The Canadian Women’s Water Polo squad remains unbeaten at the World University Games after winning 7-5 over Hungary in the quarterfinal round. Indiana University sophomores Kelly Matthews and Sarah Myers are on the cusp of reaching a medal match in their first tournament with Team Canada.
The Hungarian squad gave Canada everything they expected in a quarterfinal match—a hard-fought, low-scoring affair ultimately won in the first half. Canadian driver Axelle Crevier scored the only goal of the first quarter four minutes into the match. The stingy defense of Team Canada held Hungary scoreless in the first half, and goals from Kelly McKee (California-Berkeley) and Kyra Christmas (University of the Pacific) resulted in a 3-0 Canadian advantage at half.
Indiana Hoosier Sarah Myers, who provided a consistent supporting role on both sides of the ball in the group stage, scored a counter-attack goal in the third quarter to give Canada a 4-0 lead. Hungary broke their scoring drought in the third with three goals to Canada’s two, but the undefeated Canadians held tightly to a 5-3 lead heading into the final period.
Two additional goals from McKee and Crevier, respectively, increased Canada’s lead to four goals two minutes into the final quarter. The Hungarians managed to slot two more goals past Canada keeper Nicola Colterjohn, but it wasn’t enough to make up for Hungary’s scoreless first half.
With that win, the Canadians advance to the semifinal round, where they will square off against Italy for a spot in the gold medal match. The Italians have had an equally impressive tournament, posting wins over France, Hungary, the United States, and Japan in the quarterfinals, their only loss coming against Australia in the group stage. The winner of the semifinal will face the winner of Russia vs Australia in the gold medal match, while the other two sides will fall into the bronze medal match.
Canada-Italy is expected to tip off at 6:00 am ET (7:00 pm local time) on Saturday, July 11. Stay tuned for updates on all Hoosier-centric action at Gwangju 2015 with IUHoosiers.com.
Swimming news courtesy of Indiana University Water Polo.