May 11, 2023: The U.S. women’s sitting volleyball team earned its Paralympic berth today at the ParaVolley PanAmerica Zonal Championship (May 9 to 13) in Edmonton.

With a 3-1 over Canada, the U.S. won the best of five series and the ticket to Paris 2024.

“It feels amazing,” said USA team captain Monique Matthews. “It takes a lot of pressure off us for the rest of this year so we can focus on different lineups and try different things.... I’m proud of both teams, Canada played amazing and pushed us to our limits. I’m just so happy that we were able to come out on top this time.”

Also on Thursday, the Canada’s men’s team was defeated by Brazil and will play the U.S. in the semis on Friday.

Canada’s women’s team will have additional opportunities to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games this year.

Post-match quotes:

Felicia Voss-Shafiq, women’s team player (Canada): "We followed our game plan, we came together as a team and we trusted and believed in each other. We put it all out on the court and I’m so proud of us. The U.S. is a great opponent, so we’re happy to be here and competing against them. We’re learning and growing and getting better and taking it one point at a time.

"It stings a bit more because we really came together. Our coaching staff, our IST are amazing and supportive – we’re still looking forward to qualifying for Paris."

Austin Hinchey, men’s team player (Canada): "We definitely didn’t start the way we wanted today, which is always tough against a team like Brazil … They play a fast game and consistently at a high level, and that’s where we are pushing ourselves to be every day. It’s just a reminder of the work and preparation we need to have to come in and win a match like this. A disappointing result, but good on the guys to make some changes and battle in the second set. Our focus now is on the semi-final (on Friday).

"We’re excited to have the club teams here (National Championships in the same venue) and for them to get to watch and see our sport. It’s nice to play in my hometown!”

May 11 Results:
14:00  M – USA v. ARG 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-13, 25-15)
16:30  M - CAN v. BRA 0-3  (11-25, 18-25, 17-25)
19:00  W - CAN v. USA (22-25, 23-25, 25-19, 21-25)

May 10:
Men - BRA v. ARG 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-11)
Women - CAN v. USA 1-3  (25-18, 16-25, 20-25,11-25)
Men - CAN vs. USA 1-3 (26-28, 22-25, 25-20, 23-25)

May 9 :
Men - BRA v. USA 3-1  (25-20, 22-25, 25-19, 25-23)
Men - CAN v. ARG  3-0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-11)
Women - CAN v. USA  2-3 (25-21, 25-18, 16-25, 17-25,12-15)

May 12 Schedule:
14:00 Men’s Semifinals (Brazil vs. ARG)
16:30 W - CAN vs. USA
19:00 Men’s Semifinals (Canada vs USA)

Matches are streamed at www.cbcsports.ca and on Volleyball Canada's YouTube channel. Tickets are available at the door!
 
Canada men's roster
#2 Mikael Bartholdy — Calgary, AB
#3 Austin Hinchey — Edmonton, AB
#5 Nasif Chowdhury — Toronto, ON
#6 Bryce Foster — Thunder Bay, ON
#7 Douglas Learoyd (C) — Calgary, AB
#9 Andrew Tucker — Brampton, ON
#10 Christopher Bird — Brandon, MB
#11 José Rebelo — Saint-Hubert, Que.
#12 Nicholas Aldrich — Toronto, ON
#14 Connor Compton — Calgary, ON
#19 Jason Beaman — Vancouver, BC
#20 Jesse Buckingham — Toronto, ON
 
Canada women's roster
#2 Julie Kozun — Melfort, SK
#3 Danielle Ellis (C) — White Rock, BC
#4 Jennifer Oakes — Calgary, AB
#5 Payden Vair — Cardston, AB
#6 Angelena Dolezar — St. Albert, AB
#7 Anne Fergusson — Carleton Place, ON
#9 Sarah Melenka — Vegreville, AB
#10 Jayme Lepp — Vancouver, BC
#11 Heidi Peters — Neerlandia, AB
#14 Katelyn Wright — Edmonton, AB
#15 Felicia Voss-Shafiq — Burnaby, BC
#16 Jennifer McCreesh — Smithers, BC
#17 Allison Lang — Edmonton, AB
 
More information on ParaVolley Pan America can be found here: https://paravolleypanam.com

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676