Canada's Wilkerson, Bukovec eliminated at Paris Elite16 beach volleyball tournament

Canadians Brandie Wilkerson and Sophie Bukovec were eliminated from the Paris Elite16 beach volleyball event after splitting a pair of matches on Friday.

Toronto partners fall to U.S., defeat Finland in round robin stage

The Canadian Press · Posted: Sep 30, 2022 1:07 PM EDT | Last Updated: September 30, 2022

Canada's Sophie Bukovec, right, and Brandie Wilkerson seen here in Rome, Italy in June, fell to the U.S. and defeated Finland on Friday in round robin action at the Paris Elite16 beach volleyball tournament. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via The Associated Press)

Canadians Brandie Wilkerson and Sophie Bukovec were eliminated from the Paris Elite16 beach volleyball event after splitting a pair of matches on Friday.

The Toronto duo started the day by dropping a 2-0 (21-16, 21-18) decision to Kelly Cheng and Betsi Flit of the United States.

Cheng led all players with 27 points, while Bukovec scored 13 for Canada. Wilkerson chipped in with 10.

The loss prevented Wilkerson and Bukovec from advancing to the tournament's quarter-finals.

Emerging Canadian beach volleyball duo Wilkerson, Bukovec continue to grow, build trust

The Canadian pair, ranked 13th in the world, bounced back in the finale of pool play with a 2-1 (21-18, 18-21, 15-10) victory over Taru Lahti-Liukkonen and Niina Ahtiainen of Finland. Bukovec led all players with 31 points.

Wilkerson and Bukovec finished third in Pool C with a 1-2 record behind Flint and Cheng (3-0) and Americans Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss (2-1).

Live coverage of the tournament - continuing on Saturday at 7 a.m. ET with the quarter-finals and semifinals - will be available on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.

WATCH | U.S. earn victory over Canada: