Canadian coach confident women's squad will compete in 2024 Olympic volleyball tourney
Shannon Winzer says squad took step forward with 5-2 showing at qualifier in China
Canada finished its run at a women's Olympic volleyball qualifying tournament with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Sunday in Ningbo, China.
Set scores were 25-20, 25-19 and 25-21, and Kiera Van Ryk led Canada with a match-high 17 total points.
The solid win was bittersweet, as Canada finishes third out of eight teams in Pool A with the top two teams earning a berth to Paris 2024.
Canada finished at 5-2, with its losses coming against Pool A winner Dominican Republic (6-1) and runner-up Serbia (5-2).
"It's nice to finish on a high versus Czechia and take out a 3-0 win to get maximum points for the match," said head coach Shannon Winzer. "I am proud of this team, it's an honour to be a part of this journey.
"We have taken another step forward this summer and finished with a record of 5-2 in a very tough pool. It won't be enough to book our ticket to Paris but we are in a good place to get there on points next summer."
Despite finishing with the same record, Serbia earned more points than Canada to end up second overall.
There is still a chance for Canada to go to Paris via the ranking system, but that won't be decided until June.
WATCH | Full coverage of Sunday's match: Canada vs. Czech Republic:
Canada roster
- Kiera Van Ryk — Surrey, B.C.
- Vicky Savard — Jonquière, Que.
- Julia Murmann — Toronto
- Jazmine White — Oshawa, Ont.
- Alicia Ogoms — Winnipeg
- Alexa Gray — Calgary
- Andrea Mitrovic — Mississauga, Ont.
- Brie King — Langley, B.C.
- Hilary Howe — Calgary
- Shaïnah Joseph — Ottawa
- Kacey Jost — St. Albert, Alta.
- Emily Maglio — Coquitlam, B.C.
- Avery Heppell — Langley, B.C.
- Quinn Pelland — Wanham, Alta.
