Marcio Jose Sanchez
Marcio Jose Sanchez

Beach volleyball Olympians return for FIVB finals in Toronto

Team Canada’s Olympic beach volleyball players are back in action, for the Swatch FIVB World Tour finals in Toronto starting on Tuesday.

After making Canadian history at Rio 2016, qualifying the maximum of four teams allowed at an Olympic Games, Volleyball Canada‘s squad will compete in the tour finals from September 13 to 18 at Polson Pier.

Canada's Josh Binstock digs against Italy during a men's beach volleyball match at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Canada’s Josh Binstock digs against Italy during a men’s beach volleyball match at Rio 2016 on Aug. 8. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Related: Canada gets maximum beach action in Rio

The Canadians’ impressive FIVB season secured the nation four spots in the tournament. Olympians Sam Schachter and Josh Binstock as well as Chaim Schalk and Ben Saxton will compete in the men’s competition. Rio 2016 duo Kristina Valjas and Jamie Broder also earned a spot in the FIVB final and will kick off pool play on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Jamie Broder and Kristina Valjas celebrate the first win at the Rio 2016 beach volleyball tournament / Photo via FIVB

Jamie Broder and Kristina Valjas celebrate the first win at the Rio 2016 beach volleyball tournament. / Photo via FIVB

Related: Three Canadian duos reach Olympic playoff stage 
Related: Pavan and Bansley finish fifth in Rio

However, Canada’s final spot in the women’s competition remains up for grabs. Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley, Canada’s most successfully team in Rio with a fifth place finish, split up shortly after the Games. The Olympic quarterfinalists will now go head-to-head with their new partners for a chance to play in front of a home crowd.

Pavan will compete with Melissa Humana-Paredes in Tuesday’s decider against Bansley and relative newcomer to the big stage, Brandie Wilkerson.

Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley during the match agains Switzerland at the Rio 2016 beach volleyball tournament / Photo: Stephen Hosier (COC)

Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley face Switzerland at the Rio 2016 beach volleyball tournament. / Photo: Stephen Hosier (COC)

Fans can catch Team Canada’s beach volleyball stars one last time this season free of cost in Toronto.

More information on the FIVB finals can be found here.