Puerto Rico wins Bronze Medal at the 2023 San Salvador CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 2, 2023.- Puerto Rico won the Bronze Medal at the twenty fourth Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023 with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-14) victory over the representatives of Centro Caribe Sports -Guatemala- at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández on Sunday.

Puerto Rico finished third place with a 4-1 win-loss record, to win their fourth bronze medal in the history of the Games (1950, 1959, 1986). For CCS (Guatemala),  with a 2-3  record and fourth place is their best finish in Central American Games.

Puerto Rico set the pace in the first and third sets, while CCS couldn’t keep the advantage, they held the entire second set reaching a close 25-23 finish for Puerto Rico.

Middle blocker Johathan Rodriguez led his team to victory with 10 points from 9 kills and one ace. Outside hitter Pelegrin Vargas and opposite Jamal Ellis produced 8 and 6 points respectively.

Luis Garcia, PUR, attacks

On the CCS (GUA) side, team captain Carlos López scored a match-high of 13 points on 12 kills and one ace. Opposite Erik Flores contributed with 7 points.

Puerto Rico secured their victory with 37 points from kills against 28, a 7-3 margin in blocking points and a 4-2 advantage in aces. Both teams handed out a similar number of points from unforced errors, Puerto Rico (23) and Centro Caribe Sports (27).

Oswald Antonetti, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “On this occasion our performance put us in the position to battle for third place in the Games; yesterday in semifinals, Dominican Republic performed well, organized, and disciplined, they have worked well. Our team must continue to grow, giving continuity to our young players and creating an identity. It will take us some time to get over the loss in semifinals. Today we responded”.

Reider Lucas, Head Coach of Centro Caribe Sports: “I am glad we reached as far as we could and I think the guys played well, performing the volleyball we have worked on. Having lost the second set that we could have won, affected the team emotionally in the third set”.

Mexico finishes fifth place at 2023 San Salvador CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 2, 2023.- Mexico defeated El Salvador 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-15) to finish fifth place of the Men’s Volleyball tournament at the twenty fourth Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023 on Sunday at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández.

Mexico finished the tournament with a 4-1 win-loss record and fifth place. Host El Salvador ended  sixth place, their best historic position in CAC Games with 2-3.

Mexico prevailed with a huge 48 advantage in attacking points against 16. They were also more effective in blocks 8-6 and in points from serves 5-2. El Salvador committed fewer errors than Mexico (14-25).

The only two players that finished with double digits were Mexicans opposite hitter Diego Gonzalez with 13 points on 8 kills, four blocks and one ace, and outside hitter Josué López who scored 10 points on 8 kills and two blocks.

Opposite hitter Gustavo Ortiz led El Salvador with 9 points on 7 kills and two blocks.

Pedro Rangel, Captain of Mexico: “We were mentalized in a different presentation. We had difficulties in technical aspects, and we must analyze what failed, adjust, and improve. We had too many things going wrong, but the team has talent to work with”.

Gabriel Linares, Head Coach of El Salvador: “Mexico was aware that we are a team that battles hard, and they needed to impose their authority; they attacked us with serves and we couldn’t respond. We had a good tournament despite the limitations during the process, we got into the top six in the event, a feat we didn’t have in the past 20 years. Now we must prepare for the Senior Central America Cup”.

Suriname seventh place over Trinidad & Tobago at CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 2, 2023.- Suriname finished seventh place after defeating Trinidad & Tobago 3-1 (25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 26-24) at the Men’s Volleyball tournament of the twenty fourth Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023.

Suriname in seventh place ends the event 1-3 and Trinidad & Tobago 0-4 in position eight.

Suriname was superior in points from attacks 65-46 and in aces 7-1; both teams scored on six blocks. Suriname handed out less points from unforced errors (6-17).

Keven Sporkslede, team captain of Suriname scored a match-high of 20 points (19 kills, one ace). Middle blocker David Pinas added 19 points (18 kills, one block) and opposite Zefanio Brienburg contributed with 14 points (12 kills, one block, one ace).

Outside hitters Daynte Stweart and Brandon Legall led Trinidad & Tobago with 19 points and 13 points respectively.

Keven Sporkslede, SUR, attacks

Carlos Orta Fellove, Head Coach of Suriname: “I am happy, still, I wanted to win yesterday as well. For Suriname this was a good tournament, they learned a lot which for me is the most important thing. In the future we are going to perform better because they know the level of play at the Central American Games”.

Gideon Dickson, Head Coach of Trinidad & Tobago:  “We started a bit too late, and the momentum was on Suriname’s side. We know what to work on, we have two weeks ahead of our Senior Zonal Championship and we will get it right”.

Dominicans defeat Puerto Rico in thriller to battle for the CAC Gold Medal against Cuba

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 1, 2023.- Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico in semifinals in a five-set thriller 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 15-11) on Saturday to battle for the Men’s Volleyball Gold Medal Match of the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games against Cuba

Dominican Republic has reached the CAC Games title match in other three occasions (1962, 1986, 2014) winning it only once, at the 2014 Veracruz Games in Mexico when they beat Puerto Rico.

Dominican Republic will battle Cuba, who earlier won their semifinal to the representatives of Centro Caribe Sports -Guatemala-.

Puerto Rico started off strong and controlled the actions in the first set but missed two set points before reaching 25-21. Dominican Republic turned it around, winning the next two battled sets. In the fourth, Puerto Rico trailed up to an even 21 to play a tie-break which had to be delayed for over an hour due roof leak. Dominicans stormed past Puerto Rico after reaching an even 9 where team captain Henry Tapia scored the final point on a kill.

Henry Tapia (DOM) celebrates the win

Outside hitter Wilfrido Hernández was Dominican Republic’s top scorer with 19 kill points. Team captain, opposite Henry Tapia and outside hitter Hector Cruz both scored 17 points.

Puerto Rico’s team captain, outside hitter Pedro Molina scored a match-high of 22 points on 17 kills, three aces and one block. Other three players also finished with double-digits, outside hitter Pelegrin Vargas (17), middles Pedro Nieves (14) and Jonathan Rodriguez (11).

Henry Tapia, Captain of Dominican Republic: “I can’t express enough the joy I feel, we are concluding a difficult task. Being on court isn’t easy, there are moments when the opponents’ coordination changes our game structure, and you must make quick decisions. We lost the fourth set and we thought we were defeated; we were well coordinated to come back and win the fifth set. As of this moment we already have a medal on our neck, with my necklaces”.

Alexander Gutierrez, Head Coach of Dominican Republic: “Since the Final Four in Mexico we were focused on the Central American Games and today we are reaching the finals. Things have been planned, systemized, in order but above all patiently. The Dominican men’s volleyball is growing, we have many young players that need to mature, take decisions during the game, but this is the way. We have secured a medal”.

Cuba books first ticket to the Gold Medal Match at San Salvador CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 1, 2023.- Cuba became the first team to book their ticket the Gold Medal Match in Men’s Volleyball at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games after winning their semifinal 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-17) to the representatives of Centro Caribes Sports -Guatemala- on Saturday.

The last time Cuba played for gold was in 2006 in Cartagena, Colombia when they lost to Puerto Rico. This is the fourteenth occasion that Cuba reaches the gold medal match of the CAC Games, winning an overall of ten titles.

Cuba will face the winner of the other semifinal between Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. CSC (GUA) is going for the bronze medal for the first time in the history of the Games.

Cuba was dominant over CCS, giving its starters a rest and using Miguel Angel Lopez in the libero position. Cuba led by a huge 40-29 advantage in attacking points, as well as in blocks by a 10 to one difference. Both teams scored four points from serves. Cuba benefited from 21 opponent errors against 13.

Jose Miguel Gutierrez of Cuba scored a match-high of 15 points, on 13 kills, one block and one ace. Middle blocker Endriel Pedroso added 11 points on 6 kills, a match-high of four blocks and one ace.

Middle blocker Andy Leonardo led Guatemala with 9 points on eight kills and one ace. Team captain Carlos Lopez and opposite Erik Flores contributed with 8 points each.

José Guiterrez, CUB, blocks

Osniel Mergarejo, Captain of Cuba: “We are satisfied to battle in the gold medal match, our goal is to win it, we are going with our all. The most difficult part of the tournament has been that we are a little tired from performing at the VNL. We are here to compete, to do things well and then return to VNL”.

Carlos López, Captain of CSC: “It’s a historic feat to play for a medal, the fact of competing here and facing a team like Cuba is a success for us, we learn, we improve. Today we weren’t afraid of Cuba, we played with character and good attitude, that gives us confidence that we will battle hard for third place”.

Reider Lucas, Head Coach of CSC: “Performing at this level benefits our team. We went out to compete, we made errors, but that is part of the game; the guys have grown and aren’t scared of competing against teams of a higher level”.

El Salvador defeats Suriname, will face Mexico for fifth place

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 1, 2023.- El Salvador defeated Suriname 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-22) and will face Mexico for fifth place in Men’s Volleyball at the Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023.

Host El Salvador came from behind in the last two sets to earn the straight set victory in a classification match for positions 5 to 8 of the event.

On Sunday, El Salvador goes up against Mexico, who earlier beat Trinidad & Tobago, for position five, while Suriname will face Trinidad & Tobago for seventh place.

Points from attacks were balanced, El Salvador with 36 and Suriname with 33. The host country led 11-9 in blocks and held a slight 5-4 margin in points from serves, allowing 18 points from unforced errors while scoring on 23 from Suriname.

Team captain Keven Sporkslede was the top scorer for Suriname with 13 points (9 kills, 4 blocks), joined by outside hitter Jonovan Wijngaarde who collected 10 points (9 kills, one serve).

Gabriel Vargas, ESA, attacks

Diego Guidos, middle blocker of El Salvador: “We are making history. Never before El Salvador had gone this far in recent tournaments. I am excited and proud of my team and its performance. Despite that in the preliminary round we didn’t get the results we wanted, we haven’t stopped fighting and keep on moving forward as a team, as a family helped by these spectacular supporters. Our warrior spirit didn’t allow us to give up”.  

Gabriel Linares, Head coach of El Salvador: “Our opponent changed their serves and that got us in trouble in the second and third set, but we coordinated better our receiving line, and we came back slowly. It’s the first time El Salvador will play for fifth place at CAC Games”.

Mexico beat Trinidad & Tobago to play for 5th place at CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 1, 2023.- Mexico beat Trinidad & Tobago 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-12) and will play for fifth place at the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández.

Mexico outperformed Trinidad & Tobago in a classification match for positions five to eight on Saturday, with a huge 42-25 advantage in attacking points, 12-4 in blocking points and 2-0 in aces. Both teams committed a similar number of unforced errors, Mexico with 15 and Trinidad & Tobago with 19.

Mexico will wait for the winner between Suriname and host El Salvador; Trinidad & Tobago will play for position seven.

Yasutaka Sanay topped Mexico with 8 points and Daynte Stewart of Trinidad & Tobago led all scorers with 10 points.

Josue López, MEX, attacks

Enrique Sandoval, outside hitter of Mexico: “In the first and second sets we analyzed our opponents and in the third we scored easier. Tomorrow we close and we will give our one hundred percent for the best place”.

Marley Davidson, libero of Trinidad & Tobago: “The energy of the team wasn’t there. We tried to push the team to get as many points as possible or even take a set, but unfortunately we didn’t execute well”.

Puerto Rico to face Dominican Republic in Semifinals

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 30, 2023.- Puerto Rico beat El Salvador 3-0 (25-20, 28-26, 25-17) and will face Dominican Republic in the Men’s Volleyball tournament semifinals of the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games.

The defending champions of Central American Games won Pool B undefeated and will face Dominican Republic, who finished second in Pool A, in Saturday’s semifinals. El Salvador (1-2) will play for positions 5 to 8, starting Suriname.

In the other semifinal, Cuba will meet the team of Centro Caribe Sports CSC -Guatemala-

In the second set, El Salvador reached a four-point advantage with good defense over the net and on the court, forcing Puerto Rico to commit consecutive errors. Puerto Rico eventually tied at point 18 to extend the set to a 28-26 finish.

Puerto Rico finished with a huge advantage of 52 points from attacks against 32, as well as in blocks 6-1 and a 5-2 margin in aces but allowing 24 points from unforced errors against 15 from El Salvador.

Opposite Klistan Lawrence led Puerto Rico with 18 attacking points, joined by outside hitter Peligrin Vargas who added 16 points on 12 kills and a match-high of 4 points from serves. Omar Hoyos added 11 points.

Two players of El Salvador finished with double digits, outside hitter Rodrigo Chávez with 11 points in kills and opposite Gustavo Ortiz with 10 points from kills.

Dennis del Valle, PUR, celebrates

Klistan Lawrence, top scorer of Puerto Rico: “We almost lost the second set after a series of consecutive unforced errors, we relaxed, but we found the strategy to balance our performance and the result in our favor. In the semifinals we must improve, Dominican Republic will demand more of us, we are going in for the win”.  

Oswald Antonetti, Head coach of Puerto Rico: “El Salvador is the host, and this was the most important match for them in a long time, it was symbolic. We are going to jump from one level of play to a different one in only a day and it will be challenging. We are eager to continue competing. The semifinal will be a great match, we are going in prepared and to keep a positive mind”.  

Gustavo Ortiz, opposite of El Salvador : “In the second set we improved in defense-block, we closed their outside, unfortunately they scored from the middle, but we were able to face Puerto Rico and reach an advantage. It was a good match, and we benefited from the opportunity”.  

Gabriel Linares, Head coach of El Salvador: “Unfortunately experience in these tournaments is crucial, we faced teams with more baggage than ours. It’s a great experience and we’ve improved our position from the last Games we played. We have matches left to play and we will battle to finish in the best position possible, adding ranking points”.

Cuba moves into Semifinals at San Salvador 2023

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 30, 2023.- Cuba defeated Mexico 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-18) to win Pool A and move into the Men’s Volleyball semifinals at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games on Friday at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández.

Cuba undefeated 3-0 will play in Saturday’s semifinals against second place in Pool B, most likely the representatives of Centro Caribe Sports, as there’s still one match left of that pool.

Mexico with 1-2 record will play for positions 5 to 8.

Mexico was more effective winning the third set, the only occasion they were on top of Cuba and kept momentum while playing longer rallies to force a fourth set.

Cuba’s advantage in blocking (13-2) and points from serves (7-1) made the difference to come out on top. Both teams scored a similar number of points from attacks, with Mexico leading 47 to 43.  Cuba committed 29 unforced errors and Mexico 31.

Middle blocker Javier Concepción led Cuba with 12 points, leading in blocks with 4 points, as well as in points from serves with 3.  Outside hitter Marlon Yant contributed with 10 points and opposite Jesus Herrera, performing only in the first two sets, added 8 points.

Mexico’s top scorer was middle blocker Victor Parra with 11 attacking points. Outside hitter Josué López and opposite Luis Hernández score 9 points each.

Javier Concepción, CUB, spikes

Javier Concepción, top scorer of Cuba: “We were too relaxed in the third set because we thought we had already won the match, that cost us the set and we shouldn’t be overconfident against any team, no matter who the opponent is. We haven’t reached our goal; we are going for the gold. People say we are the tournament favorites, and we hope to prove it”.

Nicolás Vives, Head Coach of Cuba: “This is one step more for winning the Central American Games, this group hasn’t been champions. We lost the third set because the guys are used to getting relaxed, they lose concentration, just like they did against the Dominican Republic; they think their opponent won’t play, we lose focus and that makes us commit more errors”.

