Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson advanced to the quarterfinals of the Montreal Elite beach volleyball pro tour event on Friday after defeating Brazil’s Thamela Coradello and Victoria Lopes with a score of 21-13, 21-18. The Toronto-based Olympic silver medallists are currently leading in Pool A with a 3-0 record.
Wilkerson emphasized the importance of clear communication and adaptability in their pre-game strategy, highlighting their trust in defense and side out plays. Their main focus for the weekend is to persevere and fight through each match.
Unfortunately, Lea Monkhouse from Mississauga, Ont., and Marie-Alex Belanger from Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Que., faced two losses, bringing their record to 0-3.
In the men’s competition, Sam Schachter from Richmond Hill, Ont., and Jonny Pickett from Wiarton, Ont., were defeated 21-13, 23-21 by Brazil’s Andre Loyola Stein and Renato Lima. Despite the loss, the Canadian duo secured a spot in the playoffs with a 1-2 standing.
On the other hand, Steve Abrams from Georgetown, Ont., and Cameron Chadwick from Barrie, Ont., suffered a tough 21-23, 21-18, 15-12 defeat against Americans Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh, leaving them at 0-3 in the tournament.
The competition will continue until Sunday at Parc Jean-Drapeau.