Paraguay launched the 2026 South American Beach Volleyball Tour with a dominant showing in Los Andes, Chile, capturing both the gold and bronze medals in the women-only season opener. The event featured 16 teams representing seven nations, marking a competitive start to the tour.
Impressive Gold for Valiente and Poletti Corrales
Olympians Michelle Valiente and Giuliana Poletti Corrales led the charge with an unbeaten campaign. In a hard-fought final, they overcame Brazil’s Thainara Feitosa and Verena Figueira with a 2-1 victory (19-21, 21-19, 15-10). Their semifinal win came against compatriots Fiorella Nunez and Denisse Alvarez, emphasizing Paraguay’s depth.
Bronze Clinched by Nunez and Alvarez
After a narrow semifinal loss, Nunez and Alvarez rebounded strongly to secure bronze, defeating Peru’s Lucia Gaona Arevalo and Allcca Merino in straight sets. Their only losses in the tournament were against the eventual gold and silver medalists, further solidifying Paraguay’s top-tier status in the region.
FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Boosts Development
This double podium finish reflects Paraguay’s long-term investment in its beach volleyball program. Backed by FIVB Volleyball Empowerment funding of USD 336,000 for coaching, as well as support for equipment and education, Paraguay has built a solid foundation for sustainable success.
- Gold: Michelle Valiente and Giuliana Poletti Corrales (Paraguay)
- Silver: Thainara Feitosa and Verena Figueira (Brazil)
- Bronze: Fiorella Nunez and Denisse Alvarez (Paraguay)
Next Stop: Rancagua, Chile
The tour continues in Rancagua from March 6 to 8, introducing both men’s and women’s competitions. Paraguay’s strong showing sets a high bar and positions them as a team to watch throughout the season.
For more on Paraguay's performance and FIVB’s support initiatives, visit the official FIVB article.
