VEGA BAJA, Puerto Rico, November 8, 2026. – Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson claimed the women’s title at the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifier and secured a direct berth for Canada to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after defeating Americans Megan Kraft and Kelly Cheng in Sunday’s final at the Areia Sports Complex in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.
Melissa and Brandie prevailed in straight sets, 2-0 (21-16, 27-25), in a thrilling encounter that was decided after an intense second set, allowing them to achieve their Olympic qualification goal.
Canada took control by winning the opening set 21-16 but faced stronger resistance in the second, as Kraft and Cheng pushed the battle to a tightly contested finish. The Canadians ultimately prevailed 27-25 to claim the gold medal and secure the only Olympic berth available in the women’s division, while the United States earned silver.
The qualification represents a special achievement for Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson, who competed separately at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before joining forces and capturing the silver medal at Paris 2024. With the berth secured in Vega Baja, Canada earned its place at Los Angeles 2028, where both players hope to make their third consecutive Olympic appearance.
After achieving their goal, Humana-Paredes acknowledged that the magnitude of the accomplishment had yet to fully sink in.
“It still doesn’t feel completely real because we’re at such an early stage of the process, but we have plenty of time to keep refining our game, our strategy, and continue improving our level. I’m very proud of the team,” she said.
The Canadian player also highlighted the special meaning of sharing this journey with Wilkerson, with whom she has built a strong relationship both on and off the court.
“It’s very special. I love our partnership and our team. We’ve shared so many memories, stories, and so much time together. We have a foundation of love, respect, and mutual pride. It feels really good to be on this journey with her. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else,” she added.
The Puerto Rican crowd also had reason to celebrate as Allanis Navas and Keishlyann Sánchez captured the bronze medal for the host nation with a commanding 2-0 (21-10, 21-10) victory over Mexico’s Susana Torres and Abril Flores.
The Puerto Rican duo controlled the match from the outset to secure third place in front of their home supporters, while Torres and Flores finished fourth.
In the semifinals, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson had secured their place in the championship match by defeating Mexico’s Torres and Flores in straight sets, 21-12, 21-18.
Meanwhile, Kraft and Cheng advanced to the final with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-12) victory over home favorites Navas and Sánchez, keeping their hopes of securing the Olympic berth alive.
Sunday’s action also determined the remaining final positions in the tournament. T’ara Austin and Taylor Buckner of the U.S. Virgin Islands finished fifth after defeating Belize’s N. Ramírez/Sabal 2-0 (21-17, 21-11).
The Dominican Republic’s Azmabeth Infante and Crismil Paniagua finished seventh after defeating Guatemala’s Alvarado/Mendoza in straight sets, 21-15, 21-12.
Ninth place went to El Salvador’s Inés Vargas and Daniela Vigil, who staged a comeback against Costa Rica’s Ashly Chavarría and Laura Molina to claim a 2-1 (16-21, 23-21, 15-10) victory.
The NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifier took place from November 6 to 8 at the Areia Sports Complex in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, bringing together ten women’s teams competing for a single direct berth to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.