Said Bravo, libero of Mexico: “We have the potential; we have to work harder and believe we can be at the level of play as a team like Cuba”.

Jorge Azair, Head Coach of Mexico: “Our result in the competition is because of our first performance against Dominican Republic, that’ the reality. We must evaluate because we aren’t attacking nor serving; we don’t score from kills, and we don’t put difficulty with our serves. We must work harder and make a serious evaluation; we aren’t performing orderly”.

Second victory for representatives of Centro Caribe Sports at CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 30, 2023.- The representatives of Centro Caribe Sports -Guatemala- in Men’s Volleyball of the Central American and Caribbean Games earned their second victory after defeating Trinidad & Tobago 3-1 (25-23, 25-27, 25-19, 25-21).

CCS (Guatemala) won their last outing in Pool B to finish the preliminary round 2-1 with great possibilities of moving into the semifinals. Trinidad & Tobago with 0-3 will play for positions 5 to 8.

Both teams battled strongly but set two was the most competitive one with CCS pressing in the closing points which Trinidad & Tobago dominated but missed three set points before their 27-25 set win.

The representatives of Centro Caribe Sports finished with a huge 72-54 advantage in attacking points. They also led 5-4 in blocks and 2-1 in aces. Trinidad & Tobago handed out 21 points from unforced errors and Guatemala totalized 31.

Team captain and outside hitter Carlos López was the most productive player in the match, with 24 points for CCS on 22 kills, two blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Brandon Chinchilla joined in scoring 12 points on 9 kills, two blocks and one ace. Outside hitter Wagner Chacon, who came off the bench in the third set, contributed with 11 kill points.

Outside hitter Daynte Stewart finished with 23 points (21 kills, two blocks) as Trinidad & Tobago’s top scorer.  Mikheil Hoyte (Zebra) added 12 points (11 kills, one block).

Carlos Caballeros, CCS, defense

Carlos López, Captain of CCS: “The goal coming here was clear, to advance into the next round; a historic feat if it’s official. It was an important win to think about the semifinals, we had to secure our last match”.

Reider Lucas, Head Coach of CCS: “When we learned about the schedule of competition, we were aware of the possibility of moving into the next round, understanding that it was going to be hard because all the teams here came well prepared. We reached our goal, we are in another phase of competition, a more complex one”.

Ryan Stewart, Opposite of Trinidad & Tobago: “Guatemala is always a tough competition for us, over the past two years we have yet to get a victory against them, they play defense well and are very consistent, which we need. For what’s left of the competition we need to pass the ball well and be more current in offense, which is a little shaky”.

Gideon Dixon, Head Coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “Congratulations to Guatemala, they were a little bit more consistent than us. Today we had an improved performance by our guys, which is great because our zonal championship is in the next two weeks. We still have two more games to play and we are going to push it hard”.

Dominicans finish Pool A with 2-1 record at CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 30, 2023.- Dominican Republic defeated Suriname 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-21) to finish Pool A with a 2-1 win-loss record at the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games on Friday.

Dominicans with 2-1 will wait for the result between Cuba (2-0) and Mexico (1-1) to learn if they advance into Saturday’s semifinals, while Suriname (0-3) ends in fourth place.

The winners jumped to huge advantages in the first and second sets. In the third set, Suriname jumped to an early three-point lead 10-7 which Dominicans battled to recover up to an even 16-16 and closed 25-21.

Dominican Republic gave a rest to its starters during the match, where both teams scored similar points from kills, 37 to 32 for the winning side. Dominicans also held advantage in blocks (3-1) and scored on 35 opponent errors against 14. Suriname led in points from serves (0-2).

Opposite Gerson Toribio of Dominican Republic led all scorers with 12 kill points. Also contributing to the win were outside hitters Henry Lopez and Wilfrido Hernández with 8 and 7 points respectively.

Suriname’s middle blocker Ethan Asimia led his team with 9 points, followed by opposite hitter Meson Anakaba with 5.

Henry Lopez, DOM, attacks

Gerson Toribio, top scorer of Dominican Republic: “This match helped the team adjust better for what is coming, today we finish the first phase. Everyone had a chance to play, and our regular players rested. I felt well with the team, to compete and support my team’s win”.

Alexander Gutiérrez, Head Coach of Dominican Republic: “We showed how much the team has grown, the good level we have reached and try to keep it. The match we played against Cuba proved we can compete at that level, and the challenge is to keep it the most we can, which will help us to have better results, this is our fourth victory in the year and last year, from 14 matches we only had 3 and in Barranquilla we finished sixth, we have given an important step”.

Meson Anakaba, top scorer of Suriname: “In the first and second sets we were playing too safe, but in the last set we stayed together, we could have won it, but we committed errors in serves”.

Carlos Orta Fellove, Head Coach of Suriname: “I was aware that our opponents were at a superior level. But I am satisfied, against Cuba we reached a set to point 20, against Mexico 21 and today against Dominican Republic, playing with my bench players we reached a set to point 21”.

Cuba undefeated after 3-1 win over Dominican Republic at CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 29, 2023.- Cuba is undefeated after their 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18) win over Dominican Republic in the Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the 2023 San Salvador Central American Games being played at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernandez.

With a combination of its regular players and subs, Cuba recovered from falling in the first set to earn their second victory in Pool A; Dominican Republic now has a 1-1 mark.

Dominican Republic took Cuba by surprise reaching a six-point lead (18-12) in the first set up to an even 21; Rafael Burgos-Guntin and Juan De Jesus ended the set blocking Miguel Angel Lopez. Middle blocker Jose Masso alongside opposite Jesus Herrera and team captain Osniel Mergarejo, were consistent in set two as Cuba evened the score with a strong resistance by the Dominicans captain Henry Tapia and Hector Cruz. Sets three and four were similar but with Cuba giving its subs a time on court in the fourth and final set.

Cuba held advantages in kills (57-49) and in blocks (8-6), Dominicans led 3-2 in points from serves.

Both teams committed 30 unforced errors.

Three Cuban players finished with double digits, opposite Jesus Herrera with 17 points (15 kills, two blocks), middle blocker José Masso with 14 points (10 kills, four blocks) and outside hitter Osniel Mergarejo with 11 points (10 kills, one ace). Herrera and Mergarejo didn’t perform in the fourth set.

Dominican captain Henry Tapia was the match leading scorer with 23 points on 21 kills and two blocks. Outside hitter Hector Curz added 15 points (14 kills and one ace).

Osniel Mergarejo (CUB) spikes against Dominican Republic

On the last day of the preliminary round, Cuba (2-0) plays Mexico (1-1) and Dominican Republic (1-1) faces Suriname (0-2).

Yonder García, Libero of Cuba: “I came from the VNL with a small injury, but I am ready to support my team. We lost the first set because we weren’t focused, we came back in the second and we won the match, it was our goal. Tomorrow against Mexico will be a similar match like today, with a lot of energy, but we must start focused and I am sure it will be a great match”.  

Wilfrido Hernández, Outside hitter of Dominican Republic: “I think our serve and our performance over the net were more consistent in the first set, and Cuba didn’t use all their force; we were more aggressive than Cuba. We close the pool-play of the preliminary round against Suriname, and we must win from the beginning, we can’t be overconfident”.

Mexico earns first victory at CAC Games defeating Suriname

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 29, 2023.- Mexico earned their first victory in Men’s Volleyball at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games after defeating Suriname 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-13) on Thursday at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández.

Mexico stands 1-1 in Pool A and will face Cuba to conclude the preliminary round on Friday. Suriname 0-2 goes up against Dominican Republic.

Mexico started off the strong 6-0 moving forward to a comfortable first set win. In the second set, Suriname had more energy up to an even 12-12 scoring on kill points and opponent errors, still Mexico recovered advantage with line-up changes to a close finish. Mexico dominated the third set.

Two Mexican players ended up scoring 11 points each, outside hitter Josué López and opposite Diego González. Suriname’s team captain Keven Sporkslede scored a match-high of 13 points.

Mexico held a 37-23 advantage in attacks, outblocking Suriname 6-4 and with a 4-2 margin in serve points. Suriname scored 28 points from Mexico’s unforced errors and allowed 19.

Victor Parra, MEX, attacks

Pedro Rangel, Captain of Mexico: “Yesterday was a tough loss, we didn’t perform like we’ve been performing, it mentally affects the team. We were aware that Suriname was coming to battle strong, they had nothing to lose, they showed their talent today and yesterday against Cuba. We solved against them and ourselves as well”.

Jorge Azair, Head Coach of Mexico: “Today the goal was a 3-0 win, with the lowest score possible. Tomorrow we are going out to die against Cuba”.

Meson Anakaba, Opposite hitter of Suriname: “This wasn’t how we wanted to perform today. We must take the loss and see what comes in the next matches. Tomorrow, we hope for a better match against Dominican Republic, our serves are strong”.

Carlos Orta Fellove, Head Coach of Suriname: “Today my players did their best. Our passing didn’t work in the first and third sets, it was better in the second set which we lost close; this is a problem I detected since my arrival to Suriname. We have potential, the players want to win but they need to learn more. We have faced Cuba and Mexico; two high level teams and it serves as a learning experience; it will help us for our zonal championship. I am happy with their performance”.

Centro Caribe Sports team defeats El Salvador in first CAC Games win

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 29, 2023.- The team of Centro Caribe Sports -Guatemala- beat El Salvador 3-1 (25-18, 25-22, 20-25, 25-18) in their first win at the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games.

The CCS team managed to stop El Salvador who yesterday won against Trinidad & Tobago in Pool B. Both teams stand with 1-1 win-loss record.

Setter Daniel Ralon of CCS was a key element helping his team from the service line to close the first and second sets. El Salvador was patient in the third set and Middle blocker Diego Guidos forced their opponents into committing consecutive errors to extend the match to a fourth and final battled set that went to CCS.

Centro Caribe Sports led 61 in points from kills against 53, but their huge 11-4 margin in blocks made a difference to stop El Salvador. They also led 5-2 in service points but committed 24 unforced errors against 18 from their opponents.

Outside hitter and CCS team captain Carlos López led all scorers with 24 points from 21 kills and three blocks. Middle Andy Leonardo, who also competed in beach volleyball, followed with 15 points on 9 kills, three blocks and one ace. Opposite hitter Erik Flores added 13 points.

On El Salvador’s side, outside hitter Rodrigo Chavez produced 19 points on 17 kills and two blocks as their leading scorer. Opposite Diego Navarro contributed with 18 points also on 17 kills, but with one ace.

José Carrillo, CCS, attacks

On Friday, CCS (1-1) ends the preliminary round against Trinidad & Tobago (0-2) and host El Salvador (1-1) faces Puerto Rico (2-0).

Rodrigo Carrillo, opposite of CCS: “Our coach makes changes to help our blockers and improve our defense, it’s to have more effectiveness in front. Our team effort was crucial, and we knew this was an important match to win”.

Reider Lucas, Head Coach of CCS: “We were aware that this match was going to be difficult because El Salvador is the host, and they were highly motivated after yesterday’s win. My team was anxious, and we calmed them because things don’t always come out right. We were able to relax them, make changes and we got the match”.

Diego Chávez, top scorer of El Salvador: “We lacked experience and had better focus to close the sets. We must improve the attitude of the younger players; several are competing for the first time with the senior team. We must continue to train because Guatemala showed to be superior”.

Gabriel Linares, Head Coach of El Salvador: “We were facing the Central American champion. We stopped attacking and our opponent made some damage in the middle. We couldn’t block; it was small details. The set we won we were able to control our serves and succeed in blocking”.

Canada wins epic battle with Brazil, USA and Dominicans swept their opponents

June 29, 2023.- Canada came out on top of a huge five-set battle with volleyball powerhouse Brazil today in Thailand, while United States and Dominican Republic swept Bulgaria and Korea respectively in Korea.
 
It was Brazil 2 Canada 3 (30-28, 22-25, 23-25, 25-21,15-17) in an overtime match, with underdog Canada showing composure under pressure during this women’s phase 3 match of Volleyball Nations League.

Brazil led in attack (75-64) and service points (4-3), but Canada out blocked Brazil 21- 13 (with 8 of those from Canada’s Emily Maglio) as well as made fewer errors. Canada’s Alexa Gray led all scorers with 25 points.
 
Canada plays Italy on Friday and Netherlands on July 01 to close out the third and final preliminary phase in Thailand.
 
Brazil, reigning Olympic silver medalists, has seven VNL wins so far; this is Canada’s fifth win.

The No. 1 team in the world, the United States (9-1), swept Bulgaria 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-17) leading in attacks (30-25), in blocks (16-6) and service points (7-3).

Jordan Thompson scored a match-high of 16 points (11 kills, 4 blocks, one ace). Outside hitter Kara Bahema added 14 points, leading blocks with 5 points.

The U.S. will get back on court on July 1 against Germany and will close week 3 against China on July 2, before heading back home to play the Finals.

Las Reinas del Caribe earned their fourth win beating Korea 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-16).

Dominican Republic outclassed Korea with 48 points from kills against 29. They also led 10-3 in blocks and 5-3 in aces.

Gaila Gonzalez led Dominican Republic with 17 points (12 kills, 4 blocks, one ace) as the top scorer in the match. Middle blocker Jineiry Martinez and outside hitter Yonkaira Peña also scored double digits with 14 and 13 points respectively.

Dominican Republic plays China and Serbia (with the time zone difference it’ll be the same day in our continent).

Teams are vying for a spot in the quarterfinals (top 8): https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/standings/women/

Puerto Rico outplays Trinidad & Tobago at the CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 29, 2023.- Puerto Rico outplayed Trinidad & Tobago 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-19) on the second day of competition at the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games.

Defending champion Puerto Rico set the match pace to earn their second Pool B victory against Trinidad & Tobago who is 0-2.

Trinidad & Tobago kept close in the first set 10-11, but Puerto Rico held the advantage the entire set. Puerto Rico quickly jumped to a seven-point lead (11-4) in the second set, keeping a comfortable distance as well as in the third, but Trinidad & Tobago had momentum scoring 4 points in a row (15-23) before their opponent could celebrate at 25-19.

Puerto Rico held advantages in all the elements of the game, 44 to 26 in kills, 6-3 in blocks and 6-2 in points from serves. Trinidad & Tobago committed fewer errors than Puerto Rico (19-23).

Outside hitter and team captain Pedro Molina scored a match-high of 13 points in Puerto Rico’s second win, on 12 kills and one ace. Outside hitter Omar Hoyos and middle blocker Pedro Nieves added 8 points each.

Middle blocker Mikheil Hoyte  (Zebra) led Trinidad & Tobago with 9 points, followed by opposite hitter Ryan Stewart with seven.

Puerto Rico (2-0) finishes the preliminary round on  Friday against host El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago against CCS (GUA).

Vidal Lawrence, PUR, attacks

Pedro Molina, captain of Puerto Rico: “We were better than yesterday, focused on working on our side and knowledge that we have long days ahead. We face El Salvador tomorrow; the atmosphere will be fun, and we are going to enjoy the moment”.

Oswald Antonetti, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “We tried to gather a group of veterans with younger players for this tournament having in mind the importance of having solutions to this event to reach our goals. These matches help us to understand better which role each player will have because the next matches will be more demanding”.

Mikheil Hoyte (Zebra), top scorer of Trinidad & Tobago: “We need to perform with more effort and have a little more fun. This is a new group of guys who just must figure things out, so hopefully we can do that tomorrow and secure a win with more energy”.

