Canada falls just short at beach Continental Qualifier

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.

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

Nationality

Canada

Position

Beach

Current Team

Saxton/O’Gorman

Past Teams

O’Gorman/Plantinga, Plantinga/O’Gorman

Leagues

FIVB Cancun

Social

Nationality

Canada

Position

Beach

Current Team

Saxton/O’Gorman

Past Teams

Saxton/Schalk

Leagues

FIVB Cancun

Height

200

Weight

90

Birth Date

November 21, 1988

Home Town

Calgary, AB

Social

Nationality

Canada

Current Team

Pedlow/Schachter

Past Teams

Binstock/Schachter

Leagues

FIVB Cancun

Height

196 cm

Birth Date

May 8, 1990

Home Town

Richmond Hill, ON

Social