Water Polo Canada – Auckland, New Zealand, April 5, 2018 –  The Canadian women came out on top in a tight battle against Japan at the 2018 FINA Inter-Continental Cup. In a back and forth affair, Canada worked hard to limit the Japanese’s offense and secure the 15-13 win.

The Japanese came out strong in the first quarter, and they were awarded a penalty shot in the first minute of the game. A short-range goal gave Japan a two-goal lead early in the quarter. The Canadians were able to stay calm despite a rough start, Monika Eggens and Krystina Alogbo each tallied one to even the score (2-2). The teams each exchanged a goal before the end of the quarter (3-3).

The second quarter started well for the Canadian squad, Eggens and Crevier added two goals to take the lead 5-3. Japan answered with two goals of their own to equalize the score (5-5). Two goals from Eggens and a beautiful finish from Bekhazi gave Canada a two-goal lead at the half (8-6).

Eggens and Alogbo connected in the third quarter, leading the offense for the Canadian squad. Canada was up by 4 goals at one moment, but the Japanese took advantage of the counterattacks to put the score at 14-11. Canada was under pressure in the final quarter as Japan was trying to come back in the game. In the end, the Canadians’ defense limited Japanese’s opportunities in the last minutes of the game to secure a 15-13 win.

“It was a tough game for us, but in the end, we executed our game plan, and we were able to get the result. Tomorrow, we will continue to work on our tactic and make sure we play well in each phase of the game” said Shae Fournier of the women’s national team after the game.

Canada finished the third day of competition at the top of Group A with three wins. The Canadian women will face New Zealand 2 in the crossover game, tomorrow at 6:00 pm local / 2:00 am ET.

For schedule and results, please visit: https://www.finaauckland2018.com/

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For more information, please contact :

Mylène Turcotte-Fitzgerald, Water Polo Canada Communications, (819) 639-6414, mfitzgerald@waterpolo.ca