Gideon Dixon, Head Coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “We improved today. We still have more to improve and it’s sad that this tournament is too short in terms of matches, but we hope to get a win tomorrow”.

El Salvador defeat Trinidad & Tobago in their CAC Games opening match

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 28, 2023.- Host El Salvador defeated Trinidad & Tobago 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-23) in their opening match at the 24th Central American and Caribbean Games at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández.

After winning a strong first set, the home team El Salvador had a stronger resistance from Trinidad & Tobago who pulled off three match points (20-24) before their three-set finish in their first match of Pool B.

Both teams scored 34 points from attacks. El Salvador held a 5-0 advantage in serves, while Trinidad & Tobago led by a one point (5-4) in blocks. Trinidad & Tobago’s 33 unforced errors definitely made a difference against 17 from El Salvador.

The two players who finished with double digits were outside hitter Rodrigo Chavez who topped El Salvador with 14 points on 13 kills and one ace; and opposite Ryan Stewart from Trinidad & Tobago on a match-high of 17 points from 16 kills and one block.

El Salvador (1-0) meets on Thursday with Central American rival of team Centro Caribe Sports (Guatemala) 0-1, and Trinidad & Tobago (0-1) goes against defending champion Puerto Rico (1-0).

Diego Guidos, ESA, attacks

 Juan Carlos Vargas, captain of El Salvador: “We had a notion of how Trinidad & Tobago performs. We were disciplined following our coaches’ instructions and we got our first result. Our goal in these Games is to be in the semifinals, this victory is the first step. Tomorrow, we have a strong match against CCS (GUA), a team that we know well because we are from the same area, and we will give our all”.

Akim Bushe, captain of Trinidad & Tobago: “It was a rollercoaster. We came with a game plan however, a lot of unforced errors on our end had us on the losing side of this match. We need to decide as a group to get over it, come back all fresh for our early game tomorrow. We need to have better communication on the court and a bit more energy and we should be fine for our match tomorrow”.

Defending champs Puerto Rico begin CAC Games with a win

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 28, 2023.- Defending champion Puerto Rico began the 2023 San Salvador CAC Games with a win 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-18) over the team of Centro Caribe Sports (Guatemala) on Wednesday at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández.

Puerto Rico was in control of the action in their first Pool B performance, still, the team of Centro Caribe Sports (CCS) jumped to a 10-7 lead in the second set and reached the third to an even 18 score.

The CAC title holders produced 38 points from kills, against 24 and were more consistent in blocking (10-2) and in aces (8-1). CCS benefited from Puerto Rico’s 24 unforced errors, while committing 14.

The leading scorer of the match was Puerto Rican opposite hitter Klistan Lawerence with 18 points on 12 kills, three blocks and three aces. Team captain Pedro Vargas followed with 12 points on 9 kills, one block and two aces.

Opposite Erik Flores led CCS with 10 points from 8 kills and 2 blocks.

Puerto Rico’s next opponent is Trinidad & Tobago, Centro Caribe Sports (Guatemala) faces the host country El Salvador.

Pre match protocol Puerto Rico v CCS (Guatemala)

Pedro Molina, Captain of Puerto Rico: “There was a little of everything, they improved, and we slowed our intensity, Guatemala is a good team. We are focused on our side, in our errors, going point by point to improve. Our goal is to defend our title, it’s a big weight on our shoulders, but we are working towards it”.

Oswald Antonetti, Head coach of Puerto Rico: “The team was a bit tense in the beginning. Our younger players did well, they got into a good pace. We lacked a better rhythm, but we were consistent emotionally and in our performance. Guatemala is a good team, they serve well, they play orderly”.

Carlos López, Captain CCS: “We lacked concentration at the beginning, we failed in scoring points we could have won and for moments we came back, then we were stopped by Puerto Rico’s strength, they are an experienced team. Now we think about tomorrow’s match”.

Reider Lucas, Head Coach of CCS: “Fue un juego muy inestable, cometimos muchos errores y esperamos resolverlos. Este (Puerto Rico) es el equipo más fuerte en nuestro grupo, con mucho nivel y experiencia. Vamos empezando la competencia, a ver qué sucede”.

U.S. Women defeat Poland in thriller to move Into First Place in VNL

SUWON, Korea, June 28, 2023.- The U.S. Women’s National Team moved into first place in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary round with a thrilling 3-2 (17-25, 25-15, 27-25, 28-30, 16-14) victory over Poland in Suwon, Korea. Poland entered the contest in first place.

The U.S. Women (8-1), which entered the final week of preliminary round play as the No. 1 team in the world, return to the court at 11:30 p.m. PT on Thursday against Bulgaria (2-7).

Outside hitter Kelsey (Robinson) Cook made her 2023 VNL debut a memorable one, scoring the winning point and sharing the team lead with opposite Annie Drews with 20 points. Cook finished with 17 points and three blocks, while Drews paced the U.S. squad with 18 kills, adding a block and service ace.

Middle blocker Dana Rettke, who finished with 13 points (10 kills, three blocks) added three kills in the fifth set, including a kill on an overpass at 14-14. Outside hitter Ali Frantti recorded 12 kills and middle blocker Haleigh Washington totaled 10 points, including a team-high five blocks.

Captain and libero Justine Wong-Orantes totaled 23 digs with Cook and Frantti each adding 10.

Cuba starts CAC Games defeating Suriname in straight sets

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 28, 2023.- Cuba started their 2023 CAC Games campaign defeating Suriname in straight sets 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-19) in Pool A of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernandez in San Salvador.

Cuba, who finished week 2 at the Volleyball Nations League, rested some key players in their first performance while Suriname battled stronger in the first and third sets.

Cuba outplayed Suriname with 30 points from kills against 21, with a 9-6 advantage in blocks and a 5-0 margin in points from serves. Cuba allowed 31 points from unforced errors and Suriname 24.

Opposite Miguel Gutierrez and team captain Osniel Mergarejo led Cuba’s offense with 13 and 10 points respectively. Gutierrez scored from 10 kills and 3 aces, while Mergarejo had 8 kills, one block and one ace.

Suriname’s leading scorer was Zefanio Breinburg with eight points on 6 kills and two blocks.

On thursday Cuba (1-0) will face Dominican Republic (1-0) and Suriname (0-1) meets with Mexico (0-1).

Miguel Guitierrez, CUB, serves

Osniel Mergarejo, captain of Cuba: “The Central American Games are very important for us. Some players rested today because we’re coming from VNL, and other bench players played so we can prepare as a team to reach the final. Suriname was excellent, they are improving and it was a good match, their coach is Cuban and we respect them”.

Zefanio Breinburg, top scorer of Suriname: “It was a good performance for us, we started great. We came to leave it all on the field, show what we got and to play hard, let’s see where we stand against Cuba. The team had good kills; it was a good start”.

Nicolás Vives, Head coach of Cuba: “I made some variations to preserve our libero who had a small injury in France, and we want him to be well for the final matches here. The game had a good Flow, our opponent didn’t ask much of us, but the guys did well. We are focused on improving some skills to have better results. We are coming for the gold; this group has never been Central American Champion”.

Carlos Orta Fellove, Head Coach of Suriname: “I told my guys that they had nothing to lose against Cuba, on the contrary, they had a lot to win. The team performed well against Cuba that has a better game level than ours. This team is amateur, facing a professional team and they did well, showing they can win one or two matches”.  

Dominican Men beat Mexico to open Volleyball at the CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 28, 2023.- Dominican Republic beat Mexico 3-1 (25-17, 29-31, 25-20, 18-25) to open the Men’s Volleyball tournament at the 2023 San Salvador Central American and Caribbean Games at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández.

Dominican Republic started off strong jumping to a four-point lead (4-0) that went on growing the entire first set. Mexico came back to take the second set but with difficulties while Dominican Republic reached set point on four different occasions until Mexico won by a thrilling 31-29. It was Dominican Republic who kept their rhythm to beat Mexico in four sets.

Dominicans scored on Mexico’s 41 unforced errors against 16. Blocking also made a difference with Dominicans leading 14-6, in addition to a 4-2 margin in aces. Mexico led in kills 62-45.

Dominican Hector Cruz emerged as the leading scorer in the match with 22 points. The outside hitter scored on 17 kills, 3 blocks and two aces. Other standout players were opposite hitter and team captain Henry Tapia with 16 points (15 kills, one block) and outside hitter Henry López with 14 points, including a match-high of five blocks.

Outside hitter Mauro Fuentes topped Mexico with 18 kill points, followed by opposite hitter Diego Gonzalez with 16 points (15 kills, one block) and outside hitter Josué López with 11 kills points as well.

Dominican Republic’s next match in pool A is against Suriname and Mexico goes against Cuba.  

Juan de Jesus Hernandez, DOM, pass the ball

Henry López, outside hitter of Dominican Republic: “There were many emotions starting from the very first point. We have prepared hard, and we knew we could beat Mexico. We focused on blocking, and we kept our serves under control, that’s how we contained their leading players (López and González) far from the net”.

Alexander Gutiérrez, Head coach of Dominican Republic: “In this pool (the death pool) one match can make the difference to advance into the semifinals. For us this was an early semifinal match. Since the Final Four in Durango, I’ve been saying that our goals were the Central American Games, and today we capitalized what we did in Mexico, that gives us truth. The team kept their game level from start to finish, they didn’t lose concentration and that is really important because if you lose your head for an instant, you can lose the match”.

Mauro Fuentes, outside hitter of Mexico: “We failed to concentrate from the beginning, and we were too overconfident and in addition to that, Dominican Republic had a great performance”.

Jorge Azair, Head coach of Mexico: “We played badly, we didn’t attack, we didn’t score points from kills, and we must watch the video to analyze the game. Dominican Republic did their game, they didn’t make variations in what they usually do”.

Men’s Volleyball ready to kick off at the 2023 CAC Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 27, 2023.- The Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the 24th edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games of San Salvador 2023 is ready to kick off on Wednesday June 28 at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández.

On the eve of the competition, members of the NORCECA control committee were divided in two groups to carry out the competition hall inspection, the practical clinic and the preliminary inquiries.

The general technical meeting took place at University of El Salvador (UES) where the seven of the eight coaches commented about their expectations. Cuba was expected to arrive later during the day.

Alexander Gutiérrez, Head Coach of Dominican Republic: “We are going to continue showing how much our team has improved and try to finish in the best position taking into account that we are in the toughest group of the tournament”.

Gabriel Linares, Head Coach of El Salvador: “Our gymnasium was being remodeled for the Games, so we had some difficulties to start training at the same court. We had friendly matches against teams that improved our development, in Colombia and Costa Rica. We are with great energy and optimism to give a step forward in improving El Salvador’s’ volleyball”.

Reider Lucas, Head Coach of Centro Caribe Sports (GUA): “This is a highly competitive tournament, the Central American and Caribbean Games is huge, and we want to advance with the group that was able to prepare a little more, our goal is to qualify to the next round, looking for the best possible result for Guatemala”. 

Preliminary Inquiry

Jorge Azair, Head Coach of Mexico: “The goal is the gold medal, yes it will be hard, but we’ve worked, and the guys have improved their level of play and gained more confidence. The team is motivated, happy. Pedro Rangel is the only player who has been at the Central American Games, so they are all excited for their first time. This tournament is different, the players socialize with other sports and countries, the surroundings are motivating”.

Oswald Antonetti, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “We are coming to defend our title, to keep on improving; it’s a long tournament. We are going to work on our unity, stress the importance of team effort and practice all the tactical-technical skills that we must improve during this tournament. We are bringing only two players from the generation that won in 2018, this is a group who we trust, and we are going to work to forge it”.

Carlos Orta Fellove, Head Coach of Surinam: “We are coming to play but most of all to learn from more experienced teams here, but we have some goals as well, winning at least two or three matches, maybe against  El Salvador or Guatemala. This is a new squad, their first time here at CAC Games. It’s important that we are going to learn for the future and to prepare for our Caribbean Championship”.

Gideon Dickson, Head Coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “We had a four-month preparation cycle in expectation to come here and be competitive in every match, but we are also preparing for our most important tournament, the CVC Championship (CAZOVA Senior Championship) in one month’s time. This tournament will be a great first to measure where we are and where we want to go. Our guys are excited to be here”.

Gold for Mexico in Men’s Beach Volleyball at Central American and Caribbean Games

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

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

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

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

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

Juan Virgen (2) and Miguel Sarabia (1) of Mexico

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

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

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

Jorge Luis Alayo of Cuba

Tuesday’s Results

7-8 .- CCS 2-0 CRC

5-6 .- COL 2-0 VEN

Bronze .- CUB 2-0 PUR  21-16, 21-14

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

Final Ranking

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

Puerto Rico tops Women’s Beach Volleyball at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games

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

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

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

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

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

Allanis Navas of Puerto Rico spikes

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

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

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

Atenas Gutierrez (1) and Abril Flores (2)of Mexico

Tuesday’s results

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

Final ranking

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

Canada blanks Croatia and Dominicans fall to Germany to open Women’s VNL week 3

June 27, 2023.- Canada kicked off its third phase of Volleyball Nations League with a 3-0 win over Croatia in Bangkok, Thailand while Dominican Republic fell 1-3 to Germany in Suwon, Korea.

Croatia came out determined, gaining a large lead (10-3) partway in the first set, but a composed Canada came back and despite a late charge by their opponents, closed the match in three sets (21-25, 21-25, 26-28).
 
Croatia and Canada were almost even in attack points (43-42), but Canada’s (13-6) block and service were difference makers today (4-2). Canada was led by Alexa Gray with 20 points (17 attack kills and 3 blocks). Gray is among the top attackers of the tournament so far.

This is Canada’s fourth win of the tournament. Canada plays Brazil next (June 29). 

Pool 5 action in Suwon started earlier on Tuesday with Germany’s 3-1 (25-19, 25-18, 18-25, 25-21) win over the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic against Germany

The Caribbean Queens stand 11th on 3-6 and seven.

Brayelin Martinez topped the chart with 21 points for Dominican Republic. Gaila González also helped Dominicans with 17 points.

Both teams scored on a similar number of kills, with Germany leading 49-47. The Europeans also led in aces 9-3, while the Caribbeans led 8-6 in blocks.

Dominican Republic will face the home team on June 29.

Puerto Rico Men to defend Volleyball title at the Central American and Caribbean Games

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 26, 2023. – Puerto Rico aiming to defend their title at the Men’s Volleyball tournament of the 24th edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador to be played at the Sports Palace Carlos El Famoso Hernández from June 28 to July 2.

Puerto Rico is one of the eight teams competing in men’s volleyball, who recovered their title in the past edition of the Games held in Barranquilla, Colombia in 2018. Puerto had Rico lost to the Dominican Republic in 2014 in Veracruz, Mexico, coming from winning three titles in a row (2002, 2006, 2010), for an overall of five titles.

Defending champion Puerto Rico will play in Pool B alongside the team of Centro Caribe Sports (Guatemala), Trinidad &Tobago, and host country El Salvador. Pool A consists of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Suriname.

The winners from each pool will advance directly into the tournaments’ semifinals, while teams place in second and third place will compete in the quarterfinals.

Speaking about the historic winners of the Games, Cuba has won on ten occasions, including nine in a row from 1966 to 1998; in the past edition of 2018 they finished fourth falling to Mexico in the bronze medal match. Mexico follows Cuba with six titles.

Four daily matches are scheduled and the opening match is set to start at 10:30 local time on Wednesday June 28, between Mexico and Dominican Republic, followed by Cuba and Suriname at 13:30. Current champion Puerto Rico will follow at 17:00 against Guatemala, and host El Salvador will face Trinidad & Tobago at 20:00.

Preliminary pool-play round schedule:

June 28

10:30    Mexico v Dominican Republic

13:30    Cuba v Suriname

17:00    Puerto Rico v Guatemala

20:00    El Salvador v Trinidad & Tobago

June 29

10:30    Puerto Rico v Trinidad & Tobago

13:30    El Salvador v Guatemala

17:00    Mexico v Suriname

20:00    Cuba v Dominican Republic

June 30

10:30    Dominican Republic v Suriname

13:30    Guatemala v Trinidad & Tobago

17:00    Cuba v Mexico

20:00    El Salvador v Puerto Rico

Men’s Year by Year Podiums at CACG

YearGoldSilverBronze
1930MEXCUBESA
1935MEXPURCUB
1938PURMEXCUB
1946CUBPURMEX
1950MEXCUBPUR
1954MEXPURCUB
1959MEXVENPUR
1962MEXDOMVEN
1966CUBVENMEX
1970CUBVENMEX
1974CUBMEXDOM
1978CUBVENMEX
1982CUBMEXVEN
1986CUBDOMPUR
1990CUBMEXVEN
1993CUBPURVEN
1998CUBMEXVEN
2002PURMEXVEN
2006PURCUBVEN
2010PURVENMEX
2014DOMPURCUB
2018PURCOLMEX

Men’s Volleyball Composite Medal Table

CountryGoldSilverBronzeTotal
CUB103417
MEX66618
PUR55312
DOM1214
VEN05712
ESA0011
COL01 01

Nicaragua makes history at CAC Games and will face Mexico in men’s Beach Volleyball

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

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

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

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

Ruben Mora (1) and Jefferson Cascante (2) Nicaragua celebrate semifinal win over Puerto Rico

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miguel Sarabia of Mexico celebrates beating Cuba in semifinals

Monday’s results matches for positions

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

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

SKN vs ISV 2:00 p.m. DNS

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

Semifinals

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

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

Puerto Rico reach the women’s beach volleyball finals against Dominican Republic

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

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

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

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

Allanis Navas (2) digs and Maria Gonzalez (1) of Puerto Rico

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Julibeth Payano (1) and Bethania Almanza (2) of Dominican Republic

Semifinals Results

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

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

Results for position matches

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

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

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

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

Exciting Men’s Beach Volleyball semifinals at the CAC Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday’s schedule

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

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

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

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

Semifinals

PUR vs NCA 6:00 p.m.

MEX vs CUB 7:00 p.m.

Sunday’s Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ESA 2-0 ISV 21-18, 21-12 

Dominicans and Puerto Rico seek the feat in women’s volleyball against Cuba and Mexico

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday’s schedule

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

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

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

Puestos 9-10 .- COL vs CRC 1:00 p.m.

Semifinals

MEX vs CUB 4:00 p.m.

CUB vs DOM 5:00 p.m.

Sunday’s results

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

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

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

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

NCA 2-0 CCS (Forfeit por lesión)

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

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

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

NORCECA awarded a recognition to Dr. Ary Graça for his valuable support during his presidency

PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, June 24, 2023.- The North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA awarded a special recognition to FIVB President Dr. Ary Graça, for his valuable support to all the successful actions towards NORCECA during his presidency.

NORCECA President, Dominican Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, handed out the recognition to Dr. Graça in appreciation for all the support to the National Federations members of NORCECA during his presidency.

“There is no way to thank all the support you have given to the different initiatives presented by NORCECA to the FIVB and we’ve received their solidarity, even at hard moments, such as those during the COVID pandemic in 2020-2021”, said Marte Hoffiz.

FIVB President Dr. Ary da Silva Graça, was thankful for the recognition from NORCECA and motivated them to continue working hard, with planning and vision to keep the global volleyball family together.

PHOTO GALLERY

“We are a family, and we are always seeking the best for every actor who intervenes for a solid and robust FIVB, where innovation can reach every corner of the world” said FIVB president.

The FIVB Board of Administration, presided by its President Dr. Ary Graça, concluded this past week a productive three-day meeting in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where they discussed several important topics.

During the meeting, all members were presented with a complete report of Volleyball around the world by its General Director, Finn Taylor.

He highlighted the remarkable success of the ongoing 2023 VNL, with a 50% improvement in attendance compared to last year, as well as substantial improvement in subscribers since the beginning of the event.

Highly Successful FIVB Board Of Administration Meeting Concludes In Dominican Republic

Updates to the composition of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission were also approved

The FIVB Board of Administration, led by FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F°, today concluded its productive three-day gathering in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with a number of important topics discussed.

During the meeting, the members received comprehensive updates on Volleyball World from its CEO, Finn Taylor. He highlighted the remarkable success of the ongoing VNL 2023, with a notable 50% increase in attendance compared to last year’s edition, as well as substantial growth in OTT subscribers since the beginning of the event.

In addition, the Board discussed and approved a number of proposals from the FIVB Commissions and Councils.

Beach volleyball Olympian Doaa Elghobashy from Egypt is now part of the Athletes’ Commission

In particular, the FIVB Board of Administration approved, with immediate effect, the following proposals of the Athletes’ Commission:

1) For Simone Anzani (ITA) to substitute resigned Samuele Papi (ITA) as an Athletes’ Commission Member

2) For Sam Deroo (BEL) to substitute Samuele Papi (ITA) as the Athletes’ Commission Secretary

3) For Doaa Elghobashy (EGY) to substitute resigned Anouk Verge-Depre as an Athletes’ Commission Member.

World champion, Simone Anzani joins the FIVB Athletes’ Commission

Moreover, Kare Mol (NOR), a head coach of the Norwegian Vikings, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, joins the Technical and Coaching Commission as an observer representing beach volleyball.

During the meeting, the Presidents of all five Continental Confederations presented their projects for the years 2023-2024, while updates on volleyball and beach volleyball events were also shared, including the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Cuba rebound to take down Bulgaria in five sets

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 25, 2023.- Cuba rebound from falling in the first set to take down Bulgaria in five sets 3-2 (23-25, 25-19, 25-20, 16-25, 18-16) in their last match of week 2 at the Volleyball Nations League on Sunday in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The victory over Bulgaria gives Cuba a breath of fresh air to enter the third week of VNL where they will travel to Anaheim where they will play against host United States, Serbia, Germany, and Iran. Cuba has a 2-6 record and eight points, in position 12.

Scoring 27 points, Cuban opposite Jesus Herrera was the top scorer in the match, with 21 kills and a match-high of six aces. Two other Cuban players finished with double digits, Miguel Angel Lopez with 19 points (17 kills, one block, one ace) and Osniel Mergarejo with 12 points (ten kills and two blocks).

Nikolov Aleksander was Bulgaria’s top scorer with 23 points.

Cuba was more productive in kills (62 to 54) and in serves (8 to 3) but committed more unforced errors than their opponents (35 to 29). Bulgaria led in blocks (13 to 8).  

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

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

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 

Level I Coaches Course concludes in the Dominican Republic

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 24, 2023.- With the participation of 35 coaches from the National District Volleyball Association of the Dominican Republic, the Norceca/FIVB Regional Center for Volleyball Development held a course for Level 1 Regional Volleyball Coaches.

The five-day course was conducted by Venezuelan instructors Alexander Gutiérrez Sánchez and Rómulo Hernández.

In the closing ceremony, Mr. Ángel Rivas, President of ASOVODINA, who is at the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador, via zoom, expressed “our organization will spare no effort to continue preparing coaches in charge of clubs and schools all over the country”.

Ángel Rivas thanked the Juancito Sport Foundation for their support in organizing this important course, as well as FEDOVOLI and the NORCECA Confederation.

USA sweep Poland and get one step closer to the top

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 24, 2023.- The United States scored another big win in the Volleyball Nations League 2023 on Saturday in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and continue their pursuit of Japan to get to the top of the standings.

The Americans gave no chance to FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Rankings leaders Poland, pulling out a 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-19) victory in their last match in the Dutch city.

With seven victories in eight matches at the conclusion of the second week of the VNL 2023, the Americans head back home with 21 points and are within striking distance of Japan, the only undefeated side in the tournament, with eight victories and 22 points.

Outside hitter Torey Defalco played a big role in the American victory, leaving the court as the match’s top scorer with 17 points – 14 kills, two aces, one block. Fellow outside hitter Aaron Russell also reached double digits, with 11 points (eight kills, one ace, two blocks).

United States celebrates a point against Poland

Two other USA standouts were opposite Matt Anderson, who delivered nine points (seven kills, two aces), and setter Micah Christenson, who besides running the team’s offense, also produced six points himself, with one kill, one ace and a match-high four blocks.

Poland had in opposite and team captain Bartosz Kurek their most consistent player – the 34-year-old veteran produced 11 points (ten kills, one block). Middle blocker Norbert Huber contributed another seven, with four kills, one ace and two blocks.

With the two sides getting even in points scored by opponent errors (22 to 22), it came down to the actual skills to determine the winners and the Americans were most effective in all of them, outscoring the Poles in kills (38 to 29), blocks (eight to six) and aces (seven to two).

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results

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

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”.

Host team France sweeps Canada

ORLEANS, France, June 24, 2023.-  Canada concluded its second week of Volleyball Nations League in Orleans, France, with a 0-3 (17-25, 21-25, 21-25) loss to the home side.

France, 2020 Olympic champions, led in attack (51-38) points and blanked Canada’s block (5-0), while the teams were even on service points (4-4), and France made a couple more errors than Canada.

Stephen Maar (14) and Arthur Szwarc (13) led Canada in points; while Trevor Clevenot (17) and Jean Patry (16) were top contributors for the winning team.

Canada against France VNL 2023

Canada has two wins and six losses so far in VNL 2023. Although Canada has completed the second phase of men’s VNL, one day remains of week 2 matches.

The women’s tournament resumes on Tuesday, June 27, and Canada’s men’s team’s next phase begins July 05 in Philippines.

View all match stats here: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/schedule/16175/

Standings: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/standings/men/

San Salvador 2023 officially established

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

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

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

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.

France defeats Cuba in Men’s VNL

ORLEANS, France, June 23, 2023.- The home team France defeated Cuba 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-20) on week 2 of the Men’s Volleyball Nations League in Orleans, France.

Cuba is 1-6 and on Saturday they will face NORCECA opponent Canada 2-5 once again in this years’ edition of VNL.

Both France and Cuba scored on 32 kills and four aces. Cuba led in blocks (eight to five) but benefited France with their huge number of unforced errors (34-14).

Outside hitter Miguel Angel López led Cuba with 12 points on nine kills and three aces and outside hitter Marlon Yant contributed with 10 points on seven kills and three blocks. Middle blocker Javier Concepción added 8 points.

Strong serving keys U.S. Men VNL win over Iran

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 23, 2023.-  The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Iran 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-23) for its third consecutive victory in Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary round in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The U.S. Men (6-1) return to the court at 4 a.m. PT to face the world’s top-ranked team, Poland (5-1).

The U.S. Men finished the match with 13 service aces, registering at least four in each set. Outside hitter Aaron Russell led the way with seven aces, and outside hitter Thomas Jaeschke and middle blocker David Smith each added a pair.

Opposite Matt Anderson and middle blocker Taylor Averill each totaled a team-high 13 points. Anderson had a .500 hitting efficiency with 13 kills and two errors in 22 total attacks. Averill hit a phenomenal .769 with 10 kills and no errors in 13 attacks, adding two blocks and a service ace. Setter Micah Christenson led the team to an overall hitting efficiency of .352.

Matt Anderson of USA serves

“We practice hard together. These guys are amazing professional volleyball players. They play all year long and they are starters,” libero Eric Shoji said about the team’s ability to put multiple lineups on the floor and be successful after contributing six digs and four successful receptions. “We are comfortable with anyone going in there and today was a great win.”

The U.S. recorded four service aces in each of the first two sets for a 2-0 advantage. Russell served three consecutive aces midway through the second set to extend the lead to seven, 16-9.

Iran jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the third set, but the U.S. responded with four points in a row following a timeout by Head Coach John Speraw. Iran regained three-point leads at 16-13 and 20-17, but the U.S. finished the match on an 8-3 run.

“Iran is a great team. They pushed us in the third set,” Shoji stated. “We just wanted to stay with them point by point and catch them at the end, which is what we did.”

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

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

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 

Cuba losses to Slovenia in four sets

ORLEANS, France, June 22, 2023.- Cuba lost to Slovenia in four sets 1-3 (25-22, 15-25, 16-25, 19-25) on Thursday in Pool 4 of the Men’s Volleyball Nations League in Orleans, France.

Slovenia responded strongly after losing the first set, overpowering Cuba with 50-45 advantage in kills, a huge 10-2 in blocks and 5-4 margin in serves. Cuba handed out 32 points from unforced errors against 24.

Opposite hitter Jesus Herrera and outside hitter Marlon Yant led Cuba producing 13 points each. Tine Urnaut of Slovenia was the leading scorer of the match with 19 points.

Cuba is in fifteenth position with a 1-5 win-loss record.

On Friday Cuba faces the home team France.

Canada defeats Bulgaria in VNL action  

ORLEANS, France, June 22, 203.-  A solid team effort contributed to Canada’s 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20) win today over Bulgaria at Volleyball Nations League in Orleans, France.

The win was important as Bulgaria is also a VNL challenger team that could face relegation for finishing last among these countries.

“This was a very, very important victory,” said Canada’s head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo. “It gives us confidence. Of course, there are still areas where we need to improve, but today we had improved in our attacking and were more efficient. We still must play better in block and defense (Bulgaria had 11 block points; compared with Canada’s seven).

“What I liked is how we handled those moments when we were leading. We had some leadership on the court to stay calm and focus on the next rally. How we handle these moments is an important part of our path….  We all know this victory is important, but our focus is on getting better!”

Match action Canda v Bulgaria VNL 2023

Outside hitter Stephen Maar was the top scorer of the match with 16 points, including an ace and a block. Middle blocker Danny Demyanenko had three aces and two kill blocks towards a 15-point total. Opposite Arthur Szwarc also finished with 15 (two aces, one block).

Up-and-comer Aleksandar Nikolov of Bulgaria was that team’s top scorer with 15 points.

View all match stats here: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/schedule/16175/

Standings: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/standings/men/

FIVB Executive Committee confirms commitment to innovation in sport

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

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

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.

U.S. Men Sweep China to Move to 5-1 in VNL

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 21, 2023.- The U.S. Men’s National Team earned its second Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary round win of week two on Wednesday with a 3-0 (28-26, 25-22, 25-18) blanking of China in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The U.S. Men (5-1) have a day off before playing Iran (2-4) on June 23 at 7:30 a.m. PT.

Outside hitter Thomas Jaeschke led the U.S. with 15 points on 12 kills, two blocks, and one service ace. Once again, the U.S. men featured a balanced attack with outside hitter T.J. DeFalco (11), opposite Jake Hanes (10), and middle blocker Taylor Averill (nine) all adding high kill totals. Middle blocker Max Holt contributed five kills in six attacks as the U.S. finished with a 51-40 team advantage in kills.

Match action United States v China VNL 2023

“It’s very special being part of this team because we have so many options at any given time,” DeFalco said. “I’m very fortunate to be part of a team that has those options we can roll out on any night.”

