Canada Win First 3x3 Women's Series Title
On just their fourth attempt, Canada capture their first 3x3 Women's Series gold medal in the Czech capital of Prague.
After missing the last two events, Michelle Plouffe returned to the lineup, joining her twin sister Katherine, Paige Crozon and Mariah Nunes. The four combined to put on a dominant and powerful performance in Prague, where the Women's Series made its latest stop.
In their opening game, Canada fought hard in a tight contest to emerge victorious over the more favoured Spain, winning by 12 points to 9 after ten minutes played. Katherine Plouffe led the way for Canada in their first game, and continued her powerhouse offence and defensive strength in the next two pool games.
Following on from Spain, Canada faced Belarus in what was a far easier match-up for them, winning 21-14. Michelle Plouffe was the leader on offence here, and she was again in their final pool game against Hungary. While in possession Klaudia Papp gave her all from all points on the floor, but Hungary’s offence could not contain the Canadians when they had the ball. Winning the final game 21-15, Canada topped Pool B and earned a bye to the semi finals on day two.
With three wins in Pool A, Poland also earned a pass to the final four of the tournament. Russia began the tournament with a one-point loss to Poland, but made up for that with wins over Ukraine and the Czech Republic to finish second. In the quarter finals on day two they made light work of neighbours Belarus, winning 22-11, to set up a meeting with Canada in the next round.
In the semi final Russia were not playing with the same urgency as they had done so far in Prague, Evgeniia Frolika was left to pick up the slack. Canada were quick to capitalise on their opponents shortcomings. As a team they dominated from close range, while Katherine Plouffe took care of the defence (she had ten total boards against Russia).
With another big final scoreline in their favour, 16-10, Canada won their semi final and their place in the title game. The Polish fire, meanwhile, continued to burn as they dispatched Spain by six points in the other semi final, setting up a final showdown with Canada in the last game of the tournament.
In the final, Canada saw the most trouble from Agnieszka Szott-Hemej both in possession and on the defensive glass. Even so, they far outmatched Poland on offence, with Michelle Plouffe perfect from close range, finishing with eleven points in the contest. Her performance lifted her team to a final victory, 19-14, and their first 3x3 Women's Series title.
Now with the Prague gold under their belts, Canada have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the Women' Series, and can use their new standings as they move forward in the rest of this year's 3x3 competitions.
Picture: FIBA.com
