puerto Rico)

Yenifer Rivera / Amanda Armenteros (Cuba) vs Natalia Girón / Estefanie Bethancourt (Guatemala)

Womens Quarter Finals  – Sorra / Monlhouse (CAN) d. Kelly / Smith (JAM) (21-15, 21-3); Giron  / Guerra (GUA) d. Soler / Molina (ESA) (21-15, 21-17); Rivera / Amanda (CUB) d. Gutiérrez / Flores (MEX) (21-19, 20-22, 17-15); Navas / González (PUR) d. Chacon / Deberg (USA) (22-20, 21-17). Quarter Final Loser – Thompson / Gandolfi (CAY) d. Tulloch / Gaetos (CAY) (21-9, 21-11); Albarran / Torres (MEX) d. Almanzar / Paniagua (DOM) (21-12, 21-19); Lopez / Silva (NCA) d. Sofi / Quesada (CRC) (21-11, 21-13); Corah / Goodman (CAN) d. Buckner / Charles (ISV)

Seven teams undefeated on day one at Cayman Islands men’s competition

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SEVEN MILES BEACH, Cayman Islands (May 18, 2023) – Day one finished with seven men’s duos undefeated at the third stage of the NORCECA Tour in Cayman Islands.

Orlando Joseph / Irvens Benjamin of Haiti had an outstanding performance. They are returning to Cayman Islands for the second year in a row, achieving one victory and a battled three sets against the experienced Daneil Williams /Fabien Whittfield of Trinidad & Tobago.

Both teams from United States, Canada and Mexico, along with Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador lead their respective pools undefeated.  

Click here to watch matches on all three courts live.

Jorge Barajas of Mexico

Men´s Results Day 1: Pool A – Urrutia / Satterfield (USA) d. Fiddick / Amaro (BER) (21-9, 21-3); Flores / Guatemala (ESA) d.  Isaacs / Gene (BAH) (21-12, 21-18); Urrutia / Satterfield (USA) d. Isaacs / Gene (BAH) (21-7, 21-7); Kwasny / Rodriguez (ISV) d. Fiddick / Amaro (ISV) (21-15, 21-12); Flores / Guatemala (ESA) d. Kwasny / Rodriguez (ISV) (17-21, 21-19, 15-13); Fiddick / Amaro (BER) d. Isaacs / Gene (BAH) (18-21, 21-14, 16-14).  Pool B – Sarabia / Virgen (MEX) d. Hazzard / Fredericks (AGU) (21-10, 21-7); Williams / Whitfield (TTO) d. Olando / Irvens (HAI) (19-21, 21-7, 15-3); Sarabia / Virgen (MEX) d. Olando / Irvens (HAI) (21-6, 21-10); Hodge / Seabrookes (SKN) d. Hazzard / Fredericks (AGU) (21-3,21-8); Olando / Irvens (HAU) d. Hazzard / Fredericks (AGU) (21-10, 21-18); Pool C – MacNeil / Russell (CAN) d. Dominica / Florent (DMA) (21-12, 21-8); Barajas / Cruz (MEX) d. Dyner / Brown (CRC) (21-10, 21-12); MacNeil / Rusell (CAN) d. Barajas / Cruz (MEX) (24-22, 15-21, 15-11); Santamaria / Jesario (CAY) d. Dominica / Florent (DMA) (21-19, 21-16);  Barajas / Cruz (MEX) d. Dominica / Florent (DMA) (injury); Dyner / Brown (CRC) d. Santamaria / Jesario (CAY) (23-21, 21-15). Pool D – Kemp / Gannett (CAN) d. Cascante / Lopez (NCA) (21-19, 16-21, 15-9); kolinske / Smith (USA) d. Barrozo / Wright (CAY) (21-8, 21-9);  Kolinske / Smith (USA) d. Blanco / Garcia (GUA) (21-15, 21-14); Kemp / Gannett (CAN) d. Barrozo / Wright (CAY) (21-10, 21-6).

No surprises in the women’s competition at Cayman Islands

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SEVEN MILES BEACH, Cayman Islands (May 19, 2023) – The action in the women’s division had no surprises on the first day of competition at the Cayman Islands leg of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour.

A total of 24 matches were played under perfect weather conditions, in front of the calm Caribbean Sea.

Both Mexican teams, alongside Cuba, Puerto Rico, Canada, El Salvador, Cayman Islands and Guatemala closed a perfect day, placing themselves halfway to advance into the quarterfinals.

The group of death (Pool B) presented strong battles from Mexico (Atenas Gutiérrez / Abril Flores) and Puerto Rico (Allanis Navas / María González) who achieved hard-fought victories against Canadians Devin Cora / Adriel Goodman. Both duos are close to decide pool B top place to move into the next phase, although the Puerto Rican duo had a tough opposition from Dominicans Bethania Almanzar / Crisma Paniagua.

The second day of action will begin at 8:00 AM (local time) with the last matches of the preliminary round, followed by the quarterfinals in the afternoon.

Ivonne Soler of El Salvador diggs

Women´s Results Day 1: Pool A – Chacon / Deberg (USA) d. Peters / Thomas (ANT) (21-4, 21-7); Albarran / Torres (MEX) d. Buckner / Charles (ISV) (21-5, 21-10); Albarran / Torres (MEX) d Chacon / Deberg (USA) (injury); rivera / Amanda (CUB) d. Peters / Thomas (ANT) (21-11, 21-8); Rivera Amanda (CUB) d. Buckner / Charles (ISV) (21-8, 21-12); Albarran / Torres (MEX) d. Peters / Thomas (ANT) (21-11, 21-11); Pool B – Gutierrez / Flores (MEX) d. Wolfenden / Powery (CAY) (21-8, 21-13); Navas / Gonzalez (PUR) d. Corah / Goodman (CAN) (21-14, 21-18); Gutierrez / Flores d. Corah / Goodman (CAN) (21-16, 23-21); Almanzar / Paniagua (DOM) d. Wolfenden / Powery (CAY) (21-17, 22-20); Navas / Gonzalez (PUR) d. Almanzar / Paniagua (DOM) (21-19, 21-18);  Corah / Goodman (CAN) d. Wolfenden / Powery (CAY) (21-9, 21-16); Pool C – Sorra / Monkhouse (CAN) d. Settle / Moss (BER) (21-8, 21-10); Soler / Molina (ESA) d. Tulloch / Gaetos ( (CAY) (21-13, 21-19); Sorra / Monkhouse (CAN) d Tulloch / Gaetos ( (CAY) (21-4, 21-8); Lopez / Silva (NCA) d. Settle / Moss (VER) (21-10, 21-14); Soler / Molina (ESA) d. Lopez / Silva (NCA) (21-15, 21-14); Tulloch / Gaetos (CAY) d. Settle / Moss (BER) (21-12, 12-21, 15-11);Pool D – Giron / Guerra (GUA) d. Danila / Philip (LCA) (21-4, 21-5); Kelly / Smith (JAM) d. Sofi / Quesada (CRC) (21-18, 22-20); Giron / Guerra (GUA) d. Kekky / Smith (JAM) (21-18, 21-15); Thompson / Gandolfi (CAY) d. Damila / Phillip (LCA) (21-5, 21-6); Thompson / Gandolfi (CAY) d. Sofi / Quesada (CRC) (23-21, 21-16); Kelly / Smith (JAM) d. Denila / Phillip (LCA) (21-14, 21-7).

Cayman Islands receives the NORCECA Tour once again

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SEVEN MILES BEACH, Cayman Islands (May 18, 2023) – One of the most traditional and fun tournaments in the history of the Norceca Tour returns to Seven Miles Beach in Grand Cayman this weekend.

This will be the third event of the 2023 season.

Kennedy McGowan, President of the Cayman Islands National Federation, said he was very pleased to be part of the tour again. “We will have three days of a high level of beach volleyball”

The stage brings together 20 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams that represent the Cayman Islands, United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, Antigua, Anguilla, Bahamas, Bermuda, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago and Dominica.

Watch Live on YouTube Cayman Sports Channel

Seven Mile Beach Venue in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Mens: William Kolinske / Hagan Smith, Jake Urrutia / Ian Satterfield (USA); Juan Virgen / Miguel Sarabia, Jorge Barajas / Gabriel Cruz (MEX); Russell Macneil / Jake Macneil,  Rouzbeh rahnavard / Simon Feclean (CAN); Jefferson De Jesus Cascante / Denis Jose  Lopez (NCA);  Andy  Leonardo / Luis Garcia (GUA); Daniel Williams / Yulius  Brown (CRC); Daneil Williams  / Fabien Whittfield (TTO); Franklin Flores / Armando Guatemala (ESA); Brian Kwasny / Gabriel Ospina (ISV); St. Clair Hodge /  Shawn Seabrookes (SKN); Casey Santamaria /  Jesario ebanks, Jesper Barrozo / Tarek wright (CAY); Olando Joseph / Irvens Benjamin (HAI); Jon Isaacs / Eugene Stuart (BAH); Daniel Fiddick /  Brian  Amaro (BER); Aiden Hazzard / Da’Qwan Fredericks (AGU); Deon Vidal / Yahn Florent (DMA).

Womens: Katie Lindstrom / Teagan Van Gunst, Geena Urango / Carly Skjodt (USA); Atenas  Gutierrez / Abril Flores, Esperanza Albarran /  Susana Torres (MEX);  Ruby Sorra / Lea monkhouse, Devin Cora / Adriel Goodman (CAN); Natalia  Giron / Estefanie Bethancourt (GUA); Sofia Vega /  Kianny Araya (CRC); Yvonne Soler / Laura molina (ESA);  Allanis Navas / Maria Gonzalez (PUR); Taylor Buckner / Mannika Charles (ISV);  Yenifer Rivera / Amanda Armenteros (CUB); Bethania  Almanzar / Crisma Paniagua (DOM); Socorro Lopez / Nahima Silva (NCA); Chauna Kelly  / Petal Smkith (JAM), Niyota Petera  / Joelle Thomas (ANT); Allison settle / Hailey Moss (BER); Denila Prospere / Clio Phillio (LCA)

Newcomers Portes-Martinez win NORCECA Beach Tour in Varadero

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VARADERO, Cuba, May 14, 2023.- NORCECA Beach Tour newcomers, Lázaro Portes and Daniel Martínez of Cuba surprised in their two last performances, sensationally conquering the second stage.

The victory of Portes and his giant partner (2.17 meters tall) over the experienced USA’s Troy Field and Tucker Silila in three exciting sets (21-18, 19-21, 15-10) in 55 minutes, was unexpected.

«I believe it was a tactical performance and not taking in account our physical preparation and technique, and how we might benefit from our height, we also had to think about what to do on the court», said Martínez Campos, son of Mabel, former player of many national indoor teams.

Nevertheless, their amazing feat was beating the Cuban A team of Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo, who in 2022 won four NORCECA Tour medals, the NORCECA world championship qualifier, ranked 17 in worlds and champions of the I Junior Central American and Caribbean Sea and Beach Games of Santa Marta, Colombia, and this year newcomers at the Beach Pro Tour with an outstanding performance.

Portes and Martinez didn’t think of their opponent’s history nor their condition of tournament favorites. They followed coaches Alvarez Cutiño and Walfrido Salas instructions just to play. They remained connected, determined, and in 42 minutes they earned the sensational victory 21-14 and 21-18.

Varadero Men’s Gold Medal Match

«I am excited to have beat our compatriots, who we respect because in such a short time they have significant results, it’s wonderful», Lazaro expressed, who is shorter but skillful which combines with Daniel’s extraordinary height.

Just like in last years’ first time competing, Diaz and Alayo couldn’t win in Varadero, but they claimed the bronze once again after dominating Mexicans Jorge Barajas and Gabriel Cruz 21-16 and 21-18 in 36 minutes .

Precisamente Barajas y Cruz cayeron en la otra semifinal frente a los norteños Field y Tucker en dos parciales por 2-0 (14-21, 19-21).

Fifth place went to Canadians Jake MacNeil and William Russell, who without setbacks defeated Dominicans Oscar Martínez and Francisco de Jesús Goris 2-0 (21-11, 21-15).

Full results of this phase are at Cuba 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour.

USA Lindstrom and Van Gunst Champions of Varadero NORCECA Beach Tour

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VARADERO, Cuba, May 14, 2023.- Katie Lindstrom/Teegan Van Gunst of the United States prevailed over Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutiérrez to become champions of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour second stage at the courts beside Barceló Arenas Blancas Hotel.

The golden pair was fourth place in the first stage in Aguascalientes, where the local team of Atenas with Abril Flores won against the northern team of Urango and Skjodt.

«We are now very happy with our first podium of the year because we are a strong team, what happened in Aguascalientes was that Katie got sick and couldn’t finish well, but in the 2022 Tour we won two gold medals and the same number of silver medals», explained Teegan, number two on her uniform.

Katie, who works as a researcher for a coffee company, and Teegan, kids beach volleyball coach, said they will be competing in a strong leg of the AVP.

They both said they had a great time in their first trip to Cuba, especially in Varadero. «We loved it, it’s a nice place, a beautiful beach and good people, kind and helpful with us».

Katie Lindstrom and Teegan Van Gust USA celebrate Gold Medal

The bronze medal went to Geena Urango and Carly Skjodt defeating Canadians Ruby Sorra and Lea Monkhouse 2-0 (21-18, 21-19).

In semifinals Katie and Teegan won to their compatriots Urango and Skjodt 2-1 (21-18, 21-14, 15-12) in 54 minutes of actions under the sun.

On their side, Mexicans Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez moved forward dominating Canadians Ruby Sorra/Lea Monkhouse 2-1 (21-12, 17-21, 17-15) in 57 minutes.

For fifth place, Puerto Ricans Allanis Navas/María González beat Cubans Yenifer Rivera and Amanda Armenteros 2-0 (21-6, 21-14) in only 29 minutes, their second victory in the tournament over the home team.

Seventh place went to Dominicans Esmeralda Ramirez and Julibeth Payano, executors of hosts Nahomi Charlot and Maykelín Drik  2-1 (21-14, 15-21, 15-9)  and nineth place to Nicaraguans Margarita López and Lolette Rodríguez , winners against Canadians Devin Corah and Adriel Goodman 2-1 (21-16, 16-21, 19-17).

Full results of this phase are at Cuba 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour.

Two USA teams, Mexico and Canada in Varadero semifinals

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VARADERO, Cuba, May 13, 2023.- United States with its two pairs, Mexico and Canada won the right to play in the women’s semifinals at the second stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit.

Geena and Carly in some way got the thorn out during pool-play, winning group C to Mexican Atenas, who joined by Abril Flores beat them for the title of the first stop in Aguascalientes.

Nevertheless, they might meet again, now Atenas teaming with Susana Torres who won bronze in Aguascalientes. But for that to happen the Mexicans must dominate Canada and Geena and Carly their compatriots Katie and Teegan.  

In quarterfinals Geena and Carly prevailed over Dominicans Esmeralda Ramirez/Julibeth Payano 21-15 and 21-13,while their teammates had no mercy against Cubans Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros 21-11 and 21-13.

