Canada’s beach volleyball duo, composed of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, achieved their second consecutive victory at the 2023 Pan American Games by defeating the Dominican Republic’s representatives Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanzar.
Canada’s beach volleyball player Melissa Humana-Paredes is fully embracing her presence at 2023 Pan American Games because her mother is from Chile, and it is the first time her family can watch her play live. This reunion comes after seven years, and the presence of her mother, aunts, and cousins has not gone unnoticed in the stands of Court 2 at Parque Peñalolen.
“I feel very excited; I can’t describe it. It’s so emotional because it’s the first time my family from Chile can see me here, and it’s magical for me. Besides, the last time I saw my family here was many years ago, and seeing them again is something inexplicable. We have confidence in the work my partner and I do on the court, but we always focus on the opposing team and the game points. The ranking gives us confidence, but every time we play, we learn more important lessons for our team. So, in any place, tournament, and country, there is something to learn,” commented Melissa Humana-Paredes.
“I found it very fun. I had a great time. I’m very happy to play with Melissa, and both of us are playing really well. Winning is always a nice feeling. There are many matches to go, and every time we step on the sand, we just want to keep playing better,” said Brandie Wilkerson.
Despite having mixed emotions, when it comes time to step onto the court, she focuses with her partner Brandie Wilkerson to secure victory and progress match by match toward their first goal: winning Group D and obtaining the gold medal. Their extensive experience in world championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympics positions them as leading contenders for the gold medal.
SECOND VICTORY FOR CANADA’S DUO
Canada’s duo secured their second consecutive victory. Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson defeated the Dominican Republic’s representatives Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanzar in Group D with a score of 2-0 (21-11, 21-11) on Court 2 at the Peñalolen Beach Volleyball Center.
The second day of the discipline at 2023 Pan American Games began at 10:30, and as the minutes passed, the crowd began to arrive at Court 2 to witness the first women’s beach volleyball match of the day between the aforementioned teams. The enthusiasm and support of the audience were palpable in the stands and among the athletes, who interacted with the spectators during the match.
“The Pan American Games here have been incredible. Everyone in Chile has been incredibly kind, and it seems like they really care about beach volleyball, sports, and all athletes. I’m sure that as the week progresses, there will be even more energy,” added Brandie Wilkerson.
The world’s fifth-ranked team will face Paraguay’s duo, Erika Mongelos and Michelle Valiente, tomorrow at 10:30 on Court 2 at the Beach Volleyball Center, seeking to continue their path to success at 2023 Pan American Games. A victory against Paraguay’s team would position them as leaders of Group D and advance them to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Source : Panam Sports