The U.S. got off to a slow start and trailed 18-12 before rallying to tie the first set. China scored consecutive points for a 23-21 lead and eventually had two set points, but the U.S. kept fighting back and took the opener. The U.S. Men led most of the competitive second set though China tied it late. In each of the first two sets, Head Coach John Speraw substituted in setter Micah Christenson and opposite Matt Anderson late in the set and the U.S. finished strongly in each set.

Canada to regroup after loss to Slovenia

ORLEANS, France, June 20,  2023 .- Slovenia outplayed Canada’s squad today 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-14) at the men’s second week of Volleyball Nations League in Orleans, France.

“Today we played two decent sets, especially the first one,” said Canada’s men’s team head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo. “We wanted to give some of the players that haven’t the opportunity to play a chance today – to feel the court and to learn, and the guys answered well. We were there in the first set, the second was a similar story… but in the third we lacked in our attack and we couldn’t side-out. We couldn’t stop Slovenia’s offense.”

Canada plays Bulgaria, another team that is in the VNL “challenger’ category, on Thursday.

Match action Canada v Slovenia VNL 2023

“What is important now is to focus on tomorrow and take good things from this game to prepare. We know this game against Bulgaria is important.”

Today, Slovenia’s Rok Možič led all scoring with 19 points. Canada’s Arthur Szwarc led Canada in points with 11.

View all match stats (& photos/video) here:
https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/schedule/16169/

Cuba starts VNL Week two falling to Japan

ORLEANS, France, June 21, 2023.- In a Pool 3 game in Orleans on Wednesday, Japan stayed undefeated with a convincing 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-21) shutout of Cuba.

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV

The Cubans managed to outblock (8 to 3) and outserve (3 to 0) Japan, but committed far too many unforced errors during the match (30 against 17).

Their outsides Miguel Lopez and Marlon Yant finished with 10 points apiece.

Match action Cuba v Japan VNL 2023

Japan stormed the match on a 4-0 run. Cuba caught up at 9-9, but it was only momentary. With opposite Yuji Nishida spearheading the attack, the Asians broke away again and cruised on to close the first set at 25-21 on an off-the-block hit by Ran Takahashi. Japan clearly outplayed Cuba in the second set as well, especially with their first-tempo offence, with middle blocker Akihiro Yamauchi leading the way. He spiked to bring in set point and, upon his serve that followed, the opponents committed an error that closed the set at an emphatic 25-16. The third set was the most hard-fought of the three, with Cuba maintaining control of the scoreboard for most of the first half, while Marlon Yant dominated at the net. However, taking advantage of the abundant Cuban unforced errors and with Takahashi keeping the fire burning in offence, Japan regained control on the court and cruised on to close the match at 25-21.

On Thursday, Cuba will face Slovenia.

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results

Beach Volleyball start the CAC Games San Salvador 2023

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

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

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

U.S. Men Open VNL Week 2 With Win Over Serbia

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 20, 2023.- The U.S. Men’s National Team opened the second week of Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary round play with a 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21) victory over Serbia in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The U.S. Men (4-1), ranked fifth in the world, come right back tomorrow to face China (1-3) at 7:30 a.m. PT.

Four players registered double-digit kills totals with outside hitter T.J. DeFalco leading the way with 14. He added a block and two service aces for a team-high 17 points. Outside hitter Aaron Russell finished with 13 kills, while outside hitter Matt Anderson and middle blocker Jeff Jendryk each added 10.

“They are all beasts, they are all incredible attackers,” captain and setter Micah Christenson said about setting the U.S. hitters. “There is no wrong decision on this team because they can all put the ball away with one, two, or three blocks up.”

Anderson added four blocks and two aces, and middle blocker David Smith recorded a match-high six blocks as the U.S. carved out a huge advantage in blocking, 11-4.

United States celebrates against Serbia

After dropping the first set, the U.S. started serving tougher and jumped out in front in the second set. An ace from DeFalco gave the U.S. a six-point advantage,16-10, and Serbia never got closer than three points the remainder of the set as the U.S. evened the match.

The U.S. Men continued their strong play in the third set and when DeFalco put an overpass straight down, they led 21-14 and went on to take a two set to one lead. The fourth set was more of the same as the U.S. clinched the match despite a gallant effort from Serbia, who fought off three match points.

“I think we executed really well, even in the first set. We’ve got to give Serbia a lot of credit for that first set. They did a great job in transition,” Christenson explained. “It felt like it was coming together and 25 came just a little too fast. If we stayed out on the court a little longer, we were confident we were going to get that and it showed in the second, third, and fourth sets.”

The U.S. Men will host the third round of preliminary play in Anaheim, California, on July 4-9.

Canada begins men’s VNL week two in France

ORLEANS, France, June 20, 2023.-  Canada’s men’s team kicked off the second preliminary phase of Volleyball Nations League against a tough Japanese side in Orleans, France, today.

Japan’s attacking power made a difference in the 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 24-26, 25-14) win over the Canadians.

Stephen Maar and Arthur Szwarc both had 17 points each for Canada. Japan’s captain Yuki Ishikawa was the match top scorer providing 19 attack points; as well as three aces and a block point.
 
View all match stats (& photos/video) here:
https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/schedule/16160/

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV
 
Canada meets Slovenia on Wednesday; followed by Bulgaria the next day. The team wraps up this week on Saturday against the host team, France.

 Japan continues to sit at the top of the VNL leaderboard with five wins as of today.

Beach Volleyball at Central American and Caribbean Games 2023

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

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/

Dominant Americans silence the crowd and sweep Brazil

BRASILIA, Brazil, June 18, 2023.- The United States had a strong and immediate answer to their first defeat in the Volleyball Nations League 2023 and secured a convincing victory against Brazil in front of 10,000 fans in Brasilia on Sunday to end their Week 2 campaign on a high.

Less than 24 hours after they were upset by Japan, the Olympic champions returned to the court at the Nilson Nelson Stadium and looked like an entirely different team, topping the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Ranking leaders 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-22) to end the second week of competition in strong fashion.

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV

The victory propelled the Americans, who are guaranteed in the 2023 VNL Finals as the host country, to second place in the standings with seven wins and 19 points, one behind leaders Poland.

Dominant from start to finish, the Americans had an excellent team performance, with all starters and the players that came off the bench delivering and producing in the offensive system ran by setter and team captain Micha Hancock.

Tokyo Olympic champion opposite Jordan Thompson was again in great form, leading the team with 15 points (13 kills, two aces). The 26-year-old Thompson registered 15 or more points in three of the four matches played by the Americans in Brasilia, with the exception being the defeat against Japan, in which she just came off the bench in a few plays.

United States in front of 10,000 fans in Brasilia

“We have so much respect for Brazil and we always know it’s going to be a battle when we play them,” Thompson commented. “It was a fun, high-energy match and although each win in the VNL is important, this one is different because it’s nice to play such a fun team. The energy was electric and we really enjoyed this atmosphere. Our coaches had a great scouting plan for us today. We tried to force them into things that they weren’t so comfortable with and I think we did a good job with that. Our blocking and defense were very good and Micha was just putting us in great spots to score.”

Also contributing to the American offense in the victory against Brazil were outside hitters Kathryn Plummer and Khalia Lanier, who registered 14 and 12 points respectively.

Outside of blocking, where the Brazilians had the most success with nine points to six, the Olympic champions were better in all other areas of the game, scoring more points in kills (46 to 43), aces (seven to two) and opponent errors (16 to nine).

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results

The Olympic champions will be in Suwon, Korea, where they will face Poland, Bulgaria, Germany and China for the third and final week of the VNL 2023 Preliminary Phase, from June 27- July 2.

Dominican Republic closes week 2 of VNL in four-set loss to Türkiye

HONG KONG, China, June 18, 2023.- The Dominican Republic closed the second week of the Volleyball Nations League falling to Türkiye 1-3 (23-25, 19-25, 25-23, 20-25)  on Sunday in Hong Kong, China.

The Turks completely outblocked the Dominicans with 16 kill blocks against three. Gaila Gonzalez scored 17 times for Dominican Republic, alongside Jineiry Martinez (16 points) and Yonkaira Peña (13 points).

Dominicans win-loss dropped to 3-5 and they stand 11th on seven points.

In the final week of the VNL 2023 Preliminary Phase, from June 27- July 2 Dominican Republic will travel to Suwon, Korea where they’ll face the host country, Germany, China and Serbia.

Japan hands USA Women first VNL Loss

BRASILIA, Brazil, June 17, 2023.- The U.S. Women’s National Team suffered its first 2023 Volleyball Nations League loss of the preliminary round, 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 15-6) to Japan on Saturday in Brasilia, Brazil. It marked the second consecutive year that Japan has handed the U.S. its first VNL defeat.

The U.S. Women, currently ranked second in the world, will have a quick turnaround time before meeting the host and world’s top-ranked team, Brazil, at 6 a.m. PDT on Sunday, June 18.

Opposite Danielle Cuttino scored eight points in the opening set to lead the U.S. to a two-point victory. Despite losing three set points, Japan returned the favor with a two-point victory in the second set.

Six service errors contributed to a third-set loss for the U.S. In a highly competitive fourth set, the U.S. team took its first lead midway through the set and took its first two-point lead with back-to-back points with the set tied at 19. After Japan fought off two set points at 24-21, the U.S. sent the match to a fifth set with a kill from setter Ashley Evans.

United States vs Japan VNL 2023

Japan opened the final set with six consecutive points and cruised to the deciding set win to earn their first five-set victory in this year’s VNL. The U.S. women played their fourth five-set match in the preliminary round.

Outside hitter Khalia Lanier paced the U.S. with 20 points (15 kills, three blocks, two service aces) and Cuttino led the team with 17 kills. Outsider hitter Avery Skinner contributed 12 kills and middle blocker Anna Hall hit .500 with 11 kills.

The U.S. finished with 11 blocks to eight for Japan. Seven different U.S. players recorded at least one block with Lanier’s three leading the way.

The United States will host the 2023 Women’s VNL Final Round on July 12-16 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, which means the U.S. automatically qualifies.

Dominican Republic beat NORCECA rival Canada in five sets at VNL

HONG KONG, China, June 17, 2023.- Dominican Republic beat NORCECA rival Canada 3-2 (22-25, 25-13, 25-17, 23-25, 15-10) on Saturday on week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League in Hong Kong.

Dominicans improved 3-4 in position ten and will face Türkiye on Sunday to conclude week two of the event. Canada ends this phase in ninth place with 3-4 record.

Thanks to Dominican Republic’s huge 20-9 margin in blocks, they prevailed in a match where both teams scored 57 points from attacks, and Canada ended with a 3-1 advantage in serves.

Yonkaira Peña DOM ready for the kill

Dominican Yonkaira Peña led her team with 20 points (18 kills, two blocks), one point less than Canadian Alexa Gray who scored a match-high of 21 (19 kills, one block, one ace).

Also contributing to the win, Jineiry Martinez with 18 points including the most blocks (7), Brayelin Martinez and Gaila Gonzalez added 17 points each.

On Canada’s side, Hilary Howe scored 15 points, Emily Maglio with 11 and Kiera Van Ryk with 10.

NORCECA Mourns Passing of Volleyball Referee Hernán Casamiquela

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.

Canada loses to Türkiye; looking ahead to next VNL contest

HONG KONG, China, June 16, 2023.-  In today’s Volleyball Nations League action, Türkiye got the best of Canada’s women’s team in a 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-20) sweep in Hong Kong.
 
“Türkiye is a very strong team, they controlled first contact well and were more physical than us…  and it was not our best showing today,” admitted head coach Shannon Winzer. “We are capable of putting top teams under more pressure than we did today. We now need to focus on our next game vs Dominican Republic. This is a team we know well and have had some good battles with; both of us being challenger teams I think it will be an exciting match up.”
 
Alexa Gray led Canada in offense with 17 attack points.

Canada meets Dominican Republic, a familiar team from the NORCECA confederation, at 1:30 am ET (13:30 local time) to wrap up women’s week 2 of VNL in Hong Kong. 

Olympic Qualifier Tournament Host Cities Unveiled

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 16, 2023.- Following the announcement of the host countries for the FIVB Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifier events to be held this year, the FIVB have confirmed the host cities that will welcome the world’s best teams competing for spots at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Women’s OQT’s will take place from 16-24 September 2023

Pool A – Ningbo, China

Pool B – Tokyo, Japan

Pool C – Lodz, Poland

The Men’s OQT’s will take place from 30 September to 8 October 2023

Pool A – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Pool B – Tokyo, Japan

Pool C – Xian, China

POOL COMPOSITION

Women’s Tournament

Pool A (Ningbo, China) – China, Serbia, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Canada, Czechia, Mexico, Ukraine

Pool B (Tokyo, Japan) – Japan, Brazil, Turkey, Belgium, Bulgaria, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Peru

Pool C (Lodz, Poland) – Poland, Italy, United States, Germany, Thailand, Colombia, South Korea, Slovenia

Men’s Tournament

Pool A (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) – Brazil, Italy Iran, Cuba, Ukraine, Germany, Czechia, Qatar

Pool B (Tokyo, Japan) – Japan, United States, Slovenia, Serbia, Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt, Finland

Pool C (Xian, China) – China, Poland, Argentina, Netherlands, CanadaMexico, Belgium, Bulgaria

OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION EXPLAINED

Twelve teams per gender will participate in the Olympic volleyball competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. As the host nation, France, the current men’s Olympic volleyball champions, has secured its place in both the men’s and women’s competitions. The other 11 quota places per gender will be allocated via a two-step qualification process that ensures the best volleyball nations can participate at the event while observing the principle of universality.

In particular, six Olympic quota places per gender will be contested during the Olympic Qualification Tournaments where the top 24 teams as per the FIVB Volleyball Senior World Ranking (WR) not yet qualified will be split into three pools of eight teams. The top two teams of each pool will then qualify for Paris 2024.

The remaining five places per gender will be filled by selecting the top five not yet qualified teams in the FIVB WR as of the end of the preliminary phase of the Volleyball Nations League 2024. To guarantee the principle of universality, these teams will be selected as per the following order of priority: 1) The team(s) from a continent(s) without a qualified team(s) and 2) Top team(s) not yet qualified.

USA make it six in a row and top Thailand

BRASILIA, Brazil, June 15, 2023.- Reigning Olympic champions the United States became the second national team to get to six victories in the Volleyball Nations League 2023 on Thursday in Brasilia, Brazil.

The undefeated Americans took care of business against Thailand at the Nilson Nelson Stadium, producing a 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-16) victory that elevated them to second place in the standings, just two points behind leaders Poland.

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV

Head coach Karch Kiraly’s strategy of integrating some more experienced players into the young squad that played in the opening week for Pool 4 this week in Brazil has proven to be a successful one as the Americans relied on that mix to overcome the Asians, who have two wins in six matches and sit in tenth place.

Olympic champion opposite Jordan Thompson followed up on a strong VNL debut against Croatia on Tuesday, leading all scorers against Thailand, with 15 points (14 kills, one block). Other new faces this week, Olympic champion middle blocker Haleigh Washington and outside hitter Kathryn Plummer also scored in double digits, registering 11 and ten points, respectively.

The trio got great help from a pair of VNL rookies, Avery Skinner and Asjia O’Neal, who also had great performances, with the outside hitter delivering 14 points (13 kills, one block) and the middle blocker adding another 13, with eight kills and a match-high five blocks.