The second local pair of Nahomi Charlot/Maykelín Drik were victims of Mexico who dominated  21-14 and 21-17.

Atenas Gutierrez of Mexico in quarterfinals

In the other quarterfinal challenge, Canadians Ruby Sorra/Lea Monkhouse moved into semifinals cutting off Puerto Ricans Allanis Navas/María González inspiration 25-23 and 21-16.

Earlier the Puerto Ricans won group A, but with resistance from El Salvador’s Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina 19-21, 21-5 and 15-12 in a game that lasted one hour and 13 minutes.

Laura Molina has shown she’s in good conditions recovering from giving birth to her third child four months ago and will celebrate mother’s day here in Varadero accompanied by her mother and new born baby.

Semifinals are this Sunday morning, as well as classification matches for positions 5 to 16.

Full results of this phase are available at Cuba 2023 NORCECA Beach.

Strong men’s contest to conquer Varadero Beach Tour

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VARADERO, Cuba, May 12, 2023.- Seven male duos move ahead with two victories after a strong contest in the beginning of the second stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour being played at the attractive scenery just aside the Barceló Arenas Blancas Hotel.

The two home teams, in addition to Canada, Puerto Rico, United States, Dominican Republic and Mexico gave an important step eager to reach the quarterfinals to be held on Saturday at the conclusion of pool-play.

In group A, Noslen Díaz/Jorge Luis Alayo, favorites to step on the podium like the four times they did in 2022, didn’t even sweat against against Martin Jad/Jahhmal Small, of Saint Vincen and the Granadines (21-9, 21-9) and El Salvador’s Franklin Flores/Christopher Guardado (21-8, 21-9).

Canadians Jake MacNeil/William Russell also are undefeated in that group with triumphs against Flores and Guardado (21-16, 21-14) and Martin and Small (21-5, 21-16).

En group B the home team of Lázaro Portes and the 17-year-old of 7.11 feet tall, Daniel Martinez, didn’t stay behind in his tournament debut after winning in pool B over Guatemalans Andy Leonardo and Luis García (21-14, 21-16) and Nicaraguans Rubén Mora/Denis José López (21-12, 21-19).

Daniel Martínez Campos of Cuba

Puerto Ricans Kevin Rodríguez/Josué Rivera are in first place after winning in their two outings which extended to tie-breaks to beat Nicaraguans 26-24, 23-25 and 15-11, and against Andy and Luis  13-21, 21-19 y 15-12.

Americans Troy Field/Tucker Silila and Dominicans Oscar Martínez/Francisco Goris had no inconvenience to prevail over the teams representing Antigua and Barbuda (Adrian/Cairo) and St. Nevis and Kitts (Nage/Clerique).

The same happened to Mexicans who kept their undefeated mark in their two outings against the tandems of U.S. Virgin Islands  (Diehl/Ozarski) and Trinidad and Tobago (Williams/Whitfield).

The tournament will be broadcast live on the Cuban sport channel Tele Rebelde.

The full schedule and results are available at 2023 Varadero NORCECA Beach Tour.

Two Cuban pairs, USA and Mexico in Varadero men’s semifinals

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VARADERO, Cuba, May 13, 2023.- Noslen Díaz/Jorge Luis Alayo and Lázaro Portes/Daniel Martínez of Cuba, as well as Troy Field/Tucker Silila of the United States and Mexicans Jorge Barajas/Gabriel Cruz advanced to semifinals of the second phase of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit in Varadero.

The locals Diaz and Alayo opened the day with their third pool-play win over Canadians Jake MacNeil/William Russell (21-17, 21-11) and Portes with Martínez dominated Puerto Rico’s Kevin Rodríguez/Josué Rivera (22-24, 21-11, 15-10) to lead pools A and Be respectively.

After 54 minutes of battling, Puerto Ricans had no luck in the quarterfinals having with on the other side of the net the stellar Cuban duo but couldn’t beat despite their resistance. Noslen and Jorge Luis advanced into semifinals not before battling for over an hour before sealing the game 18-21, 21-15 and 15-11.

In Semifinals the local teams will face one another due to regulations, while Mexicans Barajas and Cruz will clash in the other semifinal against Americans Field and Tucker, both duos also undefeated in their respective groups.

Jake Mc Clain of Canada battles Daniel Martinez of Cuba

In the quarterfinal phase the Americans had no difficulties in defeating trinitarians Daneil Williams/Fabien Whitfield in two sets  (21-15, 21-18), not like Barajas and Cruz had to push themselves to the maximum against Dominicans Oscar Martínez/Francisco Goris in three hard-fought sets (21-19, 16-21, 15-13).

Both semifinals will be on Sunday morning, as well as the losers of the quarterfinals so matches for positions five and eight will be decided in the afternoon, as well as matches for position 9 to 16.

This stage is being broadcasted by TeleRebeld sports channel online TVEO and on their Facebook.

Esta fase se trasmite por el canal deportivo TeleRebelde en su plataforma en internet TVEO y su página en Facebook.

All results of this stage are on Cuba 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour.

32 tandems at NORCECA Beach Tour in Varadero

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VARADERO, Cuba, May 12, 2023.- The second phase of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour will consist of 32 duos from 16 nations running from this Friday until Sunday at the attractive scenery in front of the Barceló Arenas Blancas Hotel.

16 pairs per gender arrived at the famous tourist empire – at 142 kilometers of Havana – who took part at the preliminary and technical meetings, presided by Mireya Luis, in charge of the organizing committee, and Julio Martinez, director of competition.

The competition starts with a round robin pool-play, four in each gender. The organizers have set up the same number of courts.

In the women’s field, United States, Canada and Cuba have two teams, while in men the visitors present only one and only the hosts have two duets, with their best performers of the moment.

These countries are labeled as favorites to battle for the medals, but Mexico and Puerto Rico join in women with real options of taking a medal.

Atenas Gutiérrez, who back home won the first stage alongside Abril Flores, is competing in this occasion with Susana Torres.

Varadero, Cuba

Waiting for revenge are the losers of that final, from the United States Geena Urango and Carly Skjodt, maybe with more possibilities of removing the thorn, because Atenas is adjusting with her new partner. 

Nevertheless coming back on the sand are worldwide known on this blue beach, Puerto Ricans Allanis Navas and María González, first Champions of the first Central American and Caribbean Games of Santa Marta 2022 and runner ups of the Junior Pan American Games of Cali 2021, among other tournaments.

Navas and González in Santa Marta´s, Colombia final, topped surpassed the Cuban duo of Amanda Armenteros and Yenifer Rivera, and admitted their goal is to conquer this stage’s gold. 

The NORCECA Tour adds ranking points to the Confederation’s qualification to the Pan American Games of Santiago 2023 and the massive participation in Varadero is proof of the team’s interest in winning a spot at the Chilean Games.

Men’s teams

ANT Adrian Constant/Cairon Davis; CAN Jake MacNeil/William Russell; CRC Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela; CUB Noslen Díaz/Jorge Luis Alayo, Lázaro Portes/Daniel Martínez; DOM Oscar Martínez/Francisco Goris; ESA Franklin Flores/Christopher Guardado; GUA Andy Leonardo y Luis García; ISV Cullen Diehl/ Andrzej Ozarski; MEX Jorge Barajas/Gabriel Cruz; NCA Rubén Mora/Denis José López; PUR Kevin Rodríguez/Josué Rivera; SKN  Hendrickson Nage/Ward Clerique; TTO Daneil Williams/Fabien Whitfield; USA Troy Field/Tucker Silila; VIN Martin Jad/Jahhmal Small.

Women’s teams

CAN Ruby Sorra/Lea Monkhouse y CAN Devin Corah/Adriel Goodman; CRC Ximena Núñez/Kianny Quesada; CUB Nahomi Charlot/Maykelín Drik y CUB Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros; DOM Esmeralda Ramirez/Julibeth Payano; ESA Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina; GUA Natalia Girón/Estefanie Guerra; ISV Anz-Cristina Almeida/Amber Bennett; JAM Anesia Edwards/Petal Smith; MEX Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez; NCA Margarita López/Lolette Rodríguez; PUR Allanis Navas/María González; USA Katie Lindstrom/Teegan Van Gunst y Geena Urango/Carly Skjodt; VIN Nikita Campbell/Shelena O’Garro. 

Four undefeated countries at the start of the women’s Varadero NORCECA Tour 2023

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VARADERO, Cuba, May 12, 2023.- Both USA pairs, one from Canada and Cuba, as well as the one from Puerto Rico moved undefeated at the start of pool-play of the second phase of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour.

In group B the northerners Katie Lindstrom/Teegan Van Gunst took a stroll during sets 21-3 and 21-2 facing Nikita Campbell/Shelena of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while they dominated Guatemalans Natalia Girón/Estefanie Guerra 21-16 and 21-13.

Their compatriots Geena Urango/Carly Skjodt, despite having more resistance from their opponents, they smiled against Mexicans Susana Torres/Atenas Gutiérrez 21-17 and 21-14, in which this last player was part of the duo that beat them for the gold of the first stop in Aguascalientes.

In the afternoon they won with an even 21-12 to Costa Rica’s Ximena Núñez/Kianny Quesada to take the lead in group C.

In group A, Puerto Ricans Allanis Navas/María González once again beat Cubans Yenifer Rivera/Amanda Armenteros like they did at the I Junior Central American and Caribbean Sea y Beach Games Santa Marta 2022, this time 21-13 and 21-17, nevertheless they recognized the progress of the young local girls.

María González of Puerto Rico blocks Laura Molina of El Salvador

It took almost two hours and three sets for the Puerto Ricans in their second victory (19-21, 21-5, 15-12) against El Salvador’s Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina in which the match was interrupted during the first set due to an electric storm at the touristic city, that woke up under heavy showers.

The youngest local pair, formed by bronze medalists of the Venezuelan Alba Games, Nahomi Charlot/Maykelín Drik, gave good news to their country again winning twice and leading group D.

First the dominated the combative Dominican pair of Esmeralda Ramirez/Julibeth Payano in hard fought match that extended to three sets (12-21, 21-14, 18-16), while in the closing match of the day they had no setbacks in beating Jamaicans Anesia Edwards/Petal Smith 21-8 and 21-7.

Pool-play will resume on Saturday morning, where the two best pairs of each pool will play in the quarterfinal round, and the corresponding classification matches for positions 9 to 16.

The full schedule and results are available at 2023 Varadero NORCECA Beach Tour. 

Beach Volleyball Road To Paris 2024: Qualification System For The Olympic Games Recap

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, May 11, 2023.- Three qualification routes for the beach volleyball competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, are available for teams from all five Continents to secure one of 24 quota places per gender.

The countdown is on for the beach volleyball competition at Paris 2024, with teams around the world vying to be in with a chance to compete for the Olympic title at the iconic Eiffel Tower Stadium.

Beach volleyball at Paris 2024 is set to take place from 27 July – 10 August. So with less than 500 days to go until the Games, let’s recap the Olympic Qualification system.

The women’s and men’s Olympic tournaments will have 24 teams each, totaling 48 athletes per gender. As the host country, France is entitled to one quota for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. After their historic volleyball gold at Tokyo 2020, France will no doubt be looking to make history on home soil by winning their first ever beach volleyball Olympic medal.

The remaining 23 quotas per gender will qualify for Paris 2024 via three qualification routes, the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, the Beach Pro Tour for the FIVB Olympic Ranking and Continental Olympic Qualification Tournaments. In addition, a maximum of four quotas per NOC (maximum two per gender) will be respected to ensure the principle of universal participation.

USA’s April Ross and Alix Klineman triumphed as Tokyo 2020 Olympic champions after winning the women’s beach volleyball final

Route 1 -2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships

The men’s and women’s champions of the 2023 Beach Volleyball World Championships, set to take place across the cities of Tlaxcala, Huamantla and Apizaco, from 6-15 October, will automatically obtain a spot at Paris 2024. The much-anticipated tournament is returning to Latin America for the first time in 20 years and will be the first edition to be hosted in Mexico in the history of the sport.

Route 2 – FIVB Olympic Ranking

The top 17 ranked teams per gender, according to the FIVB Olympic Ranking, will qualify for Paris 2024. The ranking will take into account a pair’s 12 best performances from 1 January 2023 to 10 June 2024 at the following events: 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, Beach Pro Tour (Elite16, Challenge, Futures and Finals) and recognized Continental Tours Finals.

Route 3 – Continental Olympic Tournaments

The remaining five spots per gender will be allocated in the five Continental Olympic tournaments, with the winning pairs of each respective event securing their place at the Games. The final phase of these five events will be held between 13 and 23 June 2024, with just over a month to go until Paris 2024. 

The second stage of the NORCECA Beach Tour headed to Varadero, Cuba

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VARADERO, Cuba, May 10, 2023.- The second stage of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour is headed to Varadero, Cuba from May 12 to 14 at the Barceló Arenas Blancas Hotel.

The famous Varadero beach has hosted the prestigious North, Central American and Caribbean Confederation Beach Tour since 2011 and has been held consecutively up to 2022, except for 2020 and 2021 due to the covid-19 pandemic.

The “pre-registration” lists nineteen tandems in the men’s division and seventeen women, representing seventeen countries, which will be officially confirmed as well as the group  distribution during the general technical meeting on Thursday.

Canada, Cuba, United States and Mexico have pre-registered two teams per gender.

Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the U.S. Virgin Islands feature one team per gender. Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Nicaragua, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago are fielding one team in men, and El Salvador along with Jamaica have one women’s team each.

The host country has confirmed that their men’s stellar team of Noslen Diaz and Jorge Luis Alayo, will be competing here in Varadero. Diaz and Alayo entered the NORCECA Tour in 2022 and have earned four NORCECA Beach Tour medals (gold in Aguascalientes, silver in Punta Cana and the NORCECA finals also in Punta Cana, and the bronze medal here in Varadero).

FIVB Hosts Second Zonal Association Presidents Seminar

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, May 4, 2023.- The FIVB this week hosted the second Zonal Association Presidents’ Seminar in a hybrid format with most participants connecting online while the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) Zonal Association Presidents joined from the FIVB Headquarters where they are currently taking part in a three-day mentoring program.

The second seminar follows the first gathering in early March, with the sessions aimed at discussing opportunities to further the growth of volleyball across all 222 National Federations (NFs). The Zonal Association Presidents were provided with a report summarizing the activities of all the Zones in  2022, and also learned more on how to best support the NFs within their respective Zones to develop volleyball all over the world.

In addition, the Zonal Association Presidents had an opportunity to ask various questions including those on Volleyball Empowerment, the competitions calendar, good governance, and safeguarding. The seminar was also attended by the Presidents of the Continental Confederations and members of the FIVB Development and Volleyball Empowerment Commissions.

Opening the meeting, FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° said:

“We are already working very hard on our vision to develop volleyball all over the world by empowering the National Federations, national teams and players to realize their full potential.

