World League Super Final: Canadian women open the tournament with a win against Russia
Water Polo Canada – Kunshan, China – May 28, 2018 – The Canadian women’s team started off their tournament with a win against Russia at the 2018 FINA World League Super Final in Kunshan, China. In a back and forth affair, Canada controlled the second half to record an 11-9 win.
After allowing a penalty shot early in the first quarter, Canada settled a little bit on defense. Elyse Lemay-Lavoie scored the equalizer a few moments later to see Emma Wright doubled the score with a shot from outside. The Canadians added two more goals to show a 4-3 lead after the first quarter. Russia controlled the second quarter, converting a second penalty shot in the game to put the score at 5-5 at halftime.
The teams exchanged goals in the early minutes of the second half. Kelly McKee gave Canada the lead with a beautiful shot from outside to see Emma Wright complete her hat trick to give the red and white a 9-7 lead. Gurpreet Sohi tallied one in the last minute of the third quarter to give Canada a two-goal lead heading into the final quarter (10-8).
Russia took advantage of a third penalty shot in the game, but they weren’t able to pass the solid Canadian defense, and Canada confirmed the 11-9 win.
The United States edged Japan 14-4 in the other match of Group B. The Canadian women will face the US tomorrow (May 29) at 6:00 pm local / 6:00 am EDT. All the games are live streamed on FINA TV
Goals:
Emma Wright (3)
Elyse Lemay-Lavoie (3)
Monika Eggens (2)
Shae Fournier (1)
Kelly McKee (1)
Gurpreet Sohi (1)
Progress Points
Group A: Spain 3, Netherlands 3, Australia 0, China 0.
Group B: USA 3, Canada 3, Russia 0, Japan 0.
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Mylène Turcotte-Fitzgerald, Water Polo Canada Communications, 613 748-5682 x 325 /(819) 639-6414, mfitzgerald@waterpolo.ca