Canada upsets top-seed Ukraine at sitting volleyball Paralympic qualifier

HALIFAX – Canada’s women’s sitting volleyball team showed composure today as it beat top-seeded Ukraine 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-21) in the preliminary rounds of the Women’s Paralympic Qualification Tournament. 

“There were definitely some momentum swings and it was really good see our team use tactics in those moments and go on some runs when it was really needed; I’m proud of them,” said Canada’s head coach, Nicole Ban.   

“We found a way to play some of our best volleyball with a loud crowd and under a lot of pressure. They are feeling confident and with that comes a lot of pressure because now we know we can do it, and we have to be able to continue to build on that and find our next level.”

Canada is ranked fifth in the world, compared to Ukraine’s fourth, according to World ParaVolley.

“I think we were really confident on the scramble plays today; the European style is to put the ball back over quite quick and today we slowed that down, and we were able to play our system. And we were really strong on our service ball.” 

The winner of the tournament, which runs to Saturday, punches a ticket to Tokyo 2020.

More info here:
http://www.worldparavolley.org/2020-world-paravolley-sitting-volleyball-paralympic-qualification/

The first two days of the tournament are free. Tickets for the semis and finals can be purchased here.

Web cast: bit.ly/2T7eLm2