“Again, let me emphasize that as Zonal Association Presidents, you are very important members of the Volleyball Family. We rely on you to provide valuable support to the National Federations in your respective Zones both by supervising and monitoring existing projects and equally helping the NFs to identify their needs, develop strong projects and subsequently apply for the support.

“You are also key in facilitating communication and knowledge transfer, as well as providing more opportunities for teams to play at the Zonal level.  I strongly believe that by working together as a team, we can achieve great results for our sport all over the world!”

The FIVB President shared some examples of the Volleyball Empowerment and development projects that have already achieved great results from all five Continental Confederations, including those in Colombia, Malawi, Canada, France and New Zealand. 

The Zonal Association Presidents are planning to meet again after the FIVB Board of Administration meeting.

Kloth and Nuss come back to win Uberlândia Elite16

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UBERLANDIA, Brazil, April 30, 2023.- Americans Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss recovered from a first-set loss to celebrate their first victory at an Elite16 event at Praia Clube following their three-set (16-21, 24-22, 15-13) win over Australians Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho in the gold medal match.

This week’s Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 event in Uberlândia didn’t start the way Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss planned, but the Americans couldn’t have hoped for a better finish as they stood at the top of the podium in Brazil at the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday.

Brazilians Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa and Ana Patrícia Ramos, who defeated the Americans in their opening match on Thursday, took bronze in front of their home fans.

All Beach Pro Tour Uberlândia Elite16 matches are available on VBTV.

The same resilience the Americans showed to recover from their opening-match loss and advance all the way to the gold medal match was also displayed in the final, as Kloth and Nuss came back from a first-set setback to turn the tables and top the Tokyo Olympic silver medallists in the tiebreaker.

“They’re an incredible team,” Nuss said about their comeback. “We respect them a lot and it’s always fun when we get to play them. One of my bracelets says ‘trust’ and that’s what we did after we lost the first set. We trusted our team and trusted our training. We live in Louisiana, where it’s just as hot and humid as here, so we really felt like we were home. We were feeling good, so it was just about trusting our team.”

The Australians were also the opponents Kloth and Nuss faced when they won their second Beach Pro Tour title, at last year’s Kuşadası Challenge. The two now have four gold medals at the international level, having also won last year’s Coolangatta Futures and the 2023 La Paz Challenge.

“We are absolutely thrilled,” Kloth remarked. “We put everything we had to win each of the matches we played this week. We had so much fun and played in front of an incredible crowd the entire time. We’re obviously on a high right now, but tomorrow we’ll go back and do the same things we’ve been doing. We know the Olympic race is going to be really tight and we have to keep getting stronger.”

Beach Pro Tour Uberlândia Elite16 – Match Schedule & Results

Americans Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss celebrate winning their first Elite16 Beach Pro Tour event

Last year’s Uberlândia Elite16 champions Duda and Ana Patrícia made it to the podium again in the city where they live by topping Americans Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes in two sets (21-16, 21-13) in the bronze medal match.

Earlier, in the semifinals, Clancy and Mariafe downed Duda and Ana Patrícia 2-0 (21-16, 25-23), while Kloth and Nuss prevailed in the all-American semifinal against Cheng and Hughes also in two sets (21-17, 21-11).

The next event on the 2023 Beach Pro Tour schedule will be the Madrid Futures, which will have the men playing in the Spanish capital from May 11-14 and the women competing from May 18-21. Ostrava, Czechia, will host the next Elite16 tournament from May 31-June 4.

NORCECA final positions

WOMEN 1. Nuss/Kloth (USA); 4. Cheng/Hughes (USA); 9. Cannon/Sponcil (USA); 13. Scoles/Flint (USA); 21. Kolinske/Harward(USA)
MEN 5. Schalk/Bourne (USA); 17. Schachter/Dearing (CAN);  21. Crabb/T. Sander (USA) 

Frishman and Caldwell Champions at Aguascalientes

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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, April 23, 2023.- Chase Frishman and Cody Caldwell won the championship match of the first stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Aguascalientes in a tie-break 2-1 (14-21, 22-20, 15-7) over the home team of Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia.

Chase and Cody had a tough start against powerhouse Mexico’s Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia whose energy in the first set kept them off balance.

“In the first set they beat us well and got the crowd going, I was kind of exhausted. Mexico is a very respectful team, Virgen an Olympian and Sarabia super skilled,” said Chase Frishman. “In the second set my partner had a couple of big plays which turned the momentum and could feel his belief which catapulted us; my side-out started to steady out giving me confidence” he added.

For Chase this is his second gold medal, he won in Cuba back in 2018 which is a great comeback to the international tour of NORCECA. As for Cody Caldwell, not only is it his first medal ever, but it’s his first time competing at NORCECA.

Caldwell explained about what they did to turn things in their favor, “Mexico played the first set with a lot of force, and we couldn’t touch them. We changed our strategy, we started serving more aggressively and I slowed down my block, it was the defense strategy that made the difference”.

For Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia this is their third silver medal together at NORCECA.

Chase Frishman and Cody Caldwell of United States Aguascalientes Champions

On their way to the gold medal match, Frishman and Caldwell won their semifinal 2-0 (21-14, 21-18) against Canadians Kopp and Chambers. Virgin and Sarabia won the all-Mexican semifinal to Gabriel Cruz and Oziel Aguirre 2-0 (21-15, 21-16).

Liam Kopp and Arran Chambers of Canada won the bronze medal match controlling Mexicans Cruz and Aguirre 21-8, 21-14. This is Kopp and Chambers fourth NORCECA tournament together and their second medal; they also won the bronze medal in Cayman Islands last year. For Liam it’s his third bronze medal.

Results and photo gallery at Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour

Canadians Jake MacNeil and Alexander Russell won fifth place recovering from dropping the first set and then from a two-point deficit (12-14) in the tie-break win 2-1 (17-21, 21-16, 17-15) over Mexicans Jorge Barajas and Ricardo Galindo.

Earlier MacNeil and Russell beat Andy Blanco/Luis Garcia of Guatemala 2-0 (21-16, 24-22) and Barajas/Galindo prevailed 21-13, 21-10 against Americans Brandon Joyner/Alex Diaz Manzano.  

Blanco/Garcia earned seventh place due to an injury from Joyner/Diaz Manzano (USA) and Mora/López of Nicaragua won the match for ninth place to Dyner/Varela of Costa Rica 21-17, 21-12.

Atenas Gutierrez and Abril Flores win first NORCECA Gold Medal

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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, April 23, 2023.- Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores of Mexico won their first gold medal at the NORCECA Beach Volleyball defeating USA’s Geena Urango and Carly Skjodt 21-13, 21-19 at the first stage of the tour in Aguascalientes.

With quick defense from Atenas and keen offense from Abril, the Mexican pair celebrated their first championship win in front of the home crowd at Plaza de Armas in downtown Aguascalientes, but not before losing two-match points (20-17) to Geena and Carly who were battling for a tie-break.

“I won a bronze medal last year with Katherine,” said Abril Flores. “This gold is really exciting, we are glad because we’ve been practicing as a team for a short time and we are having good results, it’s a motivation to our program” she added.

For Atenas this is her first medal at NORCECA, and she explained “we managed to control the entire game and we kept focused on our objective of winning the gold medal”. She said this is a dream come true, “we work well as a team, and we’ve improved a lot thanks to our coaches”.

Mexico also won the bronze medal of the event with Katherine Albarrán alongside Susana Torres who had no setbacks in defeating Katie Lindstrom and Teegan Van Gunst of the United States 21-16, 21-17.

This is Susana Torres first NORCECA medal and the second for Katherine Albarran, her first also a bronze medal from last year in Managua.

Abril Flores and Atenas Gutierrez of Mexico win Aguascalientes Gold Medal

Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores reached their first ever NORCECA Beach Tour final match winning their semifinal to Katherine Albarrán and Susan Torres by a close 21-19, 22-20. Atenas’ serves were an important weapon in keeping Albarran and Torres out of their element.

Geena Urango and Carly Skjodt earned a bye into the gold medal match because Katie Lindstrom and Teegan Van Gunst forfeited due to an injury.  

Results and photo gallery at Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour

In other results of the day, Canadians Alison Mckay/Katherine Wuttunee finished fifth place against Guatemala’s Natalia Giron/Estefanie Bethancourth in a close 21-19, 23-21. Previously Aly and Katie prevailed 21-13, 21-11 against Williams/Nuñez of Costa Rica, while Giron/Bethancourt needed three sets 2-1 (21-19, 17-21, 15-10) to beat Mexicans Vargas/Vidaurrazaga.

In the match for seventh place Itzel Vargas/Yeray Vidaurrazaga of Mexico topped Costa Rica’s Angel Williams/Ximena Nuñez 2-0 (21-14, 21-16) who finished eighth.

Marcelle/Monkhouse of Canada beat Soler/Molina of El Salvador 21-10, 21-19 for ninth place and Bennett/Almeida-Anz of the U.S. Virgin Islands took eleventh place 2-0 (21-10, 21-15) over Powery/Tulloch of Cayman Islands.

Two Mexican pairs, Canada and United States are in Aguascalientes Semifinals

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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, April 22, 2023.- Juan Virgen/Miguel Sarabia and Gabriel Cruz/Oziel Aguirre of Mexico, joined by Canada’s Liam Kopp/Arran Chambers and USA’s Chase Frishman/Cody Caldwell are in Aguascalientes men’s semifinals, the first stage of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour.

The two Mexican tandems will meet in Sunday’s first men’s semifinals at 10:00 am (local time) followed by the semifinal between Kopp/Chambers (CAN) and Frishman/Caldwell (USA).

Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia moved into semifinals beating Andy Blanco and Luis Garcia of Guatemala 2-0 (21-10, 21-10), while Gabriel Cruz alongside Oziel Aguirre defeated Canada’s Jake MacNeil and Alexander Russell 21-14, 21-17.

Liam Kopp and Arran Chambers of Canada stopped Mexico’s Jorge Barajas and Ricardo Galindo in quarterfinals in three exciting sets 2-1 (21-14, 16-21, 16-14). This was Kopp and Chambers’ second tie-break win of the day, earlier they struggled to overcome Williams/Whitfield (TTO) 14-21, 21-14, 15-8 and finish second in Pool A.

Chase Frishman and Cody Caldwell won the all-American quarterfinal 2-0 (21-15, 21-19) to Brandon Joyner and Alex Diaz in the last match of the day.

Quarterfinal between Chase Frishman/Cody Caldwell and Brandon Joyner/Alex Diaz 

The competition is being streamed on Facebooklive Courtside

Earlier in the day,  Virgen/Sarabia topped Pool A winning their last preliminary round match to Rubén Mora and Dany López of Nicaragua 21-12, 21-17.

As for the other two Mexican teams, Jorge Barajas and Ricardo Galindo won the battle for first place of Pool B over Guatemala’s Andy Blanco/Luis García 2-0 (21-15, 21-16) and Gabriel Cruz with Oziel Aguirre remarkably recovered from falling in the first set to beat USA’s Brandon Joyner/Alex Diaz 2-1 (14-21, 21-15, 15-10) for Pool D first place.

In Pool C, USA’s Chase Frishman and Cody Caldwell secured first place after defeating Jesario Ebanks/Casey Santamaria of Cayman Islands 21-9, 21-7. Canada’s Jake MacNeil and Alexander William Russell advanced into quarterfinals second of Pool C over Daniel Dyner/Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica 21-19, 21-16.

For the full schedule and results visit Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour

The bronze medal match is programmed at 2:40 pm and the gold medal match at 4:00 pm.

Mexico and United States advance two teams into Aguascalientes Semifinals

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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, April 22, 2023.- Mexican pairs of Atenas Gutierrez/Abril Flores and Esperanza Albarrán/Susana Torres and the U.S. duos of Katie Lindstrom/Teegan Van Gunst and of Geena Urango/Carly Skjodt advanced to semifinals of the first stage of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Aguascalientes.  

Sunday’s semifinal between Gutierrez/Flores and Albarrán/Torres is scheduled for 8:40 am and Lindstrom/Van Gunst against Urango/Skjodt will meet at 9:20 am (local time).

In Saturday’s quarterfinals Mexico’s Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores defeated Alison Mckay/Katherine Wuttunee of Canada in straight sets 21-13, 21-9; earlier Gutierrez and Flores won Pool A over Guatemala’s Natalia Girón and Estefanie Bethancourth 21-14, 21-17.

Mexicans Esperanza Albarrán and Susana Torres won their semifinal spot over Natalia Giron and Estefanie Bethancourth Guerra 21-11, 21-11.

Torres and Albarran of Mexico in action

The two American pairs dominated their quarterfinal opponents without any difficulty. Katie Lindstrom and Teegan Van Gunst prevailed 21-12, 21-16 against Mexicans Itzel Vargas and Yeray Vidaurrazaga, while Geena Urango and Carly Skjodt held a comfortable advantage 21-13, 21-6 over Costa Rica’s Ángel Williams and Ximena Núñez.

The competition is being streamed on Facebooklive Courtside

In the morning matches, Urango/Skjodt pocketed their third pool-play win beating Mexico’s Julieta Muñoz/Ana Patricia Valle 2-0 (21-12, 21-11) to finish first in Pool D, and Lindstrom/Van Gunst finished second over Shanice Marcelle/Lea Monkhouse of Canada 21-14, 21-16.

Alison Mckay/Katherine Wuttunee of Canada took second place in Pool B after defeating Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina of El Salvador 2-0 (21-13, 21-17).

Ángel Williams and Ximena Núñez of Costa Rica won 21-11, 21-12 to Bennett/Almeida-Anz of the U.S. Virgin Islands to finish second place of Pool C. Yesterday, Vargas/Vidaurrazaga of Mexico secured first place of Pool C.

For the full schedule and results visit Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour

Sunday’s program also includes final positions 5/12 and the medal matches.

Six duos with two victories in Aguascalientes  

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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, April 21, 2023.- Six men duos scored two victories on opening day of the first stage of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour at Plaza de Armas in Aguascalientes.

The three teams from the host country Mexico lead their pools earning two wins as much as outings on Friday.

Juan Virgen with Miguel Sarabia earned an easy win to Daneil Williams and Fabien Whitfield of Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 (21-11, 21-10) but then took a huge win 2-1 (21-10, 19-21, 15-9) against  Canada’s Liam Kopp and Arran Chambers to lead Pool A.

In Pool B, Jorge Barajas and Ricardo Galindo had no complications over Armando Guatemala/Franklin Flores of El Salvador 21-11, 21-17 and Jon Isaacs/Eugene Stuart of Bahamas 21-9, 21-16.

Blanco-Garcia L. (GUA) vs Guatemala-FLORES (ESA)

Gabriel Cruz and Isaías Aguirre lead Pool D with a 2-0 (21-11, 21-10) against Bryce Mayer and Robert Cronshaw of the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by a 2-0 (21-9, 21-12) win over St. Clair Hodge/Shawn Seabrookes of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Other teams dominating in their two outings were Guatemala’s Andy Blanco and Luis García in Pool D prevailing 21-13, 21-14 to Isaacs/Stuart of Bahamas and dramatic 21-18, 28-26 to El Salvador’s Guatemala/Flores. Blanco/García will face Barajas/Galindo of Mexico for top spot in Pool B.

