June 27, 2021 (Colima, Mexico): In its final bid for a men’s beach volleyball Olympic berth, Canada lost a close tie-break set today at the NORCECA Continental Cup Finals in Mexico.

Mexico defeated Canada (Sam Pedlow/Sam Schachter) 2-0 (24-22, 21-13) in the first round of the finals, and then Canada came back to take the second match 2-0 (21-18, 21-13) with a win by Grant O'Gorman/Ben Saxton over Juan Virgen/Lombardo Ontiveros.

However, Josue Gaxiola and Jose Luis Rubio were able to close the deal, and win the ticket to Tokyo for Mexico with a final dramatic “golden set” win over O’Gorman/Saxton 15-13.

• Men's results: https://bit.ly/3qpZLQI

Cuba won the final women’s spot over Mexico. Canada did not have a women’s entry in this event, as it has already qualified two teams (the maximum per gender).

Photo: NORCECA

Volleyball Canada media contact:
Jackie Skender
Mobile: 613.794.7676