Paniagua/Cleto Make History with

Dominican Republic’s First-Ever NORCECA Tour Gold

GÜIBIA, Dominican Republic, May 10, 2026. – Crismil Paniagua and Yari Cleto made history by securing the Dominican Republic’s first-ever gold medal on the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Tour, winning the women’s title at the second stop of the 2026 circuit in Güibia.

The Dominican duo edged Canada’s Darby Dunn and Alison McKay in a thrilling three-set final, 2-1 (22-20, 18-21, 15-13), in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.

The result marks a milestone for Dominican beach volleyball, as it is the country’s first gold medal in the history of the NORCECA Tour. Dunn and McKay, meanwhile, continued their strong form after also finishing second at the season-opening event in Costa Rica.

Paniagua and Cleto advanced to the final with a straight-sets victory over compatriots Bethania Almanzar and Julibeth Payano, 2-0 (21-19, 23-21). While Dunn and McKay rallied past Mexico’s Susana Torres and Abril Flores in three sets, 2-1 (18-21, 21-14, 15-12).

Torres and Flores claimed the bronze medal, repeating their podium finish from the first stop in Costa Rica, after defeating Almanzar and Payano 2-1 (21-19, 15-21, 15-10).

USA’s Torrey Van Winden and Lindsey Sparks placed fifth with a 2-0 (21-17, 21-13) win over Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez.

Puerto Rico’s Mariana Feliciano and Camila Nazario finished seventh after defeating Costa Rica’s Aliza Aguilar and Laura Molina in straight sets (21-18, 21-18). Cuba’s Kailin Rodríguez and Maykelin Drik took ninth place, overcoming Canada’s Anna Prokofieva and Claire Crossfield 2-1 (18-21, 21-11, 15-11).

Guatemala’s Paola Alvarado and Daphne Mendoza secured eleventh place with a 2-1 (10-21, 22-20, 15-7) victory over Dominican pair Zoe Paniagua and Yerelin Reyes.

Other results:

(USA) Torrey Van Winden/Lindsey Sparks d (PUR) Mariana Encarnación/Camila Nazario 2-0 (21-18, 21-18); (NCA) Socorro López/Lolette Rodríguez d (CRC) Aliza Aguilar/Laura Molina 2-0 (21-16, 21-19).