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Led by a hat trick by Daphné Guèvremont, eight different scorers tallied for Canada in a 12-10 come-from-behind win over Japan in the opening game of the 2019 FISU Summer Universiade at the Casoria Community Pool Tuesday afternoon. 

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“Our offence definitely lacked a little but then we brought it back and I think it was just energy, pure energy,” said Canadian goalie Rachael Jaffe, who was made 13 saves in the game. “We just had a really good team morale and really, really, really wanted it.”

 

Japan opened the scoring with two quick goals, one from each of Yuri Kazama and Fura Nishiyama, to put the Canadians on their heels. Canada’s first attacking play resulted in Guèvremont’s curling shot flying just past the right post. The first Canadian goal came from Alexandra Massier, while a second goal from Massier, just moments later, helped Canada tied the game 2-2. Canada took a 3-2 lead on a quick shot by Ava Morrant but Japan’s quick ball movement kept the University of Toronto’s Jaffe busy in goal.

Tied 3-3 heading in to the second quarter, Canada came out firing, scoring three-straight goals from three different players: Valeria Rojas, Floranne Carroll and Guèvremont. Japan regrouped and found a way to come back leaving the game 6-5 in favour of Canada at half time.

Japan was able to expose Canada’s defence in the third quarter, scoring three goals right out of the break. A series of penalty shots took place first for Japan’s Chiaki Terakata who hit the post and then, less than a minute later, for Kaho Iwano who made no mistake. With Canada trailing 8-6, Valeria Rojas scored on a penalty shot to bring Canada back within one.

Entering the final quarter, Japan led 10-9 but back-to-back goals from Guèvremont put Canada back in charge. Myriam Lizotte’s late goal was the feather in the cap to a comeback performance that showcased Canada’s persistence.

Canada will now use two recovery days to prepare for their next game against France on July 5 at 9:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. PT (3:30 p.m. local).

“We are pretty young so we have the qualities of being young so sometimes missing a bit of experience like in the third period we stopped playing and were watching too much,” said Canadian head coach Cyril Dorgigné. “In the mean time because they are so young they never gave up. They have a big heart and they came back. They owe it to themselves.”

Boxscore

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