SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 27, 2023: Team Canada decisively defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25-13) to finish in fifth place in the NORCECA Pan American Cup of Volleyball Final Six that concluded Saturday at the Ricardo Gioriber Arias Volleyball Pavilion.

Canada’s Grace Calnan and Jasmine Rivest were the top offensive players with 12 points each followed by Thana Fayad and Kaylee Plouffe with nine and eight points respectively. For Puerto Rico, the best in points was captain Norian Ceballos with seven. Canada dominated in attack points (43-20), blocking (2-0) and service points (18-2).

Coach Carolyn O'Dwyer told NORCECA: “I think we did a good job going out on the court and playing hard from the beginning, our serve was powerful and solid, and as I said before winning is not easy and it is very important for us to do it as a young team.”

Canada ended up with two wins and three losses in the round robin stage; beating both Puerto Rico and Cuba in this tournament.

The U.S. went undefeated and won the gold medal at the with a 3-1 (24-26, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21) victory over host Dominican Republic on Saturday night.

The Women's Final 6 web site; matches can be found at Reinas del Caribe YouTube Channel 

The senior women's team competes in the NORCECA Championship in Quebec this week. More info to come!! 

Canada’s Roster (Final 6):
Thana Fayad (OH) – BC
Lucy Borowski (OPP) – BC
Dholi Thokbuom (MB)– AB
Sydney Grills (OPP) – BC
Averie Allard (S) – AB
Gabrielle Attieh (OH) – BC
Grace Calnan (MB) – NS
Avery Heppell (MB) -  BC
Kaylee Plouffe (MB)  – AB
Bella Noble (S) – NS
Raya Surinx (OH) – MB
Madison Marshall (L) – AB
Jasmine Rivest (OH)– ON
 
Staff
Head Coach: Carolyn O’Dwyer
Assistant Coach: Laurie Eisler
Team Lead/Assistant Coach: Kelvin Ma
Statistician: Keaton Proud
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Cody Piwowar-Desilets

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca