FISU GAMES: WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL ELIMINATED AFTER LOSS
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| Alicia Perrin |
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2011
FISU GAMES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FISU GAMES: WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL ELIMINATED AFTER LOSS
SHENZHEN, China (CIS) – Canada’s women’s volleyball team was defeated in a tough four-set match by Taiwan on Monday night at the Yuanping Gymnasium, officially eliminating the Canucks from medal contention at the 26th Summer Universiade.
STATISTICS: http://match.sz2011.org/pdf/VB/VBW101C03/VBW101C03.C73.ENG.1.0.pdf
Canada, which includes TWU’s Alicia Perrin, suffered its second consecutive loss as Taiwan won 3-1 (25-27, 25-15, 25-22, 25-22). The red and white were paced by CIS rookie of the year Marie-Sophie Nadeau, a native of Saint-Aimé, Que., who slammed 14 kills, six digs, two blocks and a service ace.
“It was a tough game and we stayed positive throughout and really battled hard with lots of heart,” commented Nadeau, who has been converted to left side from her regular CIS position on the right side. “We were real aggressive tonight and proud of our performance. Our goal is now to beat France and go as far as we can.”
Canada was a different side that lost in straight sets to Poland on the previous night as they rallied four points down at 23-19 as CIS reigning player of the year Shanice Marcelle from Victoria, B.C., had two huge kills on the right side couple with a Tricia Mayba, from Winnipeg, Man., middle hit coupled with Nadeau slam down the line for the final point and a 27-25 set win.
Taiwan came out quickly in the second as they re-established a strong presence with movement from sides as they jumped to a 10-4 and 18-9 lead and cruised to a 25-15 result and the match was now a best-of-three affair. In the third, Taiwan continued to show their experience as they continue to pressure Canada with hard hitting and good defence. Team Canada stayed in the set with more kills by UBC’s Marcelle and Nadeau from University of Montreal as they were the dynamic hitting duo on both sides. Canada closed to 23-21 but Taiwan stuffed Marcelle on the next point and held onto a 25-22 set.
Only a couple points separated both teams in the fourth as a key point happened as Taiwan was not called for a double hit and proceeded to win the point at 20-19. The young Canadian squad pushed onwards and actually led 22-21 before Taiwan close out the match with two cross court kills and a service ace.
“Tonight we had good energy from the start and really happy with aggressive style during the match,” said Team Canada’s head coach Alain Pelletier from Quebec City, Que. “The team is young but played hard against Taiwan and now we have to look ahead to France.”
In the other Pool C match-up later in the day, Poland (2-0) won 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-16 over France (0-2).
Canada next plays France on Tuesday at 6 a.m. ET to close out pool play but will not advance to the medal round.
About the Summer Universiade
The Summer Universiade is an international multi-sport event that takes place every two years and is second only to the Olympic Games in the number of participating athletes and countries. Close to 9,000 athletes from over 150 countries will compete in Shenzhen. The Universiade is open to competitors who are at least 17 and less than 28 years of age as of January 1 in the year of the Games. Participants must be full-time students at a post-secondary institution (university, college, CEGEP) or have graduated from a post-secondary institution in the year preceding the event.
-CIS-
Last Updated: 2011-08-16
Author: Mark Janzen
Email: Mark.Janzen@twu.ca