Both American duos complete the list of unbeaten, Chase Frishman and Cody Caldwell lead Pool C, after obtaining a comfortable 2-0 (21-12, 21-18) win over Daniel Dyner and Jhostin Varela of Costa Rica and recovering from losing the first set to Jake MacNeil and Alexander Russell of Canada by an   exciting 2-1 (16-21, 21-16, 18-16); while Brandon Joyner/Alex Diaz in Pool D beat Hodge/ Seabrookes (SKN) 21-14, 21-12 and was granted a win over Mayer/Cronshaw (ISV) due to an injury.

Mora_Lopez (NCA) vs Kopp_Chambers (CAN)

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

For the full schedule and results visit Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour

Mexicans Vargas/Vidaurrazaga and Albarrán/Torres and Urango/Skjodt of USA unbeaten

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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, April 21, 2023.- Mexican duos of Itzel Vargas/Yeray Vidaurrazaga and Esperanza Albarrán /Susana Torres as well as USA’s Geena Urango and Carly Skjodt grabbed two wins on the first day of competition at Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour on Friday.

The Mexican tandem of Itzel Vargas/Yeray Vidaurrazaga had a strong start in Pool C, winning their two matches of the day in straight sets. First, over  Amber Bennett and Cristina Almeida-Anza of the U.S. Virgin Islands 21-8, 21-10 followed by a  21-11, 21-16 against Angel Williams and Ximena Núñez of Costa Rica.

Esperanza Albarrán alongside Susana Torres also managed two important victories in Pool B, topping Yvonne Soler and Laura Molina of El Salvador 21-11, 21-15 and beating Canadians Alison Mckay and Katherine Wuttunee 21-16, 21-13.

Abril Flores (MEX) vs Powery (CAY)

In Pool D, Geena Urango and Carly Skjodt had a well fought debut prevailing over the other U.S. team of Katie Lindstrom and Teegan Van Gunst 21-8, 24-22 and then dominating Canadians Shanice Marcelle and Lea Monkhouse in three sets (21-18, 16-21, 15-13).

Lindstrom/Van Gust and Marcelle/Monkhouse will meet on Saturday in their last pool-play outing, both are 1-1.

Carly Skjodt of United States

Mexico of Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores and Guatemalans Natalia Girón / Estefanie Bethancourth will decide first place Pool A after picking up one win each against Ileann Powery/ Deajra Tulloch of Cayman Islands.

For the full schedule and results visit Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour

Pool-play will be completed on Saturday, followed by the quarterfinals and classification matches 9/16.

29 Teams Ready to battle at Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour

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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, April 20, 2023.- 29 Teams are ready to battle at the first stage of the 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour that starts in Aguascalientes on Friday as part of the annual  San Marcos Fair festivities.

13 women’s teams and 16 men’s teams confirmed their registration during Thursday’s preliminary inquiry who look to advance from the preliminary pool-play round that starts on Friday at 8:00 am (local time) at the sand courts installed at Plaza de Armas.

Friday’s competition schedule has 26 matches during the day and will be streamed on Facebooklive Courtside

The Aguascalientes event will be played over three days. The quarterfinals will take place on Saturday with the semifinals and medal matches on Sunday.

Mexican duos of Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores and Juan Virgen/Miguel Sarabia are the top seeded of the tournament. Abril Flores won the bronze medal in Managua last year with Esparanza Albarrán. In 2022 Virgen/Sarabia won the silver medal here in Aguascalientes and in La Paz, Baja California.

The other two men Mexican teams Cruz/Aguirre and Barajas/Galindo last year won silver and bronze respectively in Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic.

General Technical Meeting

Other teams from the 2022 NORCECA Tour season to keep an eye on here in Aguascalientes are Shanice Marcelle of Canada who won the Aguascalientes silver medal with Ruby Sorra and now is teaming up with Lea Monkhouse who won the silver medal of Punta Cana with Molley McBain.

Also, Americans Katie Lindstrom and Teegan Van Gunst were champions in Managua and Cayman Islands, and second place in Hato Mayor.

Guatemalans Andy Blanco and Luis García silver medalists in Managua and Cayman Islands, as well as Nicaragua’s Rubén Mora who finished third in Managua with Denis López and is here in Aguascalientes with Dany López.

Jake MacNeil and Alexander Russell who finished third in Punta Cana, and Liam Kopp/Arran Chambers of Canada took the bronze in Cayman Islands and fourth place in Hato Mayor.

For the full schedule and results visit Aguascalientes 2023 NORCECA Beach Tour

General Technical Meeting

Team Update

Women’s Teams CAN Alison Mckay/Katherine Wuttunee, Shanice Marcelle/Lea Monkhouse; CAY Ileann Powery/ Deajra Tulloch; CRC Ángel Williams Paniagua/ Ximena Núñez Muñoz; ESA Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina; GUA Natalia María Girón Boesche/ Estefanie Bethancourth Guerra; MEX Atenas A. Gutiérrez Guzmán/ Abril Cristina Flores Castro, Esperanza Albarrán Castro/Susana Torres García, Itzel Karina Vargas/Yeray Yamilet Vidaurrazaga, Julieta Ameyalli Muñoz/Ana Patricia Valle; USA Katie Lindstrom/ Teegan Van Gunst, Geena Urango/ Carly Skjodt; ISV Amber Bennett/ Cristina Almeida-Anz

Men’s Teams BAH Jon Isaacs/ Eugene Stuart; CAN Jake MacNeil/ Alexander William Russell, Liam Kopp/Arran Chambers; CAY Jesario Ebanks/ Casey Santamaria; CRC Daniel Dyner Villa/ Jhostin Varela Guerrero; ESA Armando J. Guatemala Hernández/ Franklin Orlando Flores Girón; GUA Andy Alexis Leonardo Blanco/ Luis Augusto García Betancourt; MEX Jorge Barajas/Ricardo Galindo, Gabriel Cruz Mendoza/ Isaías Oziel Aguirre Gallegos, Juan Virgen/ Miguel Sarabia Delgado; NCA Rubén Alejandro Mora Romero/ Dany Antonio López Alvarado; SKN St Clair Hodge/ Shawn Seabrookes; TTO Daneil Williams/ Fabien Whitfield; USA Chase Frishman/ Cody Caldwell, Brandon Joyner/Alex Diaz; ISV Bryce Mayer/ Robert Cronshaw.

Budinger/Evans Secure Silver in Saquarema

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SAQUAREMA, Brazil, April 17, 2023.-  The U.S. beach team of Chase Budinger/Miles Evans fought through the qualifier, battled to the final and took the silver medal at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Saquarema Challenge on Sunday in Brazil.

Seeded 17th in the main draw, Budinger/Evans took the top-seeded Brazilian team of Evandro Gonçalves/Arthur Lanci to three sets in the final before losing 2-1 (18-21, 21-12, 15-13). Budinger/Evans finished the tournament 7-1.

They won their semifinal match over Austrians Julian Hörl and Alexander Horst 2-1 (19-21, 22-20, 15-11).

Saquarema was Budinger/Evans’ second international match since they joined forces at the start of the season. They finished 25th at the Itapema Challenge on April 6-9 in Brazil. In March, they finished second at the AVP Open in Miami.

Chase Budinger/Miles Evans of United States silver medal at Saquarema Beach Pro Tour

The U.S. team of Andy Benesh/Miles Partain placed fourth after advancing from the qualifier. In the semifinals, they fell to Evandro/Arthur 2-0 (21-16, 21-17). In the third-place match they battled Austrians Julian Hörl and Alexander Horst before falling 2-1 (14-21, 21-15, 15-10).

Among other NORCECA teams:

Men: 5th Trevor Crabb/Brunner (USA); 9th Diaz/Alayo (CUB);  25th Scachter/Dearing (CAN) and Taylor Crabb/T. Sander (USA); 33th MacNeil/Russell (CAN) and Virgen/Sarabia (MEX)

Women: 9th Kolinske/Harward (USA); 19th Gutiérrez/Flores (MEX); 25th McBain/Bélanger (CAN) and Quiggle/Schermerhorn; 33th Aly/Katie (CAN)

Full results are available on the Volleyball World website.

Aguascalientes Opens the 2023 Beach NORCECA Tour Season

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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, April 17, 2023.- The 2023 Beach Volleyball NORCECA Tour season is set to kick off in Aguascalientes, Mexico from April 20-24.

Aguascalientes has been the opening event of the NORCECA Beach Tour on three occasions since they joined the NORCECA Tour, hosting in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

The Mexican National Volleyball Federation alongside the Aguascalientes Volleyball Association is preparing for a successful season opener to be staged at the iconic location of Plaza de Armas in downtown of the City of Aguascalientes, the geographic center of the country which is represented by a column called “Exedra” in front of the Government Palace with the Mexican emblem of the eagle devouring the snake.

Fifteen women’s teams and seventeen men’s teams have been registered for this year’s competition in Aguascalientes, representing thirteen countries, expecting to arrive in Aguascalientes on Thursday to go through the preliminary inquiries.

Host Mexico fields four women’s teams and three in the men’s division, while USA and Canada registered two teams per gender.

Atenas Gutiérrez of Mexico with partner Abril Flores

Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the U.S. Virgin Islands have one team per gender. Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago registered one team in the men’s division.

This year the NORCECA Tour will revisit the beautiful beaches of Varadero, Cuba and Cayman Islands in May for the second and third stages.

The event will move to Macao Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in June, followed by two stages in Trinidad and Tobago in Pigeon Beach in July and Maracas Bay in September; and then it’s back to the Dominican Republic in Puerto Plata and Juan Dolio Beach in the last week of September and first week of October.

Women’s Teams CAN Molly McBaien/Marie-Alex Bélanger, Megan McNamara/Nicole McNamara; CAY Ileann Powery/ Deajra Tulloch; CRC Ángel Williams Paniagua/ Ximena Núñez Muñoz; DOM Bethania Almánzar/ Jeneiry W. Rosario Hernández; ESA Yvonne Soler/Laura Molina; GUA Natalia María Girón Boesche/ Estefanie Bethancourth Guerra; MEX Atenas A. Gutiérrez Guzmán/ Abril Cristina Flores Castro, Yeray Y. Vidaurrazaga Blanco/ Esperanza K. Albarrán Castro, Ana Patricia Valle/ Itzel Karina Vargas Méndez, Julieta A. Muñoz Estrada/ Susana Torres García; NCA Socorro Margarita López Jalinas/ Lolette Eleonor Rodríguez Saunders; USA Katie Lindstrom/ Teegan Van Gunst, Geena Urango/ Carly Skjod; ISV Amber Bennett/ Cristina Almeida-Anz

Men’s Teams BAH Jon Isaacs/ Eugene Stuart; CAN Jake MacNeil/ Alexander William Russell, Samuel Schachter/ Daniel Dearing; CAY Jesario Ebanks/ Casey Santamaria; CRC Daniel Dyner Villa/ Jhostin Varela Guerrero; DOM Hayerling F. De Jesús Goris/ Oscar José Martínez López; ESA Armando J. Guatemala Hernández/ Franklin Orlando Flores Girón; GUA Andy Alexis Leonardo Blanco/ Luis Augusto García Betancourt; MEX Jorge Barajas/Ricardo Galindo, Gabriel Cruz Mendoza/ Isaías Oziel Aguirre Gallegos, Juan Virgen/ Miguel Sarabia Delgado; NCA Rubén Alejandro Mora Romero/ Dany Antonio López Alvarado; SKN St Clair Hodge/ Shawn Seabrookes; TRI Daneil Williams/ Fabien Whitfield; USA Silila Tucker/ Troy Field, Chase Frishman/ Cody Caldwell; ISV Bryce Mayer/ Robert Cronshaw

Upcoming Course for Level I Beach Volleyball Coaches

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 11, 2023 – The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Center in the Dominican Republic for the Development of Volleyball is announcing their upcoming Level 1 Beach Volleyball Coaches Course.

Professor Nelson Ramírez, director of the Development Center informed that the International Course for Level 1 Beach Volleyball Coaches will be held from May 20-26 in Santo Domingo and registration will be closed on May 15.

All interested in being part of this course can contact the NORCECA/FIVB Regional Center via centrofivb_rdom@yahoo.es or WhatsApp +1 (809) 563 5642.

Mushtaque Mohammed inducted into Sports Hall of Fame in T&T

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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, March 30, 2023.- Mushtaque Mohammed, the former T&T Volleyball Federation President and current president of the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association CAZOVA was inducted into the First Citizens Sport Foundation Hall of Fame in Trinidad and Tobago.

The 60-year-old Mohammed was one of the nine current or former national sports personalities who were inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2022 First Citizens Sports Foundation Awards ceremony themed ‘Passing the Baton’ which was held at MovieTowne, Port-of-Spain, on Sunday.

The winner of the 1993 WITCO Sport Foundation Administrators Award as head of the T&TVF Mohammed, and a member of the Federation International Volleyball (FIVB) Executive said, “this recognition is indeed a humbling and proud experience”.

He added, “When I started in administration it was never to get recognition but to assist the development of the sport, however, being recognized for your contributions is always a good feeling especially when it is from a national perspective”.

The Piparo-born Mohammed added, “Induction into the Hall of fame is a great recognition, and it means that my involvement is now etched into the history of Sports in T&T”. 

A Vice President both at the FIVB and North Central American and Caribbean Confederation of Volleyball (NORCECA) Mohammed stated, “I came from a very humble beginning playing sport in my village in Piparo and with the discipline, dedication and the pursuit of excellence, I was able to make this contribution to sport as a volunteer, serving selflessly at all levels to positively impact the youth and our society at large”.

Among his achievements, Mohammed was key to the success of the T&T senior women’s volleyball team’s qualification to two major events, the FIVB Women’s Grand Prix and World Championships, the first time ever in both instances as a result of his assistance to the T&TVF in planning and developmental program which commenced in 2009 and formed the pathway for T&T to qualify for the 2018 FIVB World Championships which was held in Tokyo Japan.

Mohammed was also the pioneer and first president of the National Schools Volleyball Association, which was formed in September 1990, and assisted with organized tournaments in the schools and paved the way for the development of our younger volleyball players to become National players.

The development of sport was trusted upon him in NORCECA in 2001 and since then the sport in the islands and Central America has grown significantly, which led to him being recognized by the FIVB and appointed as President of its Development Commission in 2016.

The FIVB  has trusted the Development Commission on his shoulders since May 2017 and the development of the sport has initiated many new projects to enhance the growth of both volleyball and beach volleyball.

As an official Mohammed has participated as supervisor of numerous multi-sports events such as the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, Pan American Games, NORCECA Tournaments, FIVB World championships, World Cups and three Olympic Games.

