By Canadian Press

Olympic dream still alive for Canadian women’s water polo squad despite loss to Spain

Feb 12, 2024 | 11:52 AM

DOHA, Qatar — The Olympic hopes of the Canadian women’s water polo team remain alive despite a 12-9 loss to Spain on Monday in quarterfinal action at the world aquatics championships.

Canada was extended a lifeline after Greece defeated Italy 14-12 in Monday’s last quarterfinal.

That result meant three of the four semifinalists at worlds — Greece, The United States and Spain — are teams that have already qualified for this year’s Paris Games. Two Olympic spots are available in Doha for countries that have not already qualified.

Hungary earned one of the spots by advancing to the semifinals, and the second will go to either Canada or Italy, who are playing along with Australia and the Netherlands for places five through eight. 

Australia and the Netherlands have already qualified for Paris.

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Canada faces Australia and Italy takes on the Netherlands on Wednesday. The winners play for fifth place and the losers for seventh place on Friday.

Italy defeated Canada 12-8 in group-stage play on Thursday.

In Monday’s match, Canada struggled early and went into the half down 7-2.

Canada responded with an improved second half, outscoring Spain 6-4. But it fell well shot of making up the difference.

Montreal’s Axelle Crevier was the leading scorer for Canada with three goals. Winnipeg’s Shae La Roche added two goals while Toronto’s Verica Bakoc, Montreal’s Elyse Lemay-Lavoie, Serena Browne of Pointe-Claire, Que., and Marilia Mimides, a native of Glyfalda, Greece who has Canadian citizenship through her mother, had a goal each.

Spain’s Judith Forca Ariza led all scorers with five goals.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2024.

The Canadian Press