United States vs Thailand

“Thailand run a really fast offense, so we were just trying to focus on our blocking,” O’Neal commented. “We were just dialed in on what we could do and controlling our side of the court. We tried to stay calm at the net, they have a lot of players coming at you every play, but we knew that at one point, one of them would go into our zone.”

The Americans won the match despite giving away twice as many points from errors as the Thai (15 to seven). The Olympic champions, however, were much better offensively, with 54 kills to 29, and also had the edge in blocks (11 to nine) and aces (three to two).

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results

The Americans will have a full day off before playing Japan on Saturday, at 17:30 local time (20:30 UTC).

Dominican Republic loses to VNL reigning champion Italy in five-set thriller

HONG KONG, China, June 15, 2023.- Dominican Republic lost a five-set thriller 2-3 (16-25, 25-16, 25-21, 22-25, 10-15) to VNL reigning champion Italy on Thursday in Hong Kong.

Dominican Brayelin Martinez continues to be a dominant force leading her team with 18 points (14 kills, three blocks, one ace), accompanied by sibling Jineiry with 16 points (12 kills, three blocks, one ace).

Three more Dominicans scored double-digits, Yonkaira Peña (15pts), Gaila Gonzalez (14pts) and Sthefany Gonzalez (12pt).

Dominicans were better in blocks (16-13) and aces (3-1) while Italy led 60-56 in kills and committed fewer errors (23-28).

Dominican Republic stands with a 2-4 record and will face NORCECA rival Canada (3-3) on June 17 at 13:30 local time in Hong Kong.

Canada dominates in win over Bulgaria in VNL action

HONG KONG, China, June 15, 2023.-  In a match between two Volleyball Nations League challenger teams, an efficient Canadian side came on top 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-15) over Bulgaria today in Hong Kong.
 
Challenger teams must avoid relegation by not coming last among that category.
 
Head coach Shannon Winzer was decidedly pleased with Thursday’s team performance: “Today we played very clean. Serving has been up and down for us throughout the tournament this far and today we did an excellent job from the baseline. Our consistent pressure on serve allowed our blockers to do their jobs well and I think Bulgaria struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Today was great to build on as we face a very strong Turkish team tomorrow.”
 
Canada dominated in all areas, with opposite Kiera Van Ryk ending up contributing 15 points; Hilary Howe 13 and Alexa Gray 11, including two aces.
 
Canada plays Türkiye on June 16; and NORCECA rivals Dominican Republic on June 17 – both at 1:30 am ET (13:30 local time in Hong Kong).

U.S. Women start VNL Week 2 by defeating Croatia

BRASILIA, Brazil, June 13, 2023.- The U.S. Women’s National Team moved to 5-0 in Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary round play with a 3-1 (17-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-15) victory over Croatia in Brasilia, Brazil.

The U.S. Women have Wednesday off before facing Thailand (2-2) on June 15.

Croatia earned its first set win in this year’s VNL in the opening frame. The U.S. Women rallied to take a close second set before rolling to victories in the third and fourth.

“After the first loss, we had to make some adjustments with our blocks and defense systems,” said outside hitter Ali Frantti, who was making her 2023 VNL debut. “We also talked about serving more aggressively. They were very comfortable in serve receive, so it was important to try to get them off the net.”

Frantti and opposite Jordan Thompson, who was also making her VNL debut this season, combined for 29 kills. Frantti led the U.S. team with 15 kills with a .419 hitting percentage, and Thompson registered a .541 hitting efficiency with 14 kills.

Jordan Thompson USA

“It was a surreal moment to step back on the court wearing the USA jersey. It’s something I never take for granted,” Frantti described. “Playing with these women is an absolute dream for me. All of us have the same goal and we all push ourselves to be better. Everyone steps up when they need to and that’s the beauty of a team sport.”

Outside hitter Khalia Lanier contributed 12 kills, while middle blockers Brionne Butler (six) and Asjia O’Neal (three) totaled nine kills without an error in 13 attacks.

The U.S. totaled 14 blocks to Croatia’s six, led by Butler’s five.

The United States will host the 2023 Women’s VNL Final Round on July 12-16 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, which means the U.S. automatically qualifies.

Canada opens VNL week 2 falling to China

HONG KONG, China, June 13, 2023.-  Canada’s women’s team opened week 2 of Volleyball Nations League on Tuesday in Hong Kong with a 3-0 loss to China 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 29-27).
 
“China is a formidable opponent. In the first two sets, we struggled with first contact and struggled from the baseline. In the third, we started hitting our serves and stayed in system more, as a result we were able to go point for point with one of the strongest teams in this competition,” said head coach Shannon Winzer.
 
Although Canada led in attack points (41-39), China had the advantage in other categories (7-3 blocks) and (5-2 serves), and benefited from Canada’s errors (28-13).

Team captain Alexa Gray (13 points), Hilary Howe (12 points) and Kiera Van Ryk (10 points) led Canada offensively.
 
“It’ll be important for us to learn from this game how we responded as a team and individually when things got away from us, but not dwell on this loss,” explained Winzer. “We now need to look forward to our next game versus Bulgaria (June 15) which is an important match up against another challenger team.”
 
VNL Challenger teams can be relegated and would have to qualify to have a place in the tournament. 

Dominicans fall to Poland in first match of VNL week 2

HONG KONG, China, June 13, 2023.- Dominican Republic fell against Poland 1-3 (23-25, 28-30, 25-23, 17-25) on Tuesday in Hong Kong.

Poland led 61-55 in kills and 14-8 in blocks; both teams scored three points from serves and Dominican Republic committed fewer errors 25-27.

Outside hitter Brayelin Martinez led Dominican Republic’s attacks scoring 21 points on 19 kills and two blocks. Other two players collected double digits, opposite hitter Gaila Gonzalez with 19 points (17 kills, one block, one ace) and outside hitter Yonkaira Peña with 14 (12 kills, one block, one ace).

Dominican Republic will get back on court on Thursday June 15 against VNL 2022 champion Italy.

Pedro Rangel the Most Valuable Player MVP at NORCECA Men’s Final Four

DURANGO, Mexico, June 11, 2023.- Setter and team captain of Mexico, Pedro Rangel, was selected as the Most Valuable Player MVP of the NORCECA Men International League Final Four that finished on Sunday at Auditorio del Pueblo in Durango, Mexico.

Pedro Rangel was a key player for his team to win the championship undefeated and qualified to the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup.

Rangel received the MVP honors during the awarding ceremony along with other players of the champion team, they were Josué López recognized as the first best spiker, Victor Parra the award of second best blocker and Diego González the best opposite of the event.   

Dominican Republic, second place, lined-up the first best blocker, Luther Rosario, Henry López the distinction of best server and Enger Mieses received the awards of best libero, best defense and best receiver.

From Puerto Rico, third place of the tournament, Pedro Molina was granted the award to the second best spiker and best scorer, joined by his teammate Juan Ruiz as best setter.

MVP Pedro Rangel of Mexico

Mexico qualifies to the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup

DURANGO, Mexico, June 11, 2023.- After five grueling sets host Mexico beat Puerto Rico 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12) to win the Men’s NORCECA International League Final Four on Sunday in Durango and qualify for the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup.

The FIVB Challenger Cup is the qualifying tournament to the Volleyball International Nations League (VNL), the premier annual FIVB tournament that gathers the top 16 best teams in the world.

Mexico finished the event undefeated 3-0 for first place, followed in second place by Dominican Republic (2-1 and 9 points) and Puerto Rico third place (2-1 and 8 points). Guatemala (0-3) was fourth place.

Puerto Rico’s sizeable unforced errors (51 to 35) was a decisive element in Mexico’s victory, who led by a slight 9-8 margin in blocks. Puerto Rico was better in kills 54-44 and in serves 6-3.

Outside hitter Josue Lopez led Mexico’s offense with 17 points (16 kills, one ace), accompanied 15 points from opposite hitter Diego Gonzalez (11 kills, four blocks) and outside hitter Mauro Fuentes with 12 points.

On Puerto Rico’s side, team captain Pedro Molina was the match leading scorer with 25 points on 19 kills, two blocks and four aces. Opposite Klistan Lawrence added 14 points all from kills.

Victor Parra #5 celebrating

Jorge Azair, head coach of Mexico indicated “Puerto Rico knew if they could win 3-0 they were the ones to qualify to the Challenger, they came out strong in the first set and we were anxious. In the second set we were calmed down, we committed fewer errors and we got the serves on court. My guys showed their courage; they qualified to the World Championship and had a good performance, now they qualify to the Challenger to battle for the VNL, they are worth gold, I am proud of them”.

Head coach of Puerto Rico, Jamille Torres expressed to be proud of his group, “we didn’t practice that much, as we warmed up, we were much better and that was the goal. Our improvement is notorious, and we’ll be ready to defend our title at the Central American Games”.

Dominican Republic ends Final Four Men with victory over Guatemala

DURANGO, Mexico, June 11, 2023.- Dominican Republic won 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-21) over Guatemala in their last match at the NORCECA Men’s Final Four on Sunday at Auditorio del Pueblo in Durango, Mexico.

Dominican Republic finished their Final Four campaign with a 2-1 win-loss record and 9 points; Guatemala 0-3. Dominicans will have to wait for their final standing after the result between host Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Guatemala kept the scores close, pressing the Dominican Republic but their 14-7 margin in blocks and 4-0 serves were enough to overcome the Central Americans’ spirited performance. Dominicans also led in kills 39-30 but handed out more points from errors than Guatemala (25 against 18).

Three Dominican outside hitters scored double digits. Wilfrido Hernández once again led Dominican Republic’s offense scoring 15 points on 14 kills and one block, Henry Lopez contributed with 12 points (10 kills, two aces), and  Hector Cruz added 10 (8 kills, two blocks).

Opposite hitter Erik Flores of Guatemala scored a match-high of 16 points on 14 kills and two blocks. Team captain Carlos Lopez joined in with 11 points on 8 kills and three blocks.

Chacon from GUA facing DOM blockers

Alexander Gutiérrez, coach of Dominican Republic said to be happy “we finished in the same second position as last year with a transitional team. We gained experience and we continue to give a chance to players to get experience with tournaments like this one. Our goal is to continue to add, and we hope one day to battle to be in the VNL in the future”.

Reider Lucas,  Guatemala’s coach indicated the team played well despite not having five players here “we came to compete, to develop athletes for the Central American Games. We are glad, we fought every single set, the team had a good level of play, but the other teams here have a much higher one than ours, with more experience and more maturity. The team did their job, we would’ve liked to win a set, but we were limited with our substitutions”.  

Wilmarie Rivera MVP at 2023 Women’s Norceca International League Final Four

JUANA DIAZ, Puerto Rico, June 11, 2023.- Puerto Rico’s setter Wilmarie Rivera was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2023 Women’s Norceca International League Final Four that concluded on Sunday in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico.

Rivera received the recognition during the closing ceremony after Puerto Rico won the gold medal defeating Costa Rica in straight sets.

In other recognitions to Puerto Rico’s players, Paola Rojas was the first middle blocker.  Also from Puerto Rico, Alba Hernández was the second middle blocker.

From Trinidad and Tobago, Channon Thompson was recognized as the best scorer and best spiker of the tournament. Krystle Esdelle (TTO) was awarded the best service.

From Costa Rica, María José Castro distinguished digger, best receiver and libero. Castro was accompanied by teammates Melissa Campos was awarded as the best setter and opposite hitter Tatiana Sayles Marin the second spiker of the tournament. Captain Marcela Araya, second best spike.

MPV Wilmarie Rivera of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico won a ticket to the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup 2024

JUANA DÍAZ, Puerto Rico, June 11, 2023.- Puerto Rico claimed the gold medal and defeating Costs Rica 3-0 (25-23, 25-10, 25-7) at the 2023 Women’s Norceca International League Final Four at Dolores Martínez Coliseum in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico finished first place undefeated (3-0) and Costa Rica in second place (2-1).

The Puerto Rican team dominated 33-22 in attacks, 13-1 in blocks and 8-1 in serves.

Opposite hitter Génesis Collazo scored nine points for the Puerto Rico, on eight attacks.

Outside hitter Alondra Vázquez also contributed in the win with eight points on six kills, and one ace; and Paola Rojas with seven points, five in blocks.

Costa Rica was led by captain Marcela Araya with 10 points.

Costa Rica fails blocking Génesis Collazo #15 PUR

Fernando Morales, coach of Puerto Rico: “It was important to win this tournament and not just win this tournament, it was to do what we have practiced with this new group, which for the first time will have the group the entire summer. We played and won the gold medal against the best team in this tournament; and, winning the ticket to the VCC is a new opportunity to qualify for the VNL (Volleyball Nations League), because last year we couldn’t do it in Croatia. With the complete team, we understand that we have a much better chance of qualifying for the VNL.”

Shara Venegas, captain of Puerto Rico: “Shara Venegas, captain of Puerto Rico: “This victory and this medal mean satisfaction. As a team we are getting along and we have completed our first objective, which was to win the gold medal here at home and with our people. It has been a very beautiful moment that God has given us. It is my first gold medal in Puerto Rico and I want to celebrate and enjoy it with my family. This medal is for Puerto Rico and for my town of Toa Baja.”

Pablo Acuña, coach of Costa Rica: “It was a participation that shows excellence on the part of our players because we have gone through many difficulties at the level of injuries, at the level of preparation, and I think that they, with the little we received and with the little we have, we have achieved a lot. This silver medal means a lot and I think we showed today, at least in the first set, that we can fight against these types of teams at this level; and this is important to us because our next competition is the Central American and Caribbean Games. I’m very excited to continue preparing for what’s to come.”

Canada ends first week of VNL action in Ottawa

Ottawa, ON (June 11, 2023) – Canada’s men’s team ended its first week of Volleyball Nations League action with a 1-3 (25-20, 17-25, 21-25, 21-25) loss to Germany on Sunday at Ottawa’s Arena at TD Place.

The German attack proved decisive in the match as both teams finished with one win and three losses. Canada’s win came over Cuba in five sets in their 2023 tournament debut.

Ryan Sclater and Stephen Maar led Canada with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Tobias Brand (20 points) Böhme (19) were lethal from the German side.

Canada returns to the court in the second week of the tournament in France, where they will play Japan (June 20th), Slovenia, Bulgaria and the host team, the 2021 Olympic champions.

More results: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/

USA drops first VNL match to Brazil

OTTAWA, Canada, June 11, 2023.- Brazil stopped the United States’ three-winning streaks  3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-15, 25-21)  in the 2023 Volleyball International Nations League on Sunday in Ottawa, Canada.

United States finishes the first week with a 3-1 record.

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV

The United States, who suffered their first loss in the VNL 2023, had opposite Jake Hanes and outside hitter Cody Kessel as their leading scorers with each of them leaving the court with 11 points.

The higher numbers of American errors (32 to 20) played a big role in the Brazilian victory, but the South Americans also did better with their blocking (nine points to five) and serving (five aces to four). The Americans were slightly better offensively, getting 51 kills to Brazil’s 50.

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results 

Trinidad and Tobago wins the bronze medal in straight sets

JUANA DÍAZ, Puerto Rico, June 11, 2023.- Trinidad and Tobago won the 2023 Women’s Norceca International League Final Four bronze medal defeating US Virgin Islands in straight sets 3-0 (25-10,25-23, 25-20) on Sunday at Dolores “Toyita” Martínez Coliseum in Juana Díaz.

