Dominican Republic beach volleyball players Zoe Paniagua and Yerelín Reyes secured a second-round berth at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, finishing second in Group F after defeating Cape Verde 21-16, 21-10 at Saly Oeste beach.
Dominican Pair Advances After Straight-Set Victory
The Dominican duo bounced back from an earlier morning loss to local favorites Aminata Tine and Nafi Segnane of Senegal, dropping that match in tight sets of 17-21 and 19-21. Recovering later in the day, Paniagua and Reyes controlled the match against Cape Verdeans Wahnon Neves and Gabriela Santos to lock up the group’s runner-up spot.
Next Challenge Against Argentina in the Knockout Rounds
To advance further in the tournament, Paniagua and Reyes will face Group E winners Ángeles Frascaroli and Isabella García of Argentina. The elimination match is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Dominican time at the coastal venue.
Group Standings and Historical Significance for the Delegation
Malasia lideró el grupo F, tras superar a las dominicanas 2-1 el sábado en el inicio de competencias. Senegal finished third in the group standings, while Cape Verde ended fourth and was eliminated from medal contention.
Paniagua and Reyes mark a milestone for the country by becoming the first duo of the Dominican Republic in volleyball to compete at the Youth Olympic Games. The nation’s wider delegation features 11 athletes competing across eight sports, including judo, sailing, fencing, boxing, beach wrestling, athletics, and swimming.
Opening Ceremony Kickoff in Dakar
The Dominican contingent participated in the opening weekend parade for the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games, accompanied by traditional Senegalese drumming, dancing, and cultural displays. Chef de mission Dulce María Piña led the delegation, alongside flagbearers Carla Tolentino and Mauricio Espejo Peña. The country enters the 2026 competitions aiming to add to a historical tally of seven medals secured across the first three editions of the youth event.
Worth a look
