Silver for Canada at FINA World Women’s Youth (18U) Water Polo Championships

The Canadian 18U women’s national team earned a silver medal, on Sunday, August 31, in Madrid, at the conclusion of the 2nd FINA World Women’s Youth Water Polo Championships. Canada had been described through the tournament as a team which never made any noise, but managed to make their way to the final, fighting for the gold medal against the Americans after having previously defeated Hungary 10-9 in the semi-finals.

From the beginning of the game on Sunday, Team U.S.A. seemed determined not to let its shot at the title slip away. The Americans took an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter and Canada had to wait until the clock registered 5:51 into the second period to show up on the board, with a goal from Axelle Crevier, of Montreal, QC. After the U.S.A. scored a third point, on a man-up opportunity, Hayley McKelvey of North Delta, B.C., put the ball in the net for Canada and the score was set at 3-2 at the game’s halfway mark.

The third quarter showed particularly strong defensive play on behalf of the Americans, who also scored again at 5:32 on the clock. Canadian captain Emma Wright, of Lindsay, ON, snuck in a goal with slightly over one minute to go in the period thus keeping things close between the two teams, 4-3.

Canada earned first possession following the fourth quarter’s swim-off and a forceful effort from Canada resulted in Kelly Matthews, from Pierrefonds, QC, tying the game at 4-4. Canada eventually missed a few opportunities and ran out of time to sway the momentum in the game, which ended 5-4 in favour of the Americans. Aria Fischer, from the U.S.A. had the winning goal.

Final Ranking

1. United States of America 
2. Canada
3. Hungary
4. Greece, 5. Italy, 6. Netherlands, 7. Spain, 8. China, 9. Russia, 10. Japan, 11. Australia, 12. South Africa, 13. New Zealand, 14. Brazil, 15. Puerto Rico, 16. Germany. 

Canadian roster at 2014 FINA World Women””s Youth Water Polo Championships (random order):

1. Alicia Magliocco, DDO, Pierrefonds, QC
2. Amy Yule, Team SASK, Regina, SK
3. Auriel Bill, SASK, Estevan, SK
4. Axelle Crevier, CAMO, Montreal, QC
5. Emma Wright, SHADOW WPC, Lindsay, ON
6. Hayley McKelvey, PACIFIC STORM, North Delta, BC
7. Joelle Nacouzzi, DDO, Pierrefonds, QC
8. Kelly Matthews, DDO, Pierrefonds, QC
9. Kindred Paul, CALGARY RENEGADES, Edmonton, AB
10. Kyra Christmas, CALGARY RENEGADES, Calgary AB
11. Sarah Myers, MAVERICKS, Toronto, ON
12. Taylor Vijh, DDO, Baie d’Urfe, QC
13. Ymane Hage, CAMO, Laval, QC
Alternate: Mathilde Ribordy, HYDRES/CAMO, Quebec City, QC

Head Coach: David Paradelo, Montreal, QC
Assistant Coach: Brooke Zimmerman, Calgary, AB
Assistant Coach/Manager: Angela Johnson, Cranbrook, BC

Please see original article here.