Canada's men’s team concluded the group phase in a battle with Serbia, that ended in a 2-3 loss for Canada. Canada led in attack points 65-58, blocking 8-4, while Serbia led in aces 10-7 and made fewer errors 29-35.

Canada’s Stephen Maar, who put 28 points on the board for his team, reflected: "It’s the highest-level tournament in the world, and all the pools were difficult. If you’re not playing great, you’re not winning. Sadly, I don’t think we played one great match all together and that hurts," said Maar.

“I’m grateful that so many Canadians are watching us play and I received so many well wishes from people here and at home, and I would like to give a great big shoutout to all the families of the guys who have supported us through this journey."

Post-match, head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo commented that the team came out stronger in this final game than in the previous two matches: "We played today, we came with a different approach to the game… we were fighting. It would have been nice to finish with a win, but we didn’t. The taste of the tournament now is different as we were able to come out and play (in this final match).

“It’s been a hell of a ride for these past two seasons, and I would really like to thank the players, staff members, Volleyball Canada and all the up-and-coming players and coaches who have contributed to this program. To be in three Olympics in a row is proof of something… at the same time, this tournament teaches us so much about being focused. We will have to analyze everything much deeper at another time with cooler heads."

Canada finishes 10th in the overall standings of the men's Olympic tournament. The tournament continues at the South Paris Arena. More info here.

Men’s results (Pool A)
SLO-CAN 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21)
FRA -CAN 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-17)
CAN-SRB 2-3 (25-16, 25-22, 24-26, 19-25, 16-18)

Toronto’s Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson remain in contention at the Eiffel Tower Stadium after having to play an extra match to advance to the playoffs.

"It was a do-or-die moment, and it was a real true testament of our team. After having two performances that were not ‘like us’ we had to rise to the occasion and see what was in us," said Humana-Paredes after the last-chance 2-0 (21-15, 21-12) win over Czech Republic on Saturday night. “I think we showed resilience tonight. It’s a new tournament now and whatever happened is in the past and now we move forward.”

Brandie and Melissa had a strong opener against Paraguay, but then fell to Switzerland (Esmée/Zoé) 2-1 in the second pool match this week and Latvia (Tina/Anastasija) 2-0 earlier on Saturday, putting them in what’s termed the “lucky loser” round to advance.

The Canadians play USA’s Nuss/Kloth on Aug. 05 in the round of 16.

After ending pool play on a high note with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) win over Austria on Friday, the Canadian men's team of Sam Schachter and Dan Dearing was forced to withdraw from the tournament early in a match with Chile after an injury to Dearing.

"Obviously, we are frustrated. We wanted to be able to compete,” said Sam Schachter, a two-time Olympian, after the match ended just as it was getting underway. “It’s super disappointing that we weren’t able to get Dan’s back to a place where he can compete, but we really tried our hardest, including Dan and our entire team; we are grateful for their help; but that’s part of sport. Sometimes injuries happen… Obviously, horrific timing! We wanted to be able to share that moment with our families and the crowd and get that Olympic spirit, but it didn’t happen today.”

Canada’s Sophie Bukovec and now three-time Olympian Heather Bansley, ended pool play on August 1 with a 2-0 loss to Australia. In a tough pool, they also lost to USA and China.

The team just qualified for the Games in June. “This has been magical experience – to be able to compete with Heather under the Eiffel tower is nothing short of special. Of course, everyone wants to go away with a medal, but you’re also playing the best in the world,” said first-time Olympian Sophie Bukovec. "We weren’t the most consistent as a team and didn’t find our groove here, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in the last year."

Since the spectacle of the opening ceremonies, volleyball and beach volleyball have played to packed houses at Paris 2024.

• Indoor schedule and results
• Beach schedule and results.

Volleyball Canada Media contact:
Jackie Skender
WhatsApp: 1.613.794.7676
Mobile in Paris: +33743229138