Canada debuts with victory over Taipei in Challenger Cup

LIMA, Peru, June 27, 2019 – Canada debuted in the Challenger Cup Lima 2019 with a cruising victory 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-16) over Chinese Taipei on Thursday at Manuel Bonilla Coliseum.

Autumn Bailey and Lea Gray each had 13 points to lead the Canadian side. The Asian side suffered its second loss.

“The key for this victory was our good blocking and also we played concentrated and with calm,” said Alicia Perrin. She added that against Argentina they will face an opponent of igher level and will need to play more solid volleyball.

“There is a long road ahead even though we are secured in the semifinals,” said coach Thomas Back. “We had some good rallies but I don’t think we played a good game. At the end the serves helped us to get the victory.”

In the other match, the Czech Republic defeated Croatia 3-1 (20-25, 25-12, 25-16, 25-15) with Michaela Mlenjnkova with 15 points.

The winner of the Challenger Cup will replace the lowest ranked team of this year’s Volleyball Nations League.

Results

Croacia d Peru 3-1 (25-23, 19-25, 25-17, 31-29) on 26-6-19

Argentina d Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-21) on 26-6-19

Canada d Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-16) on 27-6-19

Czech Republic d Croatia 3-1 (20-25, 25-12, 25-16, 25-15) on 27-6-19