July 23, 2017 - 7:25 PM
RICHMOND, B.C. - The Czech Republic earned a 3-1 win over Canada in its final match of Group 2 pool play on Sunday, knocking off the home side to pick up its seventh win