Squash Canada – PARIS, FRANCE, Sunday December 4, 2016 – For the first time since 2008, Canada cracked the top ten of the World Squash Federation (WSF) Women’s World Team Championship.

Team Canada, comprised of Hollie Naughton (Mississauga, ON), Samantha Cornett (Deep River, ON), Danielle Letourneau (Calgary, AB) and Nikki Todd (Regina, SK) competed in Paris, France this week to a 10th place finish, bettering their 2014 11th place result.

Seeded 10th ahead of the start of the championship, Canada faced some of the toughest opponents, including reigning World champions England and 2015 Pan Am Games gold medalist the United States in their pool play. Finishing 3rd in their pool would see them face India, Japan and the Netherlands for 9th-12th spot.

After beating Japan (2-1) and the Netherlands (3-0), Canada faced India in their final matchup – the winner claiming ninth, the other tenth.

“[It’s a] bitter sweet feeling; obviously happy to meet our seeding and improve on 2014 but there was a real belief we were good enough to make the top 8.” said Squash Canada’s Women’s National Team coach, Graeme Williams following Team Canada’s 2-1 loss to India.

“Some great performances this week, most notably Sam against Olivia (Blatchford, USA) and Hollie for half the match against Wales. The fact we won most of the tight matches is a real plus and shows how mentally strong the team is.” said Williams noting that this is a sign of things to come.

“With continued hard work and dedication, we can definitely break into the top 8 and beyond.”

Team Canada’s Samantha Cornett, reflected on the team’s week, “What a great week with a great team. As a team, I’m very proud of our effort. The last match was disappointing, but we all stepped up at different times through the week. Lots to look forward to from Team Canada!”

With their best result in 8 years and some key victories in some tough matches, Team Canada is one to watch for 2018 as Canadian women continue to rise on the world squash stage.

For full results from Team Canada’s 2016 World Championship matches, visit: http://bit.ly/TC2016WorldMatchScores

ABOUT THE WSF WOMEN’S WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP After a Women’s World Invitation was staged in Australia in 1976, the Women’s International Squash Rackets Federation was formed to run regular world competitions for individuals and

teams. The first team event was staged in spring 1979 in Birmingham for a trophy donated by two of the great players of women’s squash, Heather McKay and Janet Shardlow. Six countries (including Canada) entered the first event, which was won by Great Britain on the only occasion where the Home Countries didn’t enter separately as they subsequently did. Canada has hosted the event four times since its inception, including most recently in 2014.

ABOUT SQUASH CANADA Founded in 1915, Squash Canada is a non-profit, national sport governing body responsible for the development of athletes, coaches and officials and sets the standards for Canadian squash. Squash Canada is a proud member of the Pan-American and World Squash Federations and participates in the Pan-American Championships, Commonwealth & Pan-Am Games as well as World Championships at the junior and senior level. Each year Squash Canada hosts nine national championships across the country and works with its provincial and territorial partners to promote the growth and development of squash across the country. For more information, please visit www.squash.ca.

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For more information or interview requests, contact:

Britany Gordon Programs Manager, Squash Canada (613) 228-7724 x202 britany.gordon@squash.ca

Canada’s Recent WSF Women’s World Team Championship Results

10th – 2016 (Paris, France)

11th – 2014 (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada)

12th – 2012 (Nimes, France)

13th – 2010 (Palmerston North, New Zealand)

WSF Women’s World Team Championship – Complete History of Results: http://www.worldsquash.org/ws/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Womens-Team-Open.pdf