2011 SU Update: Canada aims for Podium in Women’s Water Polo

OTTAWA – Canadian Interuniversity Sport, in conjunction with Water Polo Canada, announced Tuesday the student-athletes and team personnel who will represent Canada in women’s water polo at the 26th Summer Universiade in August in Shenzhen, China.

No less than seven of the 13 players selected are returnees from the squad that finished fourth in 2009, when women’s water polo made its Universiade debut in Belgrade, Serbia.

The veterans from 2009 include goaltender Serena Bredin of Winnipeg (University of Hawaii at Manoa), two-metre guards Jenna Crook of Regina (McGill), Jacqueline Kohli of Burnaby, B.C. (Indiana) and Joannie Morisseau of Montreal (UQAM), drivers Monika Eggens of Pitt Meadows, B.C. (Hawaii at Manoa) and Candice Phillippe of West Vancouver (Arizona State), as well as center forward Aicha Bouharira of Brossard, Que. (Rosemont College).

Rounding out the 2011 selection are goalie Marissa Janssens of Beaconsfield, Que. (Concordia), drivers Sophie Baron La Salle of Montreal (Rosemont College), Whitney Genoway of Regina (McGill) and Elise Martin of Calgary (Pacific), as well as center forwards Julie Bélanger of Montreal (University of Montreal) and Carmen Eggens of Pitt Meadows (Hawaii at Manoa).

Alyssa Birch of Calgary (California Baptist) has been chosen as an alternate.

Crook, Janssens, Genoway and Carmen Eggens were all part of the Canadian team which captured the silver medal at the 2009 FINA World Championship in Rome, Italy. Genoway, who will be the team captain in Shenzhen, also claimed silver at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Seven players also have Junior Worlds experience including Crook (2005), Janssens (2007), Genoway (2005), Carmen Eggens (2007, 2005), Bredin (2007), Monika Eggens (2007) and Morisseau (2007).

“Team Canada is vying to bring home its first FISU medal after a fourth-place result in 2009,” said Canadian head coach Heather Kaulbach, a former national team player who acted as assistant coach and team leader at the Belgrade Universiade. “It will be a competitive event, with possibly five of the nine teams all capable of winning the banner.”

In Shenzhen, Canada will compete in Pool A in the preliminary round against Great Britain (Aug. 12), Italy (Aug. 14), as well as defending champion and tournament host China (Aug. 16). The gold medal final is scheduled for Aug. 22.

The Chinese outscored the Canadians 16-7 in the 2009 semi-finals before defeating Hungary 12-8 in the championship match.

Pool B is made up of Russia, Australia, France, Mexico and the reigning FINA world champions, the USA. The Russians beat Canada 10-8 in the 2009 bronze medal game.

Rounding out Canada’s personnel in China will be assistant coach Brooke Zimmerman and physiotherapist Catherine Lamothe.

Another Canadian will also be part of the women’s water polo tournament in Shenzhen as William MacKay, an international FINA referee, will make is second straight Universiade appearance.

(Source: Michel Bélanger, CIS Manager Communications & Media Relations)