Trinidad and Tobago (1-2) closed the match with advantages in attacks 64-19, in blocks 8-5 and 9-0 in aces.

Opposite hitter Channon Thompson of Costa Rica topped all scorers with 17 points from 13 kills and three aces. Also contributing to the win, middle blocker, and team captain Jalicia Ross-Kydd with 11 points and Krystle Esdelle with nine points.

Opposite hitter Anne Gillens of US Virgin Islands with nine points on eight kills.

Captain of TTO, Jalicia Ross-Kydd

Jalicia Ross-Kydd, captain of Trinidad and Tobago: “We are feeling very excited and pleased to be here and play against USVI and win. We work together and we build from the first two matches against Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. We brought that momentum into this match because we have to play against them on top of the Caribbean in July and August. This is what we are stepping stones together. We are very excited and proud of ourselves”

Saleen Ali, coach of Trinidad and Tobago: “It’s great because as I said before, our program has now started two months ago. Our main objective in this cycle is the Caribbean Volleyball Championships and USVI is one of our main rivals. So, we’re here. It’s psychological and also good for us going into the championships”.

Isaac Raphael, coach of US Virgin Islands: “I really enjoyed ourselves with everything was very smooth. The final game there was a bigger team than us. We need to learn to execute but the experience was great for us here at this level. The more we play at this level, the better we will do. It was the first time for many of my players. I would like to win but we’re getting better, that’s what matters”.

Alejandro Miguel González (Cuba) MVP at U21 Pan American Cup

LA HABANA, Cuba, June 10, 2023.- Alejandro Miguel González, of Cuba’s team, new champion of the U21 Men’ s Norceca Pan American Cup was named the Most Valuable Player and the best opposite hitter.

Also, from the host team were included in the honor roll José Ramón Gómez, second spiker; Alexis Wilson and  Jakdiel Cotreras, best blockers in that order, and Yonni Iglesias, the most outstanding setter.

Jacob Sargent, of Canada, bronze medal, took the first spiker award, Puerto Rico’s Fernand Albaladejo, best receiver, and Alex Meléndez, best server, and Dominicans Ronny Molina the best scorer and Angelkis Mesa, the distinguished digger and libero.

Cuba led the standings undefeated with five victories, joined by the United States with a record of 4 wins and 2 losses, and Canada (4-1). Followed by Puerto Rico (3-2), Nicaragua (3-3), Dominican Republic (3-3), Guatemala (1-4) and Haiti (0-5).    

Alejandro Miguel González MVP

Cuba is the new U21 Men’s Pan American Cup Champion

HAVANA, Cuba, June 10, 2023.- Cuba is the new U21 Men’s Norceca Pan American champion after beating defending champion United States in a sensational gold medal match 3-2 (21-25, 21-25, 30-28, 25-15, 15-11) in  heated two hours and 16 minutes in front of hundreds of fans at the city’s coliseum.

It seemed that the visitors would return home again with the title, the hosts reacted, they moved ahead winning the second and third sets to seal in the fifth, not before a great battle from both teams, in which the home team held advantage in kills  (52-47), but in blocks (17-16) and serves (9-8) it was by a slight margin.

Opposite hitter Alejandro Miguel González once again showed his leadership as the leading scorer with 26 points and was joined in the offense by outside hitters Bryan Camino (22) and José Ramón Gómez (10), and middle Jakdiel Contreras (10), while other middle, Alexis Wilson, added 8.

In the previous edition the United States defeated Mexico in the title match, who wasn’t in the event, while Canada took the bronze medal over Cuba. On this occasion, Canada finished in the same position, but beating Puerto Rico.

Cubans celebrate gold medal win

Jesús Cruz, host head coach said “first we achieved our goal of improving last year’s fourth place. We had a meeting to study that we weren’t going to lose today, we came to win, there was no need to reserve anything, nothing to take care of, it was only one match to give our best and if the opponent was successful, it was with the best version of Cuba. Things didn’t work in the first two sets, but we were able to recover, the best thing this group had in the tournament was the possibility for change. If the opponent changed its tactics we would as well and that’s how we kept the entire match. In the end it turned out better for everyone”.

The team leader, Alejandro Miguel González, expressed “we had the opportunity, and we took advantage of winning games in tie-break, we grew facing difficulties and that’s why we’re celebrating the gold medal match. From 2022 to now all the players have grown, before we were more dependent on each other, this time around we all pushed the same and deserved the awards. We played as a team”.

Veteran coach of the United States, Andy Read, said “we wanted to finish the match in the third set, which we almost did because we were up 2-0, but we didn’t. The crowd supported their team in their win. A close game was expected and the way it went it could have gone either way. I am glad to see how my players performed and how they faced the tournament”.

Nyerovwome Omene, U.S. captain expressed “facing Cuba and in Cuba is always good and fun. We also had the opportunity to meet in pool-play and we enjoyed both matches. We are happy about that, despite the loss. Now we must continue to the U21 World Championship”.

Dominican Ronny Molina, from Cibao, new scoring record at U21 Pan Am Cup

HAVANA, Cuba, 10 de junio de 2023.- “I didn’t play to break a record, I simply play for my team and that’s what I did, but I would have preferred to win the game and keep fifth place form last year, but this is a team effort”, said Dominican Ronny Molina, who scored 39 points against Nicaragua a new scoring record for a match at this age-group.

Outside hitter erased from the booked the 33 points from Estakend Beauvoir of Haiti, also against Nicaragua in 2022 here at Ciudad Deportiva.

He said before the clash against Nicaragua that his coaches told him to enjoy the game without thinking about individual awards, “that’s what I did, I wanted my team to win. When the match ended, assistant Francisco Lerebours confirmed the announcement of the new scoring record in a match and I was happy, of course I was happy”.

With his shiny eyes more than ever, Ronny smiled like a child with a new toy. “I was surprised and happy. I thank God, my coaches, my team, because without them this couldn’t be possible”.

This is the most outstanding performance for the Dominican player, who was here in Havana during the 2022 edition in September when he was 18 years old and being part of the junior team for a year, finishing in sixth among the best scorers.

“In our junior national championship, I used to score between 40 and 47 per match, in four days I totaled more than 200 points”, he shared, while saying that thanks to volleyball he won a scholarship at Universidad Evangélica of Santo Domingo, where he studies nutrition.

“I used to play basketball, but I was convinced to play volleyball and I was determined to be part of the junior national team which I did on June 22 of 2021. We are having good results, thanks to our coaches, especially to Alexander Gutiérrez, I have improved to this level of play”.

“My dream is to be in the senior team, play professional volleyball, help my family and always serve my country and for that you need discipline, that’s a must to reach our goals in life” he was excited to say while commenting he was born far from the capital at north of Dominican Republic, in Villa Los Almácigos, in the Cibao region.  

“Thank you to everyone who came to enjoy volleyball here at the Coliseum, I enjoy playing and will go on working for good performances and earn a spot at the U23 team and come back to Havana in July for the Pan American Cup. I will continue working to be in the senior team, I have lots of desire to continue training and give my best for this sport”.

Mexico remains undefeated at NORCECA Men’s Final Four

DURANGO, Mexico, June 10, 2023.- Mexico kept their undefeated mark with a straight set win over Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-20) on the second day of competition at the NORCECA Men’s Final Four at Auditorio del Pueblo in Durango, Mexico.

Mexico and Puerto Rico will close the event on Sunday and with the current results, Mexico is only one set away from qualifying to the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup (VCC).

In the first two sets the score reached 16 points even before Mexico could prevail and play a third set jumping to a six-point lead (20-14).

Mexico was better in kills  (40-34) and aces (3-1); both teams finished with eight points from blocks. Mexico handed out 18 points on unforced errors and Dominican Republic 24.

The leading scorer of the match was opposite hitter Diego González of Mexico with 18 points on 16 attacks and two blocks. Outside hitter Josué López contributed with 13 points on 10 kills and two blocks for the Mexican win, as did Mauro Fuentes with 8 points.

Outside hitter Wilfrido Hernández was Dominican Republic’s best scorer with 17 points on 14 kills and three blocks.

Diego Gonzalez spikes against Dominican Republic

Mexican Diego González, the leading scorer of the match “Dominican Republic imposed their rhythm for moments and took us out of system. With patience we came out on top. Tomorrow, we want to win the gold medal, we are aware that Puerto Rico is not an easy opponent, so we will fight with our all”.

“We lacked focus in the beginning, it’s a big responsibility playing at home and even more for what we’re fighting for” said Mexican coach Jorge Azair. “The guys were patient, determined and brave. I am glad for the job we’ve done, and we still have one match left”.

From Dominican Republic, its top scorer Wilfrido Hernández said “despite the loss, we played well with a young team against an opponent like Mexico that battles strong. Today we used another line-up because we are preparing for future tournaments”.

Head coach of Dominican Republic, Alexander Gutiérrez spoke about their goal “we want more depth in our team, everyone should play because we are preparing for the Central American Games. Yesterday we won and today we didn’t, it’s a learning process”.

Costa Rica is undefeated at Women’s Final Four

JUANA DÍAZ, PUERTO RICO, June 10, 2023.- Costa Rican is undefeated at 2023 Women’s Norceca International League Final Four by winning in straight sets (25-13, 25-18, 25-12) against the US Virgin Islands.

With this victory, Costa Rica will face Puerto Rico tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. for the only ticket available in this tournament for the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup (VCC), which offers the opportunity to qualify for the Volleyball Nations League, the FIVB’s most important annual international tournament with the participation of the best 16 teams of the world.

Costa Rica dominated the US Virgin Islands in attacks (44-22), as well in aces (3-2). The US Virgin Islands led (5-3) in blocks.

Tatiana Sayles Marín was the best scorer for Costa Rica with 16 points (14 kills, one block, one ace), María Fernanda Alfaro had 10 points, and Marcela Araya with eight. For the US Virgin Islands, I’tania Taylor with eight points, Anna Gillens with six, and Jala Dixon with five.

Costa Rica celebrates undefeated record

“It is important for our confidence. Our preparation has been good, but if we get here and we don’t take action, it’s useless. The girls have applied everything in a very disciplined and meticulous way. We are already prepared for the last exam, which is the most difficult”, said Pablo Acuña, coach of Costa Rica. “We know that Puerto Rico has historically been superior to us, but the girls are very excited to face them. We are going to continue studying Puerto Rico and find a way to decipher them and compete at a high level with them.”

Tatiana Sayles Marín, from Costa Rica, said that “we are very happy to have won today. We follow the directions of our technician. Our plan for this tournament was to come compete, and we are succeeding. For tomorrow’s game we are psyched up. Every match is different. The mentality is to come with everything, and we are going to prepare to give our best”.

The coach of the US Virgin Islands, Isaac Raphael, said that “They (Costa Rica) played very well. We do not attack aggressively. I think we will continue to improve and learn. Tomorrow, we go with Trinidad & Tobago, which is a great team with experience, and we hope to win”.

Puerto Rico earns first win at Men’s Final Four

DURANGO, Mexico, June 10, 2023.- Puerto Rico earned their first win at the 2023 NORCECA Men Final Four beating Guatemala 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-22) on Saturday at Auditorio del Pueblo in Durango, Mexico.

Puerto Rico improved its record 1-1 and Guatemala is now 0-2.

Puerto Rico had to recover from a four-point deficit the entire third set where Guatemala reached atop 20-16 until Puerto Rico ended in a three-set win.

The winners led with a sizeable 44-29 advantage in kills, as well as in blocks with 10-4. Both teams scored three points from serves while Guatemala benefited from 26 opponent errors against 18.

Three players from Puerto Rico ended with double digits, led by team captain Pedro Molina 16 points (13 kills, one block, two aces), middle blocker Jonathan Rodriguez 13 points (9 kills, four blocks) and opposite Klistan Lawrence 10 points (9 kills, one block).

Guatemala’s team captain Carlos Lopez led his team with 15 points on 13 kills, one block and one ace, followed by opposite hitter Erik Flores and middle blocker Jason Hernandez with 9 and 6 points respectively.

On the last day of the event, Puerto Rico plays against host Mexico and Guatemala faces Dominican Republic.

PUR setter Garcia battleing the ball over the net facing GUA’s block from Chacon

Puerto Rico’s captain Pedro Molina said “this is a new team, with little practice and we are trying to improve, focusing only on our side of the court no matter who is our opponent. We came from behind to close in three sets still finding our rhythm”.

El capitán de Puerto Rico Pedro Molina dijo “este es un equipo nuevo, con poco tiempo de práctica y estamos tratando de mejorar, enfocándonos en nuestro lado de la cancha sin importar el rival. Venimos de abajo para cerrar en tres sets”.

“We are committing too many errors, it’s evident that we lack practice” indicated coach Jamille Torres of Puerto Rico. “The good thing today was that we came from behind in the first and third sets, we advanced with character. Tomorrow we are going to war against Mexico”.

Erik Flores opposite hitter of Guatemala expressed it was a good match and with good moments but “we lacked rhythm to close the sets, mostly in the third which we led the entire time, with ups and downs; the team here is not complete and we don’t have changes so new legs can come in to  stabilize the group” .

Anderson on fire as USA remain perfect against Canada

OTTAWA, Canada, June 10, 2023.- The Americans endured the pressure of playing in a packed TD Place, with almost every fan supporting the Canadians, and secured their third 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-20) victory in the VNL 2023 counting on 18 points from their star opposite to remain with a perfect campaign in Pool 1.

The United States will enter the final day of the opening week of the Volleyball Nations League 2023 as one of just three undefeated national teams after the Americans overcame NORCECA rivals and hosts Canada on Saturday, in Ottawa.

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV

A Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, 36-year-old opposite Matt Anderson was a key player in the American victory. He was a reliable scoring option for the team during the entire match and improved from the seven points he had scored against Italy on Wednesday to 18 against the Canadians, tallying 14 kills, one ace and three blocks.

Fellow Olympic medalist Aaron Russell also had a productive night against the Canadians, trailing only Anderson in points with 17. The 30-year-old outside hitter had 16 kills and one ace during the match.

United States beat Canada at VNL

On the Canadian side, opposite Arthur Szwarc was the leading scorer, with 13 points (12 kills, one block). He had one more than outside hitter Stephen Maar, who registered eight kills, one ace and three blocks.

The Americans benefited from their offensive efficiency (46 kills to Canada’s 36) to create the separation they needed to win the match – they also led in aces by five to one. Canada got one more point from opponent errors (19 to 18) while each side registered six blocks.

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results

Cuba with first victory at VNL

OTTAWA, Canada, June 10, 2023.- Cuba obtained their first victory at the Volleyball Nations League playing in Pool 1 at the TD Place in Ottawa, Canada. 

After three straight losses, the Caribbean upset Brazil, beating the South Americans in five sets (25-16, 22-25, 27-29, 25-22, 20-18).

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV

Opposite Jesús Herrera starred in the Cuban triumph, contributing 30 points to the result. Cuban outside hitter Marlon Yant added 19, with Brazil counting on 23 points from opposite Abouba Dramé and 20 from outside hitter Ricardo Lucarelli.

Cuba overpowered Brazil in every element of the game, leading 70-67 in kills, 14-8 in blocks and 5-2 in aces. Both committed similar number of unforced errors, Cuba (33) and Brazil (30).

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results\

Anderson on fire as USA remain perfect against Canada

OTTAWA, Canada, June 10, 2023.- The Americans endured the pressure of playing in a packed TD Place, with almost every fan supporting the Canadians, and secured their third 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-20) victory in the VNL 2023 counting on 18 points from their star opposite to remain with a perfect campaign in Pool 1.