Cheng and Hughes continue in spectacular form with Tepic Gold

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TEPIC, Mexico, March 26, 2023.- Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes have been a force in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour since they became partners for the second time in their careers, last November, and the Americans celebrated their fourth title in the last four months on Sunday, at the Tepic Elite16, in Mexico.

The two dropped their first set in the tournament to Brazilians Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa and Ana Patrícia Ramos in the gold medal match at the Amado Nervo Auditorium, but still managed to overcome the reigning world champions in the tie-breaker (21-14, 15-21, 15-10) and stand at the top of the podium. Australians Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho took bronze.

All Beach Pro Tour Tepic Elite16 matches are available on demand on VBTV.

Cheng and Hughes have been nearly unstoppable in their second stint as partners, having won four of the six Beach Pro Tour events they competed at since their reunion, including the 2022 Beach Pro Tour Finals.

Champions also at both the Challenge and the Elite16 tournaments held in Torquay, Australia, last year, the Americans have won 29 of the 33 international beach volleyball matches they played in the last four months.

“It’s been amazing,” Hughes reflected. “I’m so happy to be playing with Kelly and just working with our entire team. We’re putting together the right strategies and working as hard as we can. We have all the support back home and that’s what makes a good team.”

Hughes and Cheng dropped only one set in their campaign in Tepic

Beach Pro Tour Tepic Elite16 – Results

After a brief point exchange in the first few plays, Hughes started to make a defensive impact in the match and generated and converted several counterattacks, giving the Americans an 11-7 lead. An ace from her increased their advantage to 13-7 right before the technical timeout. Forcing errors from the Brazilians and maintaining their side out steady, Cheng and Hughes remained in control until the end and won the set 21-14 with a kill from Hughes.

The Brazilians started the second set stronger and jumped ahead at 5-2 with a block from Ana Patrícia on Cheng. The two took a 12-9 lead into the technical timeout and improved their advantage to five points at 15-10 when Cheng made an offensive error. More stable, the South Americans had no issues continuing ahead until the end and tied the gold medal match when Duda put the ball down with a tip to make them win the set 21-15.

Both team’s offences started the tie-breaker in a good rhythm and the Americans got the first break at 6-3, with Cheng blocking Ana Patrícia and Hughes digging the Brazilian blocker and putting the ball down in consecutive plays. A transition kill from Duda and a hitting error from Cheng brought the difference down to a single point at 8-7, but the Americans got back-to-back points to get up 10-7 and secured the title with a block from Cheng that ended the set 15-10.

Hughes hits around Ana Patrícia’s block during the gold medal match

Clancy and Mariafe stepped on the podium for the second time this season and the fifth in their last six events by taking bronze in Tepic and repeating the finish they got in the season-opening Doha Elite16, held in February.

The Tokyo Olympic silver medalists had to work hard, but downed Italian qualifiers Marta Menegatti and Valentina Gottardi in the tie-breaker (16-21, 21-17, 19-17) to finish third in Mexico.

The Beach Pro Tour continues next week, with a Futures tournament set to take place in Coolangatta Beach, Australia, from Wednesday to Sunday. The next Elite16 event will be played in Uberlândia, Brazil, from April 26-30.

Tepic Elite16 main draw set after top-level qualifier

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TEPIC, Mexico, March 23, 2023.- The last four spots in each gender in the main draw of the 2023 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Tepic Elite16 were filled on Wednesday, when the qualifier took place in the two sand courts set up at the Amado Nervo Auditorium.

After the completion of the 24 matches of the day, men’s duos from Italy, the Netherlands and USA, and women’s teams from France, Italy, Spain and USA earned the right of competing among the 16 tandems that will fight for the titles in Mexico.

Watch the Beach Pro Tour Tepic Elite16 live or on demand on VBTV.

The main draw begins on Thursday, at 9:00 local time (16:00 UTC) and the first 16 pool matches in each gender will be played. By the end of the day, each team will have played a pair of matches in Tepic.

Americans Tri Bourne and Chaim Schalk were among the four men’s teams that succeeded in the men’s qualifier. A new team for the 2023 season, the two are playing in just their second tournament as partners and looking to bounce back from a 19th-place finish last week in La Paz, where they dropped both of their matches.

“Honestly, we didn’t feel at our best out there, but we’re working, we’re a new team,” Schalk remarked. “We’re working through stuff and it was awesome to find that energy and will to make it happen no matter what today. These qualifiers are absolutely gnarly, there are some amazing teams from all over the world here and to get through it was huge for us. We’re hungry and want to make a long run in the tournament.”

The Americans were challenged by a pair of Austrian teams on the qualifier in Tepic, overcoming Martin Ermacora and Philipp Waller in two sets (21-17, 21-15) and Robin Seidl and Moritz Pristauz in the tie-breaker (16-21, 21-19, 15-13).

Bourne and Schalk will be in Pool B in the main draw, where they’re going to face Sweden’s David Åhman/Jonatan Hellvig, Czechia’s Ondrej Perusic/David Schweiner and Germany’s Nils Ehlers/Clemens Wickler.

Their fellow Americans and former partners Trevor Crabb and Theo Brunner will complete Pool C, where they will compete with the Netherlands’ Alexander Brouwer/Robert Meeuwsen, Italy’s Adrian Carambula/Alex Ranghieri and Estonia’s Kusti Nõlvak/Mart Tiisaar. The USA duo moved forward with triumphs over Canada’s Sam Schachter/Dan Dearing and Brazil’s Andre Loyola/George Wanderley.

Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss USA

Beach Pro Tour Tepic Elite16 – Match Schedule & Results

Among the four women’s teams advancing in the women’s qualifier were USA’s Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss, the winners of last week’s La Paz Challenge. After topping Mexico’s Esperanza Albarran/Yeray Vidaurrazaga and Japan’s Miki Ishii/Sayaka Mizoe in the qualifier, they will now have fellow Americans Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes, Australia’s Mariafe Artacho/Taliqua Clancy and Mexico’s Abril Flores/Atenas Gutierrez as their next opponents on Pool D.

10 NORCECA teams in the Main Draw

Women Sarah Hughes / Kelly Cheng – USA, Julia Scoles / Betsi Flint – USA, Melissa Humana-Paredes / Brandi Wilkerson – Canada, Sarah Pavan / Sophie Bukovec – Canada, Terese Cannon / Sarah Sponcil – USA, Atenas Gutierrez / Abril Flores – Mexico

Men Juan Virgen / Miguel Sarabia – Mexico, Tri Bourne / Chaim Schalk – USA, Trevor Crabb / Theo Brunner – USA

Kloth and Nuss secure La Paz Challenge title

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LA PAZ, Mexico, March 19, 2023.- Second-seeded Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss ended a solid week at the 2023 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour La Paz Challenge with the gold medals around their necks as the 25-year-old Americans were the winners of the event held in Mexico.

Kloth and Nuss prevailed in the all-American gold medal match against Savvy Simo and Toni Rodriguez, taking their compatriots down in two sets (21-16, 21-13) to claim the title. Brazilians Tainá Bigi and Victoria Lopes finished third in La Paz.

All Beach Pro Tour La Paz Challenge match replays are available on VBTV.

The Americans were strongly challenged by compatriots Simo and Rodriguez at the start of the gold medal match and trailed until the middle of the opening set, when they found their rhythm, took control and never looked back.

“What a battle,” Nuss reflected. “Hats off to our fellow Americans, what a game and what a tournament they had. We got into the final knowing it was going to be a very tough match and only focused on our side of the net. The atmosphere here in La Paz has been absolutely unreal and this is what beach volleyball is about. We loved it.”

Playing in only their second international season, Kloth and Nuss have already secured their third Beach Pro Tour title, following victories at last year’s Kuşadası Challenge, in Türkiye, and Coolangatta Futures, in Australia. The Americans have played in 11 international tournaments together and never finished outside of the top ten.

“It was a very difficult tournament,” Kloth remarked. “There were so many great teams playing and a lot of three-set matches that could really have gone either way. And the fans were amazing, there was such a great turnout to every single match that we played. It was such a fun tournament .”

Action Gold Medal Match

Beach Pro Tour La Paz Challenge – Results

Despite their loss in the gold medal match, the 24-year-old Simo and the 26-year-old Rodriguez also leave La Paz with a lot to celebrate. The La Paz Challenge was just their second Beach Pro Tour event and the first in which they got to play in the main draw and they advanced all the way to the gold medal match, winning seven of the eight matches they played in Mexico, starting from Thursday’s qualifier.

The Beach Pro Tour remains in Mexico for another week with the city of Tepic hosting an Elite16 tournament from March 22-26.

Three NORCECA tandems advance to La Paz Challenge Main Draw

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LA PAZ, Mexico, March 16, 2023.- Thee NORCECA tandems, Savvy Simo/Toni Rodriguez (USA) in women, Sam Schachter/Dan Dearing (CAN) and Jorge Alayo/Noslen Diaz (CUB) in men from the qualifier matches on Thursday, advanced in the main draw of the 2023 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour La Paz Challenge.  

American team of Savvy Simo and Toni Rodriguez, was responsible for the elimination of third-seeded Austrians Katharina Schützenhöfer and Lena Plesiutschnig. The 14th-seeded Americans advanced in an empathic way, securing a 21-12, 21-16 win.

Simo and Rodríguez join other four American teams, number one-seeded Sara Hughes/Kelly Cheng and second-seed Kristen Nuss/Taryn Kloth, Kelley Kolinske/Hailey Harward and Megan Kraft/Emily Stockman, and the Mexican pair of Abril Flores/Atenas Gutiérrez.

Also appearing in the La Paz Challenge main draw (men) will be fourth-seeded Sam Schachter/Dan Dearing of Canada and eighth-seeded Jorge Alayo/Noslen Diaz of Cuba.

The Canadian team of Sam Schachter and Dan Dearing earned a bye into the second round where they downed Gianluca Dal Corso and Marco Viscovich of Italy  2-0 (22-20, 23-21) and

Cuban duo Jorge Alayo and Noslen Diaz eliminated Americans William Kolinske and Hagen Smith 2-1 (21-15, 18-21, 15-13) and Germans Robin Sowa and Lukas Pfretzschner 2-0 (21-15, 21-15).

The other NORCECA men entering the main draw are Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico, alongside Americans Trevor Crabb/Theodore Brunner and Chaim Schalk/Tri Bourne.

The main draw begins on Friday, at 9:00 local time (16:00 UTC), and 52 matches are scheduled to take place during the day. The entire pool play schedule will be completed on Friday and only 16 of the 24 teams in each gender will progress for Saturday, when the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals will be held. The semifinals and the medal matches will take place on Sunday.

Schedule and Results: 2023 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour La Paz Challenge

Women’s International Day webinar for International Female Referees

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 8, 2023.- In commemoration of Women’s International Day the NORCECA Referee Commission held a webinar on Tuesday for international female referees with the theme of “Sharing Our Stories” to provide helpful information to support their growth and development.

Julie Voeck of the United States, member of the NORCECA Referee Commission, was in charge of moderating an open conversation in which NORCECA female referees had the opportunity to speak about their personal experiences refereeing at an international level.

Guy Bradbury, president of the NORCECA Referee Commission highlighted that the Referee Commission has been working for the equality within our sport and having a better understanding of female referees.

Ariel Sainz, NORCECA First Vice President also took part of the session, alongside other members of the NORCECA Referee Commission.

Beach Volleyball referees Claudia Guerrerro of Honduras and Suzanne Lowry of the United States, and Volleyball referees Cinthya Hernández of Costa Rica and Mary Carmen Durán of Mexico shared their stories of how they decided to become referees and the different challenges they have faced along their path.

One of the discussions during the webinar was how some of them shifted from being an athlete to refereeing, the opportunity they have been provided of meeting fellow referees which have contributed to their career and a better understanding of the rules of the game.  

An important conversation came to the attention of the participants, was that in many events they are the only female referee officiating during an event, which has been challenging as on occasions they haven’t felt the same camaraderie when having the companion of another female referee.

The speakers agreed the importance of whistling as many national events as possible, providing them with a better preparation to approach difficult situations, dealing with coaches and players who are constantly questioning their decisions, which in the end helps them to improve with every match and for officiating at an international level.

Some of the challenging situations they have faced are balancing their personal careers and overcoming doubting themselves, but NORCECA has provided the necessary support.

The webinar concluded with the message to continue working hard and setting career goals, to become trustworthy referees and also taking on a teaching role for developing more female referees.

Volleyball Canada’s beach athletes recognized with annual award

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ONTARIO, Canada, February 27, 2023.- Beach volleyball athletes Sophie Bukovec and Sam Schachter have been awarded Volleyball Canada’s annual Tom Ng award.

The athletes were chosen based on their performances in 2022. Toronto’s Bukovec had a stand-out year in 2022, winning silver at the World Championships with then partner Brandie Wilkerson. Team veteran Sam Schachter of Richmond Hill, Ontario, along with partner Dan Dearing, took silver at the Commonwealth Games and gold at the NORCECA tour finals.

The Tom Ng Beach Volleyball Athlete Assistance Fund was created in 2013 in partnership with Volleyball Canada and the Canadian Olympic Foundation. Annually, the Fund awards a high-performance beach volleyball athlete(s) an amount to offset training and competition expenses. This is the first time the Tom Ng award has gone to a male and female athlete at the same time.

“Both Sophie and Sam have been great representatives of Team Canada both on and off the court,” said Volleyball Canada’s Beach High Performance Director Ed Drakich. “We are pleased that the Tom Ng fund can assist them on the road to Paris 2024 as they work toward Olympic qualification.”

Bukovec now plays with Sarah Pavan, while Schachter continues to be partnered with Dearing.

USAV Beach National Championship to Return to Fort Lauderdale in 2023

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, February 27, 2023.-  It may be chilly outside, but summer is coming and so is the 2023 USA Volleyball Beach National Championship, which will return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 18-23.

The USA Volleyball Beach National Championship is the premier annual event for girls and boys beach teams in the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups. In 2022, more than 300 beach teams competed at the championship in Fort Lauderdale.

“USA Volleyball is excited to bring the Beach National Championship back to Fort Lauderdale,” said USA Volleyball President & CEO Jamie Davis. “This pinnacle junior beach volleyball event brings together the best young players in the country for great competition on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. I’d like to thank Visit Lauderdale for their support in making this a truly special event.”

“Visit Lauderdale is thrilled to once again host the USA Volleyball Beach National Championship in Broward County,” said Glen Allen, Vice President of Sports & Entertainment for Visit Lauderdale. “This event will attract the best beach volleyball athletes from across the United States to compete on one of the most well-known beaches in the world. The abundance of new dollars and the rise in hotel occupancy created by the USA Volleyball Beach National Championships will be welcomed by the hospitality community.”

Teams in the girls and boys 16U divisions and the girls 12U division will compete July 18-20. Boys 12U, 14U and 18U teams and girls 14U and 18U teams will play July 21-23.

The 2023 USA Volleyball Beach National Championship will be the culmination of the 2022-23 USA National Beach Tour, which started in August. Teams earned bids to the national championship by competing in beach national qualifiers and beach regional qualifiers around the country.

