Canada makes it to the semi-finals of NORCECA Olympic Qualifiers – Volleyball news
Canadian women’s volleyball team qualified for the semi-finals of the 2012 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament by winning the quarter-final match on Wednesday.
Canadian team defeated host Mexico in straight sets of 25-17, 25-18, 25-18 and booked a slot in the next round of the tournament.
Canada’s success in the match was chiefly credited to wing-spiker Sarah Pavan. The left handed player exhibited a stellar performance and proved the metal of her forearms. She contributed match-high 21 points in Canada’s score and led her team to a wonderful
victory. The duo of Marisa Field and Tammy Mahon also played a big role in Canadian win.
Both of them staged a great fight with opponents and registered eight and seven points, respectively. On Mexico’s side, Claudia Rios was the best scorer as she notched up 12 points.
Equipped with emotional support of fans, the home team opened the match with a firm ambition of victory. However, as the game progressed Canadian players took over the control of operations. The Mexican ladies suffered frequent set-backs and caught up in
unforced mistakes. On the other hand, Canada attained a great rhythm and sailed through first set win with 7-point lead, 25-18.
The following set unfolded the similar story. The home team tried to get out of the blues and used many different tactics but could not achieve the desired results. Mexico was locked at 18 points, while Canada hit the mar with set points and moved 2-0 lead
in the match.
Pumped-up Canadian squad gave the final shot and put an end to the game in third set. They captured the final set with identical score of 25-18 and clawed their way to the semi-final stage.
Canadian team is headed by Coach Arnd Ludwig, who has high hopes that his team will make it to the finals. He shared his thoughts after the match, “My team played well and were disciplined today. We were concerned about this match because in the NORCECA
tournament we had lost to Mexico. Now we have to rest and prepare against Dominican Republic.”
The 2012 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament is currently underway in in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The tournament started off on April 29 and it is scheduled to complete its run on May 5. Teams from Cuba, Honduras, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominican
Republic, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico (host) entered the competition and only four teams could survive up till the semi-finals.
Canada, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Dominican Republic have reserved places in the semis of NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament.
In the next run, top two teams will come into stride in the final showdown slated for Saturday. Eventually, the winner of the competition will earn the ticket to 2012 London Olympic Games.
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