Summer Universiade (Aug. 15): Canada eliminated from medal contention in women's volleyball

Photo credit Freestyle Photography

Aug. 15, 2011

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: CAN vs. TAI
 
Canada suffered their 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.