The Open and American Divisions require teams to have earned a bid for that division. The Patriot Division does not require a bid and is open to all athletes.

St Lucia wins both titles at ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 27, 2023:  St Lucia won both the Male and Female segments of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament that ended here at the Cul de Sac Bay, on February 26.

The pair of Sheldon Descartes and Joseph Clercent copped the Male Division, with the duo of Denila Prospere and Chenao Evans, trumping the Females.

Descartes and Clercent, representing St Lucia Team One beat the experienced St Kitts and Nevis’ St Clair Hodge and Shawn Seabrookes,  2-0 ( 21-14, 21-14) , thus ending the tournament undefeated. It

It was a similar pathway for Prospere and Evans, as they too were unbeaten.

Also representing St Lucia  Team One, Prospere and Evans  saw off Thornia Mitchell and Renisha Stafford of Grenada 2-1(  21-16, 18-21, 15-11) in the gold medal match.

Speaking after his team’s victory, the much travelled Clercent on behalf of his partner- Descartes disclosed that they had planned for match up versus the Kittians in the final.

“ The final was not that difficult for us because we used more techniques … We knew we were approaching a more experienced team… We watched a few of their games … We didn’t slip or slide because we knew if we did, we would have been punished”, Joseph reasoned.

Meanwhile, relishing the Female title, Team Captain Evans related , “ We have been training hard, about five times per week…  We have been active in Tournaments since last November, so we were prepared for this”.

Making the separations between the two teams on the day, Evans analysed, “ We tried to keep the focus our movements, our fitness and our agility were better than the Grenadians …The errors we made were our own errors”.

The Tournament, originally slated for last October, saw participation from seven countries, featuring 32 players.

The participating countries were Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines and host St Lucia.

Nine teams contested the Male Division and seven were in the Female Division.  

President of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Glenn Quinlan considers the recently concluded beach volleyball tournament hosted by Volleyball St. Lucia to have been one of the better-staged events he has attended.

Descartes and Joseph stay tops

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 26, 2023: The pair of Sheldon Descartes and Joseph Clercent confirmed their supremacy as the top team in the Men’s segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

Facing the experienced St Kitts and Nevis’ St Clair Hodge and Shawn Seabrookes, Descartes and Clercent, saw off their opponents, 2-0 ( 21-14, 21-14) to cop the gold, and ended the tournament undefeated.

It was a triumph that pleased, Clercent, who said that they planned for their in the finals.

“ The final was not that difficult for us because we used more techniques … We knew we were approaching a more experienced team… We watched a few of their games … We didn’t slip or slide because we knew if we did, we would have been punished”, Joseph reasoned.

The experienced Joseph added that winning the title on home soil, made it all the more rewarding.

Meanwhile, Clercent’s opposite- Hodge, stated, “ Overall we are happy with our performance… We came through a zone where we weren’t actively pushed and in this the final, we lost some of our focus and made some unforced errors and we didn’t make the adjustments on court and  that led to us dropping the championships”.

The two reached the title match with similar victories over their opposing semi- finalists.

As such, Descartes and Clercent eased past Bermuda’s Ryan Davies and Brandon Sousa, 21-12, 21-14, while Hodge and Seabrookes ousted Antigua and Barbuda’s Adrian Constant and Jamarie James, 21-19, 21-17.

Constant and James ensured a podium finish with a 21-19, 21-13 win over Davies and Sousa in the bronze medal match.

Dominica, Grenada,  St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia Team Two and Team Three competed the lineup of participants.

St Lucia  Women take gold medal

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 26, 2023:  Playing unbeaten throughout, St Lucia Team One pouched the gold medal of the Women’s segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

Buoyed by some vocal home support, the pair of Denila Prospere and Chenao Evans thwarted the meticulous play of the Grenadian duo of  Thornia Mitchell and Renisha Stafford, 21-16, 18-21, 15-11.

Relishing the title, Evans related , “ We have been training hard, about five times per week…  We have been active in Tournaments since last November, so we were prepared for this”.

Making the separations between the two teams on the day, Evans analysed, “ We tried to keep the focus our movements, our fitness and our agility were better than the Grenadians …The errors we made were our own errors

Apart from their presence and abilities on the court, Evans said that  playing in the presence of friends and family was boost in their confidence, as well as keeping them focused.

Gracious in defeat, Mitchell said:  “ Placing second, we are proud; We are happy with the result… We had good team spirit, we were supportive of each other”.

Mitchell however noted that it was their own undoing that cost them the title.

“We made some simple errors, service errors, hitting the ball into the net”, Mitchell concluded.

Before reaching the final, Prospere and Evans blanked a spirited St Lucia Team Two of Clio Phillip and Jemima Evans , 21-14, 22-20.

In the other half of the semis, Grenada defeated St Kitts and Nevis’ Brenda Allen and Zenelle Edwards  15-21, 21-18, 15-13.

St Kitts went to take the bronze medal, as Allen and  Lake registered a 2-1 ( 19-21, 21-13, 15-8) win over Phillip and Evans.

The other competing teams were Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Women set up title charge in ECVA Beach Volleyball  

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 25, 2023.- Following two days of play, the semi-finalists are known in the Women’s segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

Advancing to the last four from the initial seven team race,  are Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, along with St Lucia’s Team One and Team Two.

 Grenada, represented by Thornia Mitchell and Renisha Stafford emerged as Pool A winners, after  beating St Lucia’s Team Two of Clio Phillip and Jemima Evans 21-14, 19-21, 15-9.

Topping Pool B was St Lucia Team One of Denila Prospere and Chenao Evans, who beat Tamerca Cabey and Nyla Edmund, 2-0 ( 21-15, 21-12).

Prospere and Evans also defeated St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shanadia Sylvester and Saquanna Duncan, 21-11, 21-7.

Other Day Two Results

St Kitts and Nevis’ Brenda Allen and Genelle Lake beat  Sylvester and Duncan,  21-10, 21-14 and Josanne Lewis and Zenelle Edwards of Antigua and Barbuda 21-14, 21-11.

And, St Lucia’s Team Two of Phillip and Evans beat Cabey and Edmund 21-7, 21-14.

The semi-finals pit Grenada against St Kitts and Nevis, with St Lucia One and Two battling in the other.

The winners then go for gold, with the losers seek the consolation bronze.

St Lucia and Grenada Women show worth in ECVA Beach Tournament

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 24, 2023.-  Both St Lucia Women’s teams, as well as Grenada, completed day one, with a win apiece in their segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

St Lucia Team Two and Grenada registered wins in Pool A.  The combination of Clio Phillip and Jemima Evans was taken to three sets by St Kitts and Nevis’ Brenda Allen and Genelle Lake, but prevailed 9-21, 21-18, 15-13.

Also, in Pool A, Grenada’s Thornia Mitchell and Renisha Stafford got past St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shanadia Sylvester and Saquanna Duncan 2-0 (21-19, 21-18).

More success came for St Lucia in Pool B, as Denila Prospere and Chenoa Evans, making up Team One, defeated Antigua and Barbuda’s Josanne Lewis and Zellene Edwards, 2-0 (21-17, 21-13).

This was after Lewis and Edwards had recorded a 2-1 (21-18, 13-21, 15-10) win over Dominica’s Tarmeca Cabey and Nyla Edmund.

Among Day Two’s matches are Dominica versus St Lucia Team One, St Lucia Team Two against Grenada, as well as St Vincent and the Grenadines versus St Kitts and Nevis.

Also slated for Day Two are three single elimination matches.

Three teams stay unbeaten after Day One in Men’s Pools

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 24, 2023.- St Lucia Team One, St Kitts and Nevis, along with Antigua and Barbuda, played unbeaten on Day One, in the Men’s segment of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

Playing in Pool A, St Lucia Team One, composed of Sheldon Descartes and Joseph Clercent beat the Dominican duo of Yahn Florent and Keaun Reefe  2-0( 21-11, 21-15).

Likewise, in Pool B, St Kitts and Nevis, represented by St Clair Hodge and Shawn Seabrookes defeated Bermuda’s Ryan Davies and Brandon Sousa, also 2-0( 21-13, 21-13).

Meanwhile, in Pool C, Antigua’s duo of Adrian Constant and Jamarie James beat St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Asmond  Franklyn and Jad Martin 2-0 (21-18, 21-14).

However, it was Franklyn and Martin who got the days proceedings going, as they beat St Lucia Team Three of  Charles Blair and Mario Victor,  2-0 ( 21-12, 21-5). The Vincentians thus ended the day, with a 1-1 win/loss ratio.

Also registering one win and one loss were  Dominica and Bermuda.

Dominica’s  Florent and Reefe beat Grenada’s  Isaac Nelson and Darron Oxford  2-0( 21-19, 21-19),  with Bermuda’s Davies and Sousa overcoming St Lucia Team Two of  Rio Victor and  Anil Larcher  2-0 ( 21-16, 21-8).

On Day Two, Saturday, Pool play concludes with Antigua and Barbuda meeting St Lucia Team Three, St Kitts and Nevis plays St Lucia Team Two and St Lucia Team One opposes Grenada.

Also slated for Day Two are five matches in a Single Elimination round.

Teams battle for ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball honours

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, February 23, 2023: Nine male teams and seven female outfits, will battle for honours  in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament here at the Cul de Sac Bay.

Making up the nine male teams are pairs from Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines and host St Lucia will feature three teams. They are stashed in three pools.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines , St Kitts and Nevis and two teams from St Lucia, make up the female lot. The females are placed in two pools.

Ahead of  the opening matches, teams are eagerly looking forward to show their wares on the courts.

St Clair Hodge- St Kitts and Nevis’ Male team

“ We are truly happy that the tournament is back. Our goal is to come out on top, but we are also looking at developing the sport, because we have some young players who we are mentoring so it is important that we do well”.

Asmond Franklyn- St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Male team

“ We are here to do well and play some hard Volleyball. I know that we have some experienced players, some I have played against, so my partner and I are up to the challenge”.

Brandon Sousa- Bermuda Male team

“We are relatively new to this. We had our first Norceca Tournament in the Cayman Islands last November. Despite this, our expectations are high as we have been training hard for this and do well”.

Tonya Mitchell – Grenada Female team

“ I expect us to perform well because we have been in training for a while and we have been playing together for sometime now, having attended some major tournaments before.  In saying so, we know that others are well prepared, but we are here to do our best and make our country proud”.

Joseann Lewis – Antigua and Barbuda Female team

“My expectation for this tournament is for us to go out and play  hard and have a lot of positive energy. We have been training hard for this and I believe that we will do well and go home with the first- place trophy”.

Clio Phillip- St Lucia Female Team Two

“ My partner and I have been training for this tournament for the past six weeks. We plan to play well, because we normally play well together and do our best and hopefully win the tournament”.

The Tournament’s format shows that the males will have nine matches in pool play, along with five matches in the single elimination round, while the females host seven matches in the pool play, three matches in the single elimination round.

In both genders, four teams will emerge to the semi-finals, before the finalists are determined.

The Tournament serves off on Friday, February 24, with six matches in Men’s play, with four matches scheduled among the females.

Development Center conducts innovative Sports Medicine Workshop

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, February 20, 2023.- The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in Dominican Republic in a joint effort with the Dominican Volleyball National Federation (FEDOVOLI) conducted this past Saturday a Sports Medicine Workshop with 48 doctors and physical therapists.

The workshop’s main subjects were the treatment of injuries, physical therapy and first aid for high performance volleyball athletes, conducted by Dr. Lissett Sánchez from the Sports Medicine Federation, Dr. Juan Núñez specialized in Orthopedics, Dr. Emilio Villanueva specialized in Sports Medicine, Dr. Víctor Figueroa specialized in Physical Therapy and member of the FIVB Medical Commission, Psychologist Luis Verges, Dr. Julio Miñoso member of the NORCECA Medical Commission and Physical Therapists Jesús Solverio and Dalvel De Los Santos.

Practical session Sports Medicine Workshop

Ramón A. García president of FEDOVOLI, Fernando Teruel of the Ministry of Sports, Prof. Nelson José Ramírez director of the NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center and organizer, as well as Dr. Heyda Joaquín president of the FEDOVOLI Medical Commission and coordinator of the working sessions.

Ramon García expressed that the Dominican Volleyball Federation has set the goal to give more support and medical treatment for athletes and to provide medical assistance during the tournaments to be held throughout the entire country; hence, medical personnel will now carry an ID that allows them to be part of these tournaments.

Learning session Sports Medicine Workshop

Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Olympic Pictograms Unveiled

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LAUSANE, Switzerland, February 10, 2023.- Volleyball and Beach Volleyball will be present at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with stylish new visual identities. The organizers revealed the 47 different sports pictograms, each of which is meant as “a badge of honor”, representing not only a sporting discipline but also a family, a sense of pride, a set of values and a community. It is a symbol of each wearer belonging to a chosen sporting family, and a sign of affinity with a great and beautiful sporting community.”

Each pictogram is composed of three graphical elements: an axis of symmetry, a depiction of the ground and a representation of the sport that it illustrates.

In beach volleyball, 24 teams per gender, or a total of 48 pairs, will compete at Paris 2024. The competition format for the beach volleyball tournaments at Paris 2024 will remain the same as the one applied at Tokyo 2020. In each gender, the 24 teams will be split into six pools of four, with the top two in each pool plus two best ranked third-placed teams directly advancing to the round of 16. The four lowest ranked third-placed duos will have to go through an additional “lucky losers” round to reduce the teams in contention to 16.  Single-elimination round of 16 matches, quarterfinals and semifinals will follow before the two medal matches determine the spots on the podium.

Beach Volleyball Pictogram

Paris 2024’s beach volleyball events will take place between 27 July and 10 August at a spectacular 12,000-capacity temporary stadium to be built at the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

The men’s team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum of Norway and the women’s team of April Ross and Alix Klineman of the United States are the reigning beach volleyball Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020.

Meanwhile, the volleyball tournaments, will be played under a new format. The pool phase will consist of three pools of four teams rather than two pools of six teams in each gender. The top two teams in each pool and the two best third-placed teams will progress to the final phase of the tournament, which will remain the same as at Tokyo 2020, with quarterfinals, semifinals and then the bronze and gold medal matches.

Volleyball Pictogram

The volleyball competition at Paris 2024 will be held between 27 July and 11 August. The matches will be played at the 12,000-capacity South Paris Arena #1, part of the Paris Expo, built in 1923 to host the Paris Trade Fair.

As representatives of the host country, the French men’s national team will compete at Paris 2024 in an attempt to defend the Olympic title they earnt at Tokyo 2020. To be able to defend the gold they earned in Japan, the current women’s Olympic champions, the USA, will have to progress through the Olympic qualification process first.

The sports pictograms were first introduced at the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964, which corresponds to the first time volleyball featured in the Games as an Olympic sport. 

Hughes & Cheng claim historic Beach Pro Tour title

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DOHA, Qatar, January 29, 2023.- Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng of the United States are the first-ever Beach Pro Tour champions, winning the gold medal match of the Doha Beach Pro Tour Finals 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) over reigning world champions and world’s top-ranked team Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) and Ana Patricia Ramos of Brazil.

