Canadian Beach Volleyball Team Upsets USA in Quarterfinals

Canada’s beach volleyball duo, Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes, pulled off an impressive upset against the United States team of Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth in the eighthfinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The match showcased fierce competition as the Canadians came back from behind in the first set. After trailing 14-9, they rallied together to clinch the set 21-19, shifting the momentum in their favor.

As the second set progressed, the Canadians took a quick lead, going up 8-3. The Americans fought hard to catch up and reached an 18-18 tie. But with a powerful kill, Brandie secured the match, ending it with a final score of 21-18.

Brandie’s block skills shined through as she finished the match with five blocks and 17 points, while Melissa stood out with her serving technique, boasting four aces and a match-high of 19 points.

After their victory, Melissa reflected on the tight nature of the match, highlighting the constant pressure that both teams put on each other. She emphasized that every game at this level feels like a battle, stating, “You can never count them out… It’s just about who is going to be the last one standing out there.”

Brandie added her thoughts, expressing gratitude for representing Canada and treating every match as a new tournament. “It’s going to be a long journey,” she said.

Next up for the Canadians is a showdown against Spain‘s rising stars, Daniela Alvarez and Tania Moreno, who advanced after defeating Katja Stam and Raisa Schoon.

Meanwhile, in a separate match, the American men’s duo of Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh also made headlines, shutting out Italy‘s Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai. They, too, have earned their spot in the quarterfinals.