Pavan & Bansley: only Canadian duo remaining in the beach quarterfinals
The still unbeaten duo of Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley will be Canada’s only team in the quarterfinals of Rio 2016 beach volleyball.
The duo booked their ticket to the next stage of the competition after defeating their compatriots Jamie Broder and Kristina Valjas earlier on Saturday.
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“It is definitely unfortunate we had to meet so early in the draw. Neither of us wanted that to happen, but once the game starts they become another opponent that are in our way and all that disappears,” said Pavan.
Kristina Valjas and Sarah Pavan in action at the Rio 2016 beach volleyball tournament / Photo via FIVB
“A couple of years ago we didn’t even think we could get to the Olympics, but the fact we are here now and finished top 10 in the world, we can’t help but be proud of ourselves,” declared Valjas.
Ben Saxton spikes past Netherlands’ Robert Meeuwsen during the round of 16 match at Rio 2016. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
On the men’s side, after securing a spot in the round of 16 in the lucky loser match, Ben Saxton and Chaim Schalk said goodbye to Rio 2016 with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-) loss to Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen from Netherlands.
“We had the toughest pool and we battled super hard to get out of it and we played a really good match to get into the top 10 and I’m proud of the way we fought. It’s pretty amazing,” said Schalk.
Last Canadian beach duo in Rio, Pavan and Bansley, will meet Germany’s Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst in Sunday’s quarterfinals at 3 p.m. (ET).
