Racquetball Showdown in Vernon: Who Made the Team?

In the small town of Vernon, something big was happening. The Roster Sports Club was buzzing with excitement as the best racquetball players from all over Canada gathered for a major event. These athletes were competing for a chance to represent Canada in upcoming international tournaments. The event took place over two days, February 7 and 8, 2025. The atmosphere was electric as players fought for their spots on the national team. The competition was fierce, with nearly 20 top players battling it out. The star of the men's division was Samuel Murray from Baie-Comeau, Quebec. He showed everyone why he's the top-ranked male player in Canada. In the final match, Murray faced off against Coby Iwaasa from Lethbridge, Alberta. Iwaasa won the first game, but Murray came back strong, winning the next three games. The final scores were 13-16, 11-7, and 11-9. Murray's victory was a testament to his skill and determination. The women's division was just as thrilling. Frédérique Lambert from Montreal dominated the competition. In the final match, she faced Juliette Parent from Saint-Jacques, Quebec. Lambert took control early and won in straight games, 11-7, 11-3, and 11-6. Lambert's performance solidified her status as Canada's top-ranked female player. The event was the second selection event of the 2024-25 season. Athletes were competing for spots on three national teams: the elite team, the development team, and the junior team. Each team has six spots available. This event was one of three opportunities for players to earn points towards national team status. The first event was in Brandon, Manitoba, and the third will be the national championships in Burlington, Ontario, in May. The stakes were high. The winners of these tournaments would secure their spots in the 2025 Pan American Championships in Guatemala City and the World Games in Chengdu, China. The event in Vernon was a crucial step for these athletes in their journey to represent Canada on the global stage. One notable participant was David Serra from Kelowna. At 41 years old, Serra is still British Columbia's top-ranked racquetball player. He placed 10th in the event, showing that age is just a number in the world of competitive sports. Serra's participation highlighted the wide age range of the athletes, from the youngest at 17 to the oldest at 41. The event was a success thanks to the hard work of the Vernon Racquetball Association and the Roster Sports Club. Special thanks went to tournament organizer Bob Wolf and all the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible. This event was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the sport and the athletes who dedicate their lives to it. The event showcased the talent and determination of Canada's top racquetball players, inspiring young athletes to follow in their footsteps.