Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 13, 2016 – Canada’s Heather Bansley and Sarah Pavan booked their place in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games quarterfinals with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-11) win over compatriot’s Jamie-Lyn Broder and Kristina Valjas at the Copacabana Beach Arena on Saturday.
Here’s what they said after the match…
Sarah Pavan, Canada
“We knew they were a confident team so we wanted to get on top early. We really wanted to make our mark quickly in the game and I think we did that. Our side-out was pretty consistent and we had a lot of transition opportunities so that made them think a bit.
“Our whole thing at this tournament is consistency and to stick to our game plan and that’s what we did.
“It is definitely unfortunate we had to meet so early in the draw. Neither of us wanted that to happen, but once the game starts they become another opponent that are in our way and all that disappears.
“It is terrible it had to come so early, but I’m glad we’re the team that came out on top.”
Jamie-Lyn Broder, Canada
“Tough match and not the result we were hoping for. They did a good job on their block defence and got in the way of a couple of our angles today.”
Kristina Valjas, Canada
“A couple of years ago we didn’t even think we could get to the Olympics, but the fact we are here now and finished top 10 in the world, we can’t help but be proud of ourselves.
“It is just too bad we didn’t play as well as we know we can and that is what it is all about, anybody can beat anybody on a given day.”