Atop their group, Pavan & Bansley aim to wrap up pool play with a win
With two wins in as many matches, Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley are unbeaten at the Rio 2016 beach volleyball tournament.
The Canadian duo defeated Netherlands and Switzerland in the first and second matches of their pool play.
Sitting atop of Group E with four points, Pavan/Bansley have secured a place in the elimination stage, but have one match left to see if they’ll win their group outright.
Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley celebrate the victory over Switzerland, Aug. 10, 2016. Photo: Stephen Hosier (COC)
RELATED: Pavan & Bansley still unbeaten in Rio
“We are out to win our group and put ourselves in a good position leading into play-offs,” said Pavan.
Pavan/Bansley will close the group stage facing the No. 4 ranked team the world – Germany’s Karla Borger and Britta Buthe – on Thursday, at 8 p.m. (ET).
“We are going to have to be on top of our game from here on out so we need a strong performance against Germany and then we’ll go from there.”
Canadian fans support Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley, Aug. 10, 2016. Photo: Stephen Hosier (COC)
To keep the winning going, the support that comes from the bleachers of the Copacabana beach venue will be important. Pavan is impressed with what she has seen so far.
“We never ever expected this outpouring of support and this feeling of community with everyone is behind us. It’s incredible. We read every single message of encouragement and we appreciate it. Thank you so much, Canada.”
