June 30, 2024: Canada finished fourth today after Dominican Republic won the third-place match of the Women’s NORCECA U21 Continental Championship at the Pan Am Sports Centre in Toronto, Ontario.

• View the photo gallery.

After two very close-set battles, Dominican Republic took control of the third set, sweeping Canada 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-16).

Dominican Republic led in attack points, 38-30, blocking was even at seven, and serving favoured the winning side 11-4, but Dominican Republic made a couple more errors 21-19.

Dominican opposite Ariana Rodriguez Fung led all scoring with 17 points, five of those coming from ace serves.

Sophia Hansen, Claire Carter, Ella Piskorz and Maëli Cormier added eight points each to Canada’s effort.

"It was a good battle in the first two sets – we came to play. Block defense was good, but we just couldn’t convert some opportunities," said Canada’s coach Olivier Faucher. "It’s something we have to learn – finding ways to put the ball away when we have the chance. .. We gave them too many opportunities and on our side the ball control was a little bit off…. It’s part of the learning process for these athletes in their pathway to competing at a higher level. It’s the big picture that will be seen in the next few years as to what the players can take from this and bring to future teams.”

USA won the gold, and a berth to the 2025 U21 World Championship, after sweeping Puerto Rico, who will take home the silver medal.

Canada also received three individual awards: Best receiver and digger went to libero Delaney Watson, best setter to Ella McVittie and the second blocker award went to Veronica Dickson.