Dominican Republic’s own Yari Cleto and Julibeth Payano have secured their spot in the Beach Volleyball World Cup, set to be held in Australia this November 2025. The team earned their ticket after a decisive win at the qualifying tournament held right here in Punta Cana.
Playing on home sand at Los Corales beach, Cleto and Payano dominated their match against Nicaragua’s Socorro López and Lolette Rodríguez, winning in two straight sets (21-13, 21-11). The victory was the third straight for the Dominican pair, solidifying their place among the top 12 duos from the Norceca rankings competing in the event.
For Payano, this will be her third time competing at the World Cup, while Cleto is set to make her debut on the global stage.
The win is a significant milestone for the country’s beach volleyball program. “This is a great achievement for Dominican beach volleyball,” said Amós Anglada, vice president of the Dominican Volleyball Federation (Fedovoli). “I believe our authorities should take notice of all the positive things happening in our sport. Our country has already secured a place in the Beach World Cup, which is a testament to the work being done.”
Following the qualifying tournament, Los Corales beach will host the ninth edition of the Norceca Beach Volleyball Circuit Classic from 26-28 September. The event is supported by local officials and organizations, including the mayor of Verón Punta Cana, Ramón Ramírez (Manolito), and Industria San Miguel del Caribe.
The qualifying event drew top teams from across the region, with participating countries including the United States, US Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala. It was organized by the Dominican Foundation for Sports Tourism and Marketing Sport Event, with support from the Norceca Confederation and the Verón Mayor’s Office.
Read more in Spanish:
El Dia
Norceca
22 September 2025