Summer Universiade W VBall (Aug. 16): Canada notches first win

SHENZHEN, China (CIS) – Canada (1-2) earned its first win in women’s volleyball in Universiade pool play since 2007 with a 3-1 (27-25, 13-25, 25-19, 25-18) victory over France (0-3) on Tuesday night at the Yuanping Gymnasium.

STATISTICS: CAN vs. FRA

Team Canada, which finished third in the four-team Pool C, had a consistent attack as five players contributed six or more kills in the four sets led by reigning CIS player of the year Shanice Marcelle of Victoria with 10, followed by Krista Zubick from St. Albert, Alta., with seven.

Marie-Sophie Nadeau, the CIS rookie of the year from Saint-Aimé, Que., Jaimie Thibeault of Sylvan Lake, Alta., and Alicia Perrin of Creston, B.C., had six kills apiece.

“We were able to run our offence as the passing was better,” commented Team Canada and Laval University head coach Alain Pelletier from Quebec City. “We started well and were able to move the ball around to many players. I was really pleased with the total team effort tonight and want to continue this momentum for the rest of the Universiade.”

Canada won a tough first set by a score of 27-25 and then France responded with a 25-13 second set win. The red and white dug deep as they rallied for impressive 25-19 and 25-18 scores to close out the contest.

The team had different players in the lineup than the two for its first two games in Shenzhen and Jaclyn Ellis of Mississauga, Ont., was back as the main setter. She finished with 63 assists.

“We will enjoy this win and now have a day off to get ready to play Sweden on Thursday,” said Pelletier, whose squad will now battle for positions nine through 16th.