SARAJEVO – Canada’s women’s sitting volleyball team is assured to post its best ever result at the world championships after a four-set victory over Italy in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The Canadians face Slovenia in the semifinals on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. ET on CBCSports.ca.
Italy controlled the first set in Wednesday’s quarterfinal, but Canada adjusted well and took the next three in a 24-26, 25-22, 25-17, 25-14 victory.
‘’Italy is a tough opponent, and we knew we would have to work hard and play our systems,’’ said Canadian team captain Danielle Ellis of Langley, B.C. ‘’We had a slow start but were able to pick up the pace and find our game. Now it’s time to build from today in search of a medal.”
Canada's previous best finish at the worlds was seventh in 2018. The team was ranked 12th in its only other appearance in 2010. Canada finished fourth at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
The sixth-ranked Canadians now have a 4-1 record overall at this year’s worlds. That includes a preliminary round win over #10 Slovenia in four sets in its opening match. The other semifinal pits world number-one USA against Brazil.
On the men’s side, Iraq swept Canada 25-17, 25-22, 25-19. Canada will now play Poland, a team that they beat in pool play, for 11th place at 5:30 a.m. ET. It can be watched on World ParaVolley’s YouTube channel.
"It was a disappointing result today with the chance to play for top 10 in the tournament. Credit to Iraq as they served very tough," said team captain Doug Learoyd of Edmonton. "On the flip side, we have several new young players who are at their first international tournament and are playing well.
‘’So we’ll shift our focus forward to tomorrow and look to finish the tournament with a win."