Shortly after reuniting as a team some three months ago, the two 27-year-old Americans won gold at the first AVP Tour event together and followed up with trophies at their first two appearances on the Beach Pro Tour, November’s Challenge and Elite16 events in Torquay. They received a wild card to compete at the season Finals in Doha and mad it pay off.

Hughes and Cheng climbed to the top of the historic podium, which means they have already won four high-level tournaments in a row since teaming up.

Beach Pro Tour 2022 Finals in Doha

Sunday’s gold medal match started better for ninth-seeded Hughes and Cheng. They quickly built up a four-point lead, which Duda and Ana Patricia just as quickly wiped out. For a short while, the Brazilians even stepped in front, but the Americans regained control in the money time of the first set to claim it after two consecutive swings by Hughes, for the set point and for the set winner. They broke away with an early 3-0 lead in the second set and then just kept pace until Hughes again shaped up the final 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) with a successful spike. Cheng and Duda shared the top scorer honors of the final with 20 points apiece.

Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng Gold Medal at Beach Pro Tour (The Finals) in Doha

“Kelly and I are so happy! That was just such an amazing finish!” Hughes exclaimed after the last whistle. “I am so proud of her! She was absolutely perfect, and I think we are very steady as a team. We are so excited to come out with a win, and we are also looking forward to next week.”

“I am speechless right now. I’m really proud of our team,” Cheng added. “We have another tournament next week, so we are probably going to get some ice cream from the mall and then sleep for like 12 hours tonight. We’ll sleep and recover as best as we can and then get out and fight next week.”

In semifinals, Hughes and Cheng recovered from losing the first set to Katja Stam and Raisa Schoon of the Netherlandsam with a 2-1 (24-26, 21-19, 15-10) victory. Cheng was on fire in attack and delivered the math high of 30 points, including two kill blocks. Stam and Schoon went on to win the bronze-medal.  

The other two NORCECA teams competing, Americans Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth and Sarah Pavan with Sophie Bukovec of Canada finished in fifth and ninth place respectively.

Félix Sabio prepares proposals for AFECAVOL

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GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, January 18, 2023.- AFECAVOL President Félix Sabio held an important working session in Guatemala with AFECAVOL General Secretary Carlos Enrique Santis Rangel to present several proposals for the improvement of volleyball in the Central American zone.

The objective of Sabio’s two day visit in Guatemala was to discuss several details about AFECAVOL 2023 activities to develop and improve the sport in Central America.

Among the topics discussed were the actions of the Central American Volleyball Association legal status in Guatemala.

The 2023 events were another matter discussed, prior to the AFECAVOL General Assembly that will be held in Guatemala City at the end of February or beginning of March.  

Felix Sabio AFECAVOL President in working session with Enrique Santis AFECAVOL General Secretary and other AFECAVOL members

Also, the working commission meetings were scheduled, where information will be prepared for discussion at the General Assembly.

In another project for this year that President Felix Sabio presented, is the agreement with new strategic allies that will contribute to his objectives set for the region.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023

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Dear NORCECA National Federation Presidents, Members of NORCECA Excecutive Committee & Board of Administration, Members of NORCECA Commission and Technical Staff.

At the end of a very fruitful year 2022, as President of NORCECA we are pleased to render our 2022 NORCECA Activities Report covering all the events held by NORCECA during the year.

NORCECA-Activities-2022Download

The extraordinary results and participation of our National Federations made more attractive our events during the year, created the necessary conditions for our continental sponsor to support NORCECA and at the same time taking advantage to promote their products and activities through a very dynamic marketing strategies.

In summary, 2022 has been definitively the recovery year for NORCECA going back to normal after two painful years that impacted our events and activities due to the Global Pandemic of the COVID19.

2022, set forward the necessary conditions for fruitful 2023 as a Pre-Olympic year for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Wishing you all, your families and our worldwide volleyball community a Merry Christmas and a Fruitful and happy New Year 2023, our best gift, so please enjoy our 2022 NORCECA Activities Report.

Kind Regards

Samuel Schatcher and Daniel Dearing win the NORCECA Tour Finals

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, December 11, 2022.- Samuel Schatcher and Daniel Dearing of Canada won the 2022 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Finals in an extended 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-12) to Noslen Díaz and Luis Alayo of Cuba on Sunday in Punta Cana.

Samuel Schatcher scored an ace to celebrate with Daniel Dearing their gold medal win against a strong Cuban duo and the rough wind in Punta Cana.

Sam and Daniel lost to Díaz and Alayo in pool-play which added an extra pressure in the anticipating final match.

After winning the gold, Daniel explained the difference between their previous match against Cuba “watching painful video of losing a match and readjusting, making corrections; it’s painful to watch your mistakes and try to do better. Cuba is such a good team that it still came down to a slim difference”.

Sam said “it was very difficult and exciting, Cuba is extremely talented. I’m so blessed to have such a talented partner that did so well and steady the entire time. It was windy out here and the conditions were difficult to play in, the level was very high”. About scoring an ace for the win he added “when it comes down to the wire, we are very aggressive, we can live with our mistakes, and I went for it”.

Samuel Schatcher and Daniel Dearing of Canada

Schatcher and Dearing reached the title match winning their semifinal to Chaim Schalk and Theodore Brunner of the United States 2-0 (21-19, 21-17). While Díaz and Alayo came into the gold medal match after a rough three-set win 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 16-14) to Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico.

Schalk and Brunner won the bronze medal to Virgen and Sarabia 2-0 (21-15, 21-18).

In fifth place, Andy Blanco/Luis García of Guatemala defeated Jhostin Varela/Daniel Dyner of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-14, 21-19). Earlier Varela and Dyner beat Dominicans Oscar Martínez and Hayerling De Jesús 2-0 (21-17, 21-19) who ended the event in seventh place.

Bryce Mayer and Travis Lee of the U.S. Virgin Islands beat Franklin Flores and Pepe Vargas of El Salvador 2-0 (21-19, 21-18) for ninth place; while eleventh place went to Mark Blake and Owayne Lawrence of Jamaica defeating Puerto Ricans Franco Roark/Lorenzo Rivera 2-0 (21-17, 15-21, 15-7).

Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles 2022 NORCECA Tour Finals champions

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, December 11, 2022.- Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles of the United States were crowned champions of the 2022 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Finals winning the gold medal match to Allanis Navas and María González of Puerto Rico 2-0 (21-16, 21-19) on Sunday in Punta Cana.

Tournament first seeded Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles commanded the actions despite Navas and González efforts of keeping the scores close and missing two match points (20-17) before their gold medal victory.

“It’s exciting winning the gold. It was a battle of who was going to be better in the win and we are excited to get this experience together as a team; and just put the pressure on them” said Betsi.

Julia said that going into the finals you never know how it’s going to fall “both teams have gone through a lot of teams to get to that point, so you are prepared for a battle; Puerto Rico gave us a great fight, I’m thankful we were able to pull it out”.

In their semifinal match, Flint and Scoles defeated the duo of Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores of Mexico 2-0 (21-11, 21-19), while Navas and González came from behind 2-1 (14-21, 21-13, 15-13) against Canadians Amanda Harnett and Marie-Alex Bélanger.

Betsi Flint USA spikes

In the bronze medal match, Harnett and Bélanger recovered from falling in the first set to defeat Mexicans Gutiérrez/Flores 2-1 (18-21, 21-10, 17-15) to win their third consecutive bronze medal of the season.

For fifth place, Cubans Nahomi Charlot and Dayani Zerqueira defeated the local team of Bethania Almanzar and Crismil Paniagua recovering from falling in the first set 2-1 (20-22, 21-13, 15-7).

Earlier Charlot/Dayani dominated Angel Williams and Kianny Quesada of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-19, 21-13) and Almanzar/Paniagua beat Amber Bennett and Taylor Buchner of the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (27-25, 21-18).

In other positions, Costa Ricans Williams and Quesada prevailed 2-0 (21-16, 21-18) against Bennett/ Buchner of the U.S. Virgin Islands for seventh place.

While Socorro Lopez and Lolette Rodriguez of Nicaragua took ninth place over Yvonne Soler and Sofía Velásquez of El Salvador 2-0 (21-16, 21-16).

Guatemala’s Girón and Monney finished eleventh place over Smith and Chauna of Jamaica 2-0 (21-19, 21-17).

Canada, Mexico, Cuba and United States reach men’s semifinals

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, December 10, 2022.- Canada, Mexico, Cuba and the United States reached the men’s semifinals of the 2022 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Finals after winning their quarterfinal matches in Punta Cana.

Sunday’s men’s semifinals feature Samuel Schatcher and Daniel Dearing of Canada against Chaim Schalk and Theodore Brunner of the U.S. and Mexicans Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia facing Cubans Noslen Díaz and Luis Alayo.

The first team to reach the semifinals was Samuel Schatcher and Daniel Dearing of Canada taking down Dominicans Oscar Martínez and Hayerling De Jesus 2-0 (21-17, 21-11).

Earlier, Scatcher and Dearing finished second in pool B falling 0-2 (16-21, 20-22) to Cubans Noslen Díaz and Luis Alayo who recovered from a five-point deficit (15-20) in the second set stealing their opportunity to play a tie-break.

Later, Díaz and Alayo prevailed 2-0 (21-11, 21-13) against Guatemalans Andy Blanco and Luis García to move into the semifinals.

Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia of Mexico defeated Ruben Mora and Jefferson Cascante of Nicaragua 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) to advance to semifinals. Previously, Virgen and Sarabia topped pool C over Dominicans Martínez/ De Jesus 2-0 (21-12, 21-12).

Juan Virgen of Mexico

Americans Chaim Schalk and Theodore Brunner defeated Jhostin Varela and Daniel Dyner of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-11, 21-18), who came from beating Franklin Flores and Pepe Vargas of El Salvador 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) to advance into the play-offs.

Earlier in pool-play, Schalk and Brunner finished first in pool A beating Nicaraguans Ruben Mora and Jefferson Cascante 2-0 (21-19, 21-19), while Blanco/García of Guatemala took third place over Franco Roark and Lorenzo Rivera of Puerto Rico 2-0 (21-13, 21-12).

Third place in pool B went to Flores/Pepe (ESA) who defeated Bryce Mayer and Travis Edward Lee of the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-16, 21-17).

In pool C, Dominicans Oscar Martínez and Hayerling De Jesus won 2-0 (21-16, 21-12) to Mark Blake and Owayne Lawrence of Jamaica; while Jhostin Varela and Daniel Dyner of Costa Rica also beat Jamaicans 2-0 (21-10, 21-16).

In matches for positions 9/12 Flores and Pepe of El Salvador dominated Puerto Ricans Roark/Rivera 2-0 (21-19, 22-20) and Mayer/Lee (ISV) defeated Blake/Lawrence (JAM) 2-0 (21-15, 21-19).

Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada and USA advance to women’s semifinals

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, December 10, 2022.- Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada and the United States advanced to the women’s semifinals of the 2022 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Finals in Punta Cana.

Mexicans Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores were challenged by Dominicans Bethania Almanzar and Crismil Paniagua in a three-set quarterfinal battle 2-1 (21-11, 19-21, 15-10).

Amanda Harnett and Marie-Alex Bélanger of Canada prevailed 2-0 (21-17, 21-11) in quarterfinals against Cubans Nahomi Charlot and Dayani Zerqueira 2-0 (21-17, 21-11), who earlier defeated Petal Smith and Kelly Chauna of Jamaica 2-0 (22-20, 21-13) in their last pool A match.

On their way to semifinals, Allanis Navas and María González of Puerto Rico started the day winning pool C to Bethania Almanzar and Crismil Paniagua of Dominican Republic 2-0 (21-8, 21-8) and then in quarterfinals they beat Angel Williams and Kianny Quesada of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-12, 21-12).

Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles of the United States, who topped pool A on Friday, earned an easy 2-0 (21-8, 21-8) quarterfinal win to Amber Bennett and Taylor Buchner of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Amanda Harnett of Canada

On Sunday’s semifinals, Americans Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles will face Atenas Gutierrez and Abril Flores of Mexico, followed by Allanis Navas and Maria González of Puerto Rico against Canadians Amanda Harnett and Marie-Alex Bélanger.

In other results, Bennett/Buchner (ISV) won to Yvonne Soler/Sofía Velásquez of El Salvador 2-0 (22-20, 21-13) and then played an extra match to advance to the quarterfinals, working hard to defeat Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez of Nicaragua 2-1 (21-18, 18-21, 15-10) who earlier prevailed 2-0 (21-19, 21-17) against Natalia Girón and Naomi Monney of Guatemala.

In classification matches for position 9/12, Nicaraguans Lopez/Lolette defeated Smith/Chauna of Jamaica 2-1 (22-20, 15-21, 15-13) and Soler/Velásquez of El Salvador beat Girón/Monney of Guatemala 2-0 (21-19, 21-16).

United States and Canada book tickets to quarterfinals

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, December 9, 2022.- United States and Canada booked their tickets to the quarterfinals of the 2022 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Finals on Friday at Punta Cana.

First seeded Betsi Flint and Julia Scores of the United States won two matches to top pool A on day one of the event.

Flint and Scores started with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-10) victory over Cuban duo of Nahomi Charlot and Dayani Zerqueira and then they prevailed against Angel Williams and Kianny Quesada of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-13, 21-6), who earlier beat Petal Smith and Kelly Chauna of Jamaica 2-0 (21-7, 21-17).

Williams and Quesada landed second place in pool A and also progressed into the quarterfinals.

Canadians Amanda Harnett and Marie-Alex Bélanger won pool B defeating Yvonne Soler and Sofía of El Salvador 2-0 (21-12, 21-9) and recovering from losing the first set to Mexicans Atenas Gutiérrez and Abril Flores 2-1 (18-21, 21-18, 15-11) in what was the most challenging match of the day.

Julia Scores of USA

Gutiérrez and Flores beat Amber Bennett and Taylor Buchner of the U. S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-6, 21-9), finishing second place in pool B and reaching the quarterfinal round.

In pool C, Allanis Navas and María González of Puerto Rico managed a comfortable 2-0 (21-11, 21-14) victory against Nicaraguans Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez. While Dominicans Bethania Almanzar and Crismil Paniagua struggled in the second set to beat Natalia Girón and Naomi Monney of Guatemala 2-0 (21-14, 22-20).

Pool C winner will be decided on Saturday with the match between Puerto Rico’s tandem Navas/Gonzalez and Almanzar/Paniagua of the Dominican Republic.

Pool-play resumes on Saturday to complete the final eight moving into the knockout round.

Five men’s teams with successful start at the NORCECA Tour Finals

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, December 9, 2022.- Five men’s teams had a successful start at the 2022 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Finals on Friday at Punta Cana.

