Volleyball Canada – LA PAZ, Mexico, April 10, 2016 – Canadians Brandie Wilkerson (Toronto, ON) and Julie Gordon (Barrie, ON) claimed their first overall win on the 2016 Norceca Beach Volleyball circuit.

Wilkerson and Gordon beat Allison McColloch and Kelly Reeves (USA) in sudden death after a great comeback in the second set to win 2-1 (19-21, 21-11 and 15-10).

“I have no words, it is hard to explain, but thank you for supporting us,” said Wilkerson, who has become a fan favourite on the beach tour.

The Canadian pair had finished second twice to American teams this season. They faced the same team in a final played in Guatemala in March.
 
“It was our third final this season, and we finally came out on top,” said Gordon. “Good results are incredibly motivating, and we are looking forward to future events together to see how great we can be. Brandie played extremely well throughout the whole tournament, and it’s amazing to be able to play with someone with her talent. We’re working really well together right now and I’m excited for the next event.”
 
USA-A, composed of Kimberly Dicello and Kendra Vanzwieten (who were champions at a recent event in Guaymas) won the bronze medal in La Paz.

Vanzwieten and Dicello defeated Karen Cope Charles and Natalia Alfaro of Costa Rica in two (21-19, 21-13).

On the men’s side, Cam Wheelan (Barrie, ON) and Mike Plantinga (Langley, BC) fought hard for a chance at bronze, but were defeated by Taylor and Trevor Crabb of USA-A in three sets 1-2 (24-22, 20-22, 9-15) and finish fourth overall.

The next NORCECA event is in Costa Rica. See www.norceca.net for details. 
 
Women’s Results Day 3 – La Paz, Mexico
 
Gold Medal Match
CAN-A d USA-B 2-1 (19-21, 21-11, 15-10)
 
Bronze Medal Match
USA-A d CRC 2-0 (21-19, 21-13)
 
Final 5th Place: MEX-A d MEX-B 2-1 (21-16, 18-21,15-10)
Final 7th Place: 
CAN-B (Cockrell/Saxton) d MEX-C 2-1 (21-15, 19-21,15-9)
Final 9th Place: 
ESA d TRI 2-0 (21-19, 21-16)
Final 11th Place: GUA d GDP 2-0 (21-19, 21-10)
 
Men’s Results Day 3
 
Gold Medal Match
CUB d USA-B 2-0 (21-15, 21-15)
 
Bronze Medal Match
USA-A d CAN-B 2-1 (22-24, 22-20, 15-9)
 
Final 5th Place: MEX-B d TRI 2-0 (21-16, 21-17)
Final 7th Place: MEX-A d CRC 2-0 (21-12, 21-7),
Final 9th Place
: ISV d DOM 2-0 (21-19, 21-16)
Final 11th Place
: HON d NCA 2-1 (21-19, 21-23, 16-14)
13th – CAN (Redmann/Humana-Paredes)

Volleyball Canada media contact:
Jackie Skender
E-mail: jskender@volleyball.ca
Phone: 613.794.7676