VERNON (February 12, 2025) – Samuel Murray (Baie-Comeau, QC) and Frédérique Lambert (Montréal, QC) secured victories in the men’s and women’s open divisions at the Winter National Team Selection Event, held February 7–8 in Vernon, BC.
As Canada’s top-ranked male and female athletes and reigning Open Singles National Champions, Murray and Lambert once again demonstrated their dominance on the national stage.
Men’s Open Division
In the men’s final on Saturday, Murray faced Coby Iwaasa (Lethbridge, AB) in a highly competitive match. Iwaasa claimed the opening game, but Murray responded with three consecutive wins, with final scores of 13-16, 11-7, 11-9.
The bronze medal match was an all-Manitoba showdown, as Kurtis Cullen and Leyton Gouldie, both from Brandon, battled for third place. Cullen, who also coaches Gouldie, took the win in straight games, 11-2, 11-9, 11-4.
Women’s Open Division
In the women’s final, Lambert faced Juliette Parent (Saint-Jacques, QC). Parent started strong, but Lambert took control to claim the match in three straight games, 11-7, 11-3, 11-6.
The battle for bronze was the closest match in the women’s draw, as Ofelia Wilscam (Repentigny, QC) edged out Chloé Jauvin (Terrebonne, QC) in a hard-fought contest, winning 11-8, 11-9, 14-12.
National Team Implications
This was the second selection event of the 2024–2025 season, with high-performance athletes competing for national and international team placements. Final team announcements for the World Games and Pan American Championships will be made in the coming weeks.
Racquetball Canada extends its appreciation to the Vernon Racquetball Association and Rosters Sports Club for hosting the event. Special thanks go to tournament organizer Bob Wolf, along with his sponsors and volunteers, for their dedication and hard work.
Draws and results: https://secure.racquetballcanada.ca/entry-list/matches/1014509/50101/0/M/