Rubén Mora alongside Jefferson Cascante of Nicaragua were the first to hit the sand winning to Andy Blanco and Luis García of Guatemala in exciting overtime 2-1 (22-20, 17-21, 15-13) in pool A, while Chaim Schalk and Theodore Brunner of the United States prevailed 2-0 (21-11, 21-19) against Franco Roark and Lorenzo Rivera of Puerto Rico.

Pool A top finisher will be decided between Mora/Cascante of Nicaragua and Americans Schalk/Brunner.

In pool B, Cubans Noslen Díaz and Luis Alayo had no difficulties in beating Franklin Flores and David “Pepe” Vargas of El Salvador 2-0 (21-10, 21-15).  

Daniel Dearing of Canada

On the other hand, Samuel Schatcher and Daniel Dearing of Canada downed Bryce Mayer and Travis Edward Lee of the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-8, 21-12).

First place in pool B will be the winner between Diaz/Alayo and Schatcher/Dearing.

The only match played in pool C was won by Mexican duo of Juan Virgen and Miguel Sarabia over Jhostin Varela and Daniel Dyner of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-9, 21-16).

Pool play will be completed on Saturday to then play the quarterfinals.

NORCECA Tour Finals start Friday in Punta Cana

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, December 8, 2022.- The 2022 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Finals, the beginning of the Olympic Qualification System of NORCECA to Paris 2024 kicks off on Friday with the preliminary pool-play.

The Beach Volleyball Director of the Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation, Amos Anglada, welcomed the 24 participating teams on behalf of NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz during the General Technical meeting on Thursday, that opened with a minute of silence in memory of Dr. Roosevelt Comarazamy, NORCECA Press Officer who recently passed away.

Amos Anglade, was accompanied by Oscar De La Cruz, representative of the Dominican Ministry of Tourism.

Julio Martínez, Competition Director explained that teams are distributed in three pools of four, starting with the modified pool-play round on Friday at 9:00 am (local time).

In women, United States registered Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles who won the silver medal a few days ago at the Beach Pro Tour Elite 16 in Torquay, Australia.

As well as Puerto Ricans Allanis Navas and María González winner of the first Central American and Caribbean Games of Sea and Beach in Santa Marta, one gold medal and two silvers in this NORCECA Tour season.

Also Amanda Harnett and Marie-Alex Bélanger of Canada will aim for their first gold medal after winning three bronze medals and a silver this year.

In the men’s division Cubans Noslen Díaz and Luis Alayo opened the tour winning the first stop in Aguascalientes, and winning a silver and a bronze, as well as finishing champions in Santa Marta.

Juan Virgen returns with teammate Miguel Sarabia of Mexico, this 2022 they won a silver and bronze.

While Andy Leonardo and Luis García of Guatemala finished second place in Managua and Cayman Islands.

Women’s Pools: Pool AUnited States, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Cuba; Pool B Mexico, Canada, El Salvador, U.S. Virgin Islands; Pool C Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Guatemala.

Men´s Pools: Pool A United States, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico; Pool B Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, U.S. Virgin Islands; Pool C Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica.

Women’s Teams

CAN Amanda Harnett/Marie-Alex Bélanger; CRC Angel Williams/Kianny Araya Quesada; CUB Charlot Deroncele Nahomi/Dayani Zerqueira Morera; DOM Bethania Almanzar/Crismil Paniagua; ESA Yvonne Soler/Sofía Velásquez; GUA Natalia Girón/Naomi Monney; JAM Petal Smith/Kelly Chauna; MEX Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores; NCA Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez; PUR Allanis Navas/María González; USA Betsi Flint/Julia Scoles; ISV Amber Bennett/Taylor Buchner

Men’s Teams

CAN Samuel Schatcher/Daniel Dearing; CRC Jhostin Varela/Daniel Dyner; CUB Noslen Díaz/Jorge Luis Alayo; DOM Oscar Martínez/Hayerling De Jesús; ESA Franklin Flores/David Vargas; GUA Andy Leonardo Blanco/Luis García; JAM Mark Blake/Owayne Lawrence; MEX Juan Virgen/Miguel Sarabia; NCA Ruben Mora/Jefferson Cascante; PUR Franco Roark/Lorenzo Antonio Rivera; USA Chaim Schalk/Theodore Brunner; ISV Bryce Mayer/Travis Edward Lee

2022 NORCECA Continental Tour Final headed to Punta Cana

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, December 5, 2022.- Twelve countries have registered for the 2022 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour Final to be held from December 9-11 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The first stage of the road to Paris 2024 starts on Friday in Punta Cana, marking the beginning of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Paris 2024 Olympic Qualification System, which consists of a series of three NORCECA Tour Finals (2022, 2023 and 2024).

After completing the three Finals, eight National Federations per gender will qualify for the 2024 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualification Finals to be held in June 2024, where the winning National Federation in each gender will qualify directly for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Each NORCECA Beach Tour Finals (2022, 2023 and 2024) consists of 12 National Federations per gender with a maximum of one team per National Federation per gender, according to the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball ranking.

The teams competing this weekend will go through the preliminary inquiry and the general technical meeting on Thursday where pool distribution and competition schedule will be confirmed.

Women’s Teams

CAN Amanda Harnett/Marie-Alex Bélanger; CRC Angel Williams/Kianny Araya; DOM Bethania Almanzar/Crismil Paniagua; CUB Charlot Deroncele Nahomi/Dayani Zerqueira Morera; ESA Yvonne Soler/Blanza Luz Colato; GUA Natalia Girón/Laura Quiñonez; JAM Petal Smith/Danielle Watson; MEX Atenas Gutiérrez/Abril Flores; NCA Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez; PUR Allanis Navas/María González; USA Terese Cannon/Sarah Sponcil; ISV Amber Bennett/Taylor Buchner

Men’s Teams

CAN Samuel Schatcher/Daniel Dearing; CRC Jhostin Varela/Daniel Dyner; CUB Noslen Díaz/Jorge Luis Alayo; DOM Oscar Martínez/Harllen De Jesús; ESA Franklin Flores/Armando Guatemala; GUA Andy Leonardo Blanco/Luis García; JAM Mark Blake/Owayne Lawrence; MEX Juan Virgen/Miguel Sarabia; NCA Ruben Mora/Jefferson Cascante; PUR Franco Roark/Lorenzo Antonio Rivera; USA Chaim Schalk/Theodore Brunner; ISV Bryce Mayer/Travis Edward Lee

Navas and Gonzalez of Puerto Rico take the Gold in Santa Marta

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SANTA MARTA, Colombia, November 26, 2022.- Allanis Navas and María Gonzalez of Puerto Rico dominated the women’s gold medal match of the first Central American and Caribbean Games of Sea and Beach 2-0 (21-8, 21-9) over Cubans Amanda Armenteros and Jennifer Rivera.

From start to finish, Allanis and Maria controlled the actions against a timed Cuban team who couldn’t respond to the experienced Puerto Rican duo.

After winning the gold, Allanis said “we feel super proud, thankful for the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico once again and glad to give them happiness with a gold medal”.

Maria Gonzalez added “thankful for the crowd’s support, watching them on the stands, they were the third player that helped us to want this victory”.

Allanis Navas Puerto Rico spikes

Allanis and María have had a couple of weeks of victories at the 2022 NORCECA Tour, winning the gold in Hato Mayor and the silver in Cayman Islands.

In semifinals, Puerto Rico beat Abril Flores and Katherine Albarran of Mexico 2-0 (21-19, 21-11) in a challenging first set, but then in the second they jumped to a huge five-point advantage (10-5) which the Mexicans couldn’t catch up with.

Armenteros and Rivera (CUB) advanced to the gold medal match in a dramatic semifinal win of 2-1 (21-18, 15-21, 20-18) against Venezuelans Luisana Linares and Yhonnielis Camacho. Linares and Camacho performed with great skills managing the game, but Armenteros and Rivera came out on top with strength over the net.

Flores and Albarran of Mexico won the bronze medal, with a comfortable 2-0 (21-8, 21-15) victory over Linares and Camacho of Venezuela.

Women’s Results Saturday

SEMIFINALS PUR d MEX 2-0 (21-19, 21-11); CUB d VEN 2-1 (21-18, 15-21, 20-18)

SILVER MEDAL MEX d VEN 2-0 (21-8, 21-15); GOLD MEDAL PUR d CUB 2-0 (21-8, 21-9)

Cubans Alayo and Diaz win gold in Santa Marta in thrilling three sets

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SANTA MARTA, Colombia, November 26, 2022.- Cubans Luis Alayo and Noslen Diaz needed three sets to beat the home team of Juan Noriega and Yefferson De La Hoz 2-1 (21-17, 20-22, 15-10) for the gold of the first Central American and Caribbean Sea and Beach Games in Santa Marta.

The crowd filled up the stands of the Multisports Park “500 años” to support the Colombian team who were able to stop Cuba’s offensive thanks to Yefferson De La Hoz serves and Juan Noriega’s defense.

Diaz kept his serenity and Alayo with his explosive game shut the crowd that enjoyed a challenging match.

Luis Alayo spoke after the game “it was a nice final, as expected. The first set was productive for Cuba and the second set was tense, I lost focus in the technical part and Colombia took advantage. We went out looking to win the third set for the gold medal for Cuba”.

Luis Alayo Cuba in semifinals vs El Salvador

Noslen Diaz expressed “it was a demanding match, we expected it from Colombia as host of the event, they had great strength. We were able to adjust all the steps we needed to come out with the victory”.

Alayo and Diaz progressed to the gold medal match winning their semifinal without difficulties over siblings Yoel and Cristopher Guardado of El Salvador 2-0 (21-11, 21-9), while Colombians De La Hoz and Noriega dominated Mexicans Alexis Galicia and Oziel Aguirre 2-0 (21-16, 21-19).

The match for the bronze medal was very close, won by Mexico with Galicia and Aguirre 2-0 (25-23, 21-19) against the Guardado team of El Salvador.

Men’s Results Saturday

SEMIFINALS CUB d ESA 2-0 (21-11, 21-9); COL d MEX 2-0 (21-16, 21-19)

BRONZE MEDAL MEX d ESA 2-0 (25-23, 21-19); GOLD MEDAL CUB d COL 2-1 (21-17, 20-22, 15-10)

Cubans Alayo and Noslen undefeated into semifinals

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SANTA MARTA, Colombia, November 25, 2022.- Cubans Luis Alayo and Noslen Díaz the only undefeated team to reach the men’s semifinals of the first Central American and Caribbean Games of Sea and Beach in Santa Marta.

Alayo and Noslen have proven to be the strongest team of the tournament reaching the semifinals without losses; in quarterfinals they defeated Venezuelans Luisangel Vargas and Willian Perez 2-0 (21-11, 21-14). Vargas and Perez came from beating Dimanche Elsevijf and Timothy Van Henneigen of Curacao 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) in playoffs.

Also reaching semifinals were Cristopher and Yoel Guardado of El Salvador who continue to surprise while managing a comfortable 2-0 (21-9, 21-9) quarterfinal victory over Joshua Persaud and Nicholas Williams of Trinidad and Tobago.

Persaud and Williams (TTO) earlier beat Lorenzo Jn Pierre and Rio Jaden Victor of St. Lucia 2-0 (21-16, 21-15).

Colombians Juan Noriega and Yefferson De La Hoz were determined to be a finalist showing a consistent performance during their two outings of the day. In playoffs, they beat Franco Roark and Lorenzo Rivera of Puerto Rico 2-0 (21-11, 21-10) and then won their quarterfinal match over Nicaragua’s duo of Cristopher and Jefferson Cascante 2-0 (21-15, 21-15).

Colombia vs Nicaragua

Alexis Galicia and Isaías Aguirre of Mexico also reached the semifinals winning a thrilling quarterfinal match in a tie-break 2-1 (21-13, 18-21, 15-14) against Dominicans Hayerling De Jesús and Oscar Martínez. Isaías Aguirre needed medical assistance due to a minor cut, that made it even more nail biting.

Galicia and Aguirre advanced to quarterfinals after previously beating Crifforth Lobo and José Pablo Fernández of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-15, 21-12).

Saturday’s semifinals feature Cristopher and Yoel Guardado of El Salvador against Luis Alayo and Noslen Díaz of Cuba, and Colombians Juan Noriega and Yefferson De La Hoz against Mexicans Alexis Galicia and Isaías Aguirre.

Men’s Results Friday

PLAYOFFS TTO d LCA 2-0 (21-16, 21-15); VEN d CUR 2-0 (21-14, 21-17); COL d PUR 2-0 (21-11, 21-10); MEX d CRC 2-0 (21-15, 21-12)

QF ESA d TTO 2-0 (21-9, 21-9); CUB d VEN 2-0 (21-11, 21-14); COL d NCA 2-0 (21-15, 21-15); MEX d DOM 2-1 (21-13, 18-21, 15-14)

Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico remain as finalists Santa Marta 

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SANTA MARTA, Colombia, November 24, 2022.- Women’s top four teams of Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico remain as finalists after winning the I Central American and Caribbean Sea and Beach Games quarterfinals at the Santa Marta Multisport “500 años” in El Rodadero.

Puerto Ricans Allanis Navas and María González of Puerto Rico kept their strong defense display over Gabriela Funes and Sofía Velásquez of El Salvador 2-0 (21-10, 21-11), who earlier won their playoff to Chlouie Gaetos and Deajra Tulloch of Cayman Islands 2-0 (21-10, 21-11).

Venezuelans Luisana Linares and Yhonnielis Camacho dominated Nahima Silva and Alejandra Rosales of Nicaragua 2-0 (21-15, 21-11). Previously, Silva/Rosales beat Suriname’s Shaniva and Sharon Balkaran 2-0 (21-12, 21-15).

Amanda Armanteros and Jennifer Rivera of Cuba needed a stronger effort in the first set to beat Colombians Ana Fernanda Beltrán and Vanessa Buenañoz 2-0 (21-19, 21-13) who came from an easy victory against Dei Padmore and Serena Edwards of Barbados 2-0 (21-9, 21-9) in playoffs.

Camacho – Venezuela

Mexicans Abril Flores and Katherine Albarran downed Kianny Araya and Ximena Nuñez of Costa Rica 2-0 (21-11, 21-10). Earlier in playoffs, Araya and Nuñez defeated Britney Choon and Tsyan Selvon of Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 (21-11, 21-13).

The first semifinal on Saturday is between Allanis Navas and María González of Puerto Rico against Abril Flores and Katherine Albarran of Mexico, followed by the semifinal between Cubans Amanda Armanteros and Jennifer Rivera against Luisana Linares and Yhonnielis Camacho of Venezuela.

Medal matches are scheduled to start at noon.

Friday’s Results Women

PLAY OFFS ESA d CAY 2-0 (21-10, 21-11); CRC d TTO 2-0 (21-11, 21-13); COL d BAR 2-0 (21-9, 21-9); NCA d SUR 2-0 (21-12, 21-15)

QF PUR d ESA 2-0 (21-10, 21-11); MEX d CRC 2-0 (21-11, 21-10); CUB d COL 2-0 (21-19, 21-13); VEN d NCA 2-0 (21-15, 21-11)

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