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 medalists now hold a perfect 3-0 record, placing them in the top spot in Pool A.
Wilkerson emphasized the duo’s clear pre-game strategy, adaptability, and effective communication on the court. She mentioned their reliance on strong defense and side-out play, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience throughout the tournament.
On the other hand, Lea Monkhouse from Mississauga, Ont., and Marie-Alex Belanger from Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Que., faced setbacks, losing both matches and falling to a 0-3 record.
In the men’s division, Sam Schachter from Richmond Hill, Ont., and Jonny Pickett from Wiarton, Ont., suffered a close 21-13, 23-21 defeat against Brazil’s Andre Loyola Stein and Renato Lima. Despite the loss, the Canadian pair secured a spot in the playoffs with a 1-2 standing.
Steve Abrams from Georgetown, Ont., and Cameron Chadwick from Barrie, Ont., also faced challenges, ending with a 0-3 record after a tough 21-23, 21-18, 15-12 loss to Americans Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh.
The competition will continue at Parc Jean-Drapeau until Sunday, offering more thrilling beach volleyball action for fans and players alike.