The United States will enter the final day of the opening week of the Volleyball Nations League 2023 as one of just three undefeated national teams after the Americans overcame NORCECA rivals and hosts Canada on Saturday, in Ottawa.

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV

A Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, 36-year-old opposite Matt Anderson was a key player in the American victory. He was a reliable scoring option for the team during the entire match and improved from the seven points he had scored against Italy on Wednesday to 18 against the Canadians, tallying 14 kills, one ace and three blocks.

VNL match action United States and Canada

Fellow Olympic medalist Aaron Russell also had a productive night against the Canadians, trailing only Anderson in points with 17. The 30-year-old outside hitter had 16 kills and one ace during the match.

On the Canadian side, opposite Arthur Szwarc was the leading scorer, with 13 points (12 kills, one block). He had one more than outside hitter Stephen Maar, who registered eight kills, one ace and three blocks.

The Americans benefited from their offensive efficiency (46 kills to Canada’s 36) to create the separation they needed to win the match – they also led in aces by five to one. Canada got one more point from opponent errors (19 to 18) while each side registered six blocks.

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results

Cuba with first victory at VNL

OTTAWA, Canada, June 10, 2023.- Cuba obtained their first victory at the Volleyball Nations League playing in Pool 1 at the TD Place in Ottawa, Canada. 

After three straight losses, the Caribbean upset Brazil, beating the South Americans in five sets (25-16, 22-25, 27-29, 25-22, 20-18).

Watch Volleyball Nations League 2023 live on VBTV

Opposite Jesús Herrera starred in the Cuban triumph, contributing 30 points to the result. Cuban outside hitter Marlon Yant added 19, with Brazil counting on 23 points from opposite Abouba Dramé and 20 from outside hitter Ricardo Lucarelli.

Cuba overpowered Brazil in every element of the game, leading 70-67 in kills, 14-8 in blocks and 5-2 in aces. Both committed similar number of unforced errors, Cuba (33) and Brazil (30).

Volleyball Nations League 2023: full schedule and results\

Canada beat Puerto Rico to repeat the bronze medal at the U21 Pan American Cup

HAVANA, Cuba, June 10, 2023.- Canada defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-15, 25-21, 21-25, 25-16) to stay at the U21 Men’s Norceca Pan American podium with the bronze medal just like last year here at Ciudad Deportiva in Havana.

The Northern team prevailed over Puerto Rico in every line to reach advantages in kills  (56-35), in blocks (10-5) and serves (7-4) but ended with more unforced errors (23-33).

Canada’s strong offense was led by opposite and team captain Jacob Sargent with 24 points, followed by Brendan Mills (19), Kaden Schmidt  and Jonah Dueck, both with 12 points.

For the Caribbeans, the only player that scored double digits was opposite hitter Gregory Torres, with 17 tallies.

Jacob Sargent CAN against Janluar Figueroa and Jamal Ellis PUR

Canada’s coach, German Arnd Ludwing, said “today we had a better match mostly in blocks, that was able to break our opponents defense and we managed tempo better. We are glad, but the key matches against the United States and Cuba are those to improve. We wanted more than bronze, but I’m happy”.

Jacob Sargent, the North captain, said “it was good to recover from our semifinal match against the United States yesterday. We had some mental mistakes, concentration, as well as serves and other technical elements and Puerto Rico took advantage of them. Havan is a good host and we have won two bronze medals here, we are glad, but honestly, we wanted to improve third place”.

Coach Carlos Rodríguez of Puerto Rico expressed “except the first set, we tried to battle more than we could, it’s possible our physical condition hurt us a bit, but we battled and despite the final score we gave a good performance and there was a good level of play”.

Gregory Torres, the most productive of Puerto Rico said “it turned out to be a good match, we started off a bit weak, but we adjusted and fell on occasions, and then we won the third set. In the fourth we came out short. They also played very well and we gave everything we have, and that’s what’s important”. 

Nicaragua snatched fifth place from Dominican Republic at U21 Pan Am Cup

HAVANA, Cuba, June 10, 2023.- Nicaragua snatched the fifth place to Dominican Republic in over two hours of an exciting five close win (27-25, 18-25, 29-31, 25-22, 23-21) on closing day of the U21 Men’s Norceca Pan American Cup.

Dominicans ended in front in kills (80-74) and serves (10-4), but the Central Americans were better in blocking (16-10) and with fewer errors (24-28) in Nicaragua’s best result in the history of this age-group.

The winners had a better-balanced offense between five players with double digits, led by Yesdy Pacheco (27). However, Dominican Republic has the new scoring record in a match with outside hitter Ronny Molina who produced 39 points to erase the 33 points scored by Estakend Beauvoir, in 2022 against Nicaragua.

From the winners, Evan Solis and Denis Espinoza added 16 each and Yader León as well as Rafael Hernández tallied 11. On the Caribbean side, Adrian Figueroa scored 25, Blendy Tavares 14 and Jeremy Pichardo 10.

In the 2022 edition of the event, here at the Havana Coliseum, Nicaragua lost every single match to finish at the bottom of the rankings, while Dominicans beat Chile in a tie-break for fifth place, but the history changed today after these two team’s performances.

Adrian Figueroa DOM against Rafael Hernandez-Cristhoper Castillo NCA

Jorge Luis Mena, Central American coach said “having character is a positive thing, I told my team that they had to believe that they could reach the fifth place, we did what we could and for us this feat is like winning the tournament. We worked mentally with the guys, so that they didn’t have to be scared of the Dominican Republic, and we made it”.

Outside hitter Yesdy Pacheco said “our goal was to be in the top five, it wasn’t easy, everyone had to work, and we trained for that, thank God it was a good result. We won the fifth set because we left our bodies on the court, we pushed back to every single ball, we were all better relaxed than our opponents until we scored point 23 for the victory. We are glad”.

Dominican coach Dante Mañón recalled “they say that being too confident is dangerous, Nicaragua believed in the win despite their short height, they defended more, they picked up every kill and the worse was that the libero sold the ball twice while trying to close the set. We committed simple errors and that cost us the match”.

Their productive captain Ronny Molina did not enjoy his performance. “We shouldn’t have lost, but Nicaragua picked up everything and our blocker didn’t help that much, our opponents scored everything. We also failed in receiving and that damaged us a lot. But we must continue, work and compete more, there will be other tournaments”.   

Guatemala seventh place at U21 Pan American Cup

HAVANA, Cuba, June 10, 2023.- Guatemala finished seventh place after beating Haiti in five sets (25-21, 22-25, 14-25, 25-23, 15-11) on the last day of the U21 Men’s Norceca Pan American Cup at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum.

The Central Americans were superior in kills (61-50) and in serves (5-1), while the Caribbeans produced more blocks (13-5). The winners committed fewer unforced errors (41-30).

Outside hitter Yeferson Zaval was the most productive for Guatemala with 26 points, while the leading scorer of the match was spirited Estakend Beauvoir of Haiti with 27.

Other players with double digits were outside hitter Daniel Delgado (16) and middle Leonardo Molina (12). From Haiti, outside hitter Steevenson Senat (16).

Head coach of Guatemala, Luis Castañeda considered that “we suffered, we began winning, but the opponent improved their play and moved forward. We came back in the fourth set and then we put pressure with our serves and won. We didn’t want to finish last, and seventh place is not bad because we are missing five athletes of this age-group and it’s always important to try improving in ranking”.  

Zavala, leader of the match, manifested “we came out to play with our all, it was our last chance of winning a match, we had ups and downs, we managed to control the fourth set by a considerable advantage, and we improved to come back and get the victory. We aren’t happy leaving in seventh place, but we are glad for our effort in every match”.

Dieulengy Relis, Caribbean captain was sad of not keeping the seventh place of 2022. “It was a match we should have won, we never imagined that the fourth set was going to get difficult, because we had a good third one, but Guatemala’s players have good defense and today they did it better than ever”.

Lesly Larrieux, coach of Haiti expressed “it has been a total disappointment, we had worked to win this match today, but my team lost energy in the third set and didn’t fight any more. It ‘s not been a year since we won the Caribbean championship, this tournament has been a fatality”.

Battle of the undefeated in Juana Díaz

JUANA DÍAZ, PUERTO RICO, June 10, 2023. – Puerto Rico (2-0) and Costa Rica (2-0) will meet in the last match of the 2023 Women’s Norceca International League Final Four at the Dolores “Toyita” Martínez Coliseum in Juana Díaz for the gold medal and the only ticket available for the Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC).

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago (0-2) and the US Virgin Islands will meet for the bronze medal at 6:00 p.m.

Puerto Rico’s goal is to win the gold medal and the ticket to the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup (VCC).

They took a step towards that goal by beating Trinidad & Tobago in straight sets, 25-14, 27-25, 25-9 on Saturday at Dolores “Toyita” Martínez Coliseum in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico had to work hard against Trinidad & Tobago, who, with their experienced players, were able to put up a fight and lead the set to extra points. The Puerto Ricans won the technical times, 8-5 and 16-11. Trinidad & Tobago came from behind to tie the set (22-22). Puerto Rico recovered and took the set, 27-25.

Dariana Hollingsworth, from Puerto Rico, was the best scorer of the match with 16 points (14 kills, one block and one ace), Karla Santos had nine points (seven kills), and Paola Santiago with eight. For Trinidad & Tobago, Channon Thompson with 13 points (11 kills, two blocks); Esdelle Krystle with six points (five kills) and Destiny León with five (two aces).

In the first game, Costa Rica winning in straight sets (25-13, 25-18, 25-12) against US Virgin Islands.

Costa Rica dominated the US Virgin Islands in attacks (44-22), as well in aces (3-2). US Virgin Islands led (5-3) in blocks.

Tatiana Sayles Marín was the best scorer for Costa Rica with 16 points (14 kills, one block, one ace), María Fernanda Alfaro had 10 points, and Marcela Araya with eight. For the US Virgin Islands, I’tania Taylor with eight points, Anna Gillens with six, and Jala Dixon with five.

Puerto Rico defeated the US Virgin Islands

JUANA DIAZ, Puerto Rico, June 9, 2023.- Puerto Rico defeated the US Virgin Islands team in the last match of the first day of the 2023 Women’s NORCECA International League Final Four at the Dolores “Toyita” Martínez Coliseum.

Puerto Rico dominated the match from start to finish with sets 25-13, 25-22 and 25-16.

Alba Hernández and Karla Santos with 10 points each for the locals, Dariana Hollingsworth with nine points, and Paola Santiago with seven. For US Virgin Islands, Anna Gillens with 11 points and I’tiana Taylor with eight points.

Libero Shara Venegas, team captain Puerto Rico

“It is always important to start with a win. The nerves of the young players were seen a bit, but it was a great game to get rid of those nerves. We go from less to more. Tomorrow, we go against Trinidad & Tobago, and then comes Costa Rica. It is a great victory, but a lot to study and improve for the next two games”, Fernando Morales, coach of Puerto Rico said.

“It was fun. Puerto Rico is a good team. We are going to improve. We are learning the game and understanding it a little more and I had a good time. It was, you know, nobody wants to lose, but if I’m going to lose, I lose well. Tomorrow, we have Costa Rica. That is a different game. I hope we come here and play well tomorrow. We hope to come out with a win,” said Isaac Raphael, coach of the US Virgin Islands.

México earns a straight set win at NORCECA Final Four Men opening

DURANGO, M3xico, June 9, 2023.- Mexico earned a straight set win 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-22) over Guatemala in their opening match at the Men’s NORCECA International League Final Four that started on Friday at Auditorio del Pueblo in Durango, México.

Mexico’s blocking (17-2) was the key skill to stop Guatemala who led by three points (14-17) in the second set and put pressure over the host country in the third.

México also led 36-31 in kills, but Guatemala was more effective in serves (5-1), while committing fewer unforced errors (15-18).

The leading scorers were outside hitter Josué López of Mexico and opposite hitter Erick Flores of Guatemala, both scoring 12 points on 11 attacks and one block.

Also, contributing to Mexico’s victory was Luis Hernández with 9 points (6 kills, 3 blocks) and Diego González with 8 points (7 kills, one block).

Guatemalan captain, Carlos López added 11 points on 10 kills and one block and middle Brandon Chinchilla scored a match-high of 4 aces.

On day two of competition, Mexico (1-0) will face Dominican Republic (1-0) and Guatemala (0-1) meets Puerto Rico (0-1).

Mauro Isaac from Mexico spikes facing triple block from GUA

Mexican captain Pedro Rangel said it’s not unusual to have ups and downs in the first match “after practicing for a long time and not competing there are things to improve for the next two matches that will be harder. Observing the Dominican Republic, we saw that they have height, their blocking is well established and in addition to attacking strong they put pressure with serves which is what we must do to have advantage over them”.

Jorge Azair, head coach of Mexico expressed “what’s important is the win, but tomorrow we need to work better because we had too many errors in serves, but we can’t stop being aggressive in that aspect of the game. We are beginning the season and we need to find our rhythm, our contact with the ball”.

Carlos López, captain of Guatemala spoke about the difficulties of putting the team together for the competition “some of our players couldn’t travel because of issues with their visa. Some members on our team have more training, but I think we looked good and that gives us confidence for the two matches we have left”.

Head coach Reider Lucas of Guatemala explained that his team is not complete, “some players had to be called at the last minute, with few days of preparation and we don’t have substitutions. Our goal is for the guys to play, to develop and to give a great spectacle, taking advantage of the opportunity of competing. I am confident in my team; we know how to compete and the fans liked the good match we gave”. 

Dominicans prevail against Puerto Rico to open Men’s NORCECA Final Four

DURANGO, Mexico, June 9, 2023.- Dominican Republic prevailed 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 25-20) against Puerto Rico to open the Men’s NORCECA International League Final Four at on Friday at the Auditorio del Pueblo in Durango, Mexico.

The opening match was a close battle between the two Caribbean teams of the tournament, won by Dominican Republic who was able to push away until the fourth and final set.

Dominicans topped Puerto Rico on a comfortable 15-7 margin in blocks, as well as in aces (9-4) and scoring on 27 opponent errors against 21. Puerto Rico led 56-46 in kills.

Outside hitters Henry Lopez and Hector Cruz led Dominican Republic with 22 and 21 points respectively. Lopez on 12 kills, three blocks and a match-high of seven aces and Cruz on 19 kills, one block and one ace.

Three outside hitters of Puerto Rico scored 14 points each, Vidal Lawrence (13 kills, one block), Omar Hoyos (12 kills, one block, one ace) and Pedro Molina (11 kills, two blocks, one ace).

The Dominican Republic will face Guatemala on Saturday and Puerto Rico goes against host Mexico.

Dominican Republic triple block

Captain of Dominican Republic, veteran Henry Lopez expressed “I loved our first match, we hope for more victories. We had great communication, we supported each other the entire match”.

“It’s important to start with a victory” indicated Alexander Gutriérrez, head coach of Dominican Republic. “Despite the youth we have more consistency, which is difficult, we are still missing details, but we must continue to work. My players were able to keep up after losing a set, they didn’t lower their level and that’s a good sign of growth”.

Jamille Torres, head coach of Puerto Rico explained that it showed that they have a short time practicing, “I hope to go on and play a bit better; we had difficulties to start, I think we couldn’t recover from several errors, they served well from the floor and that made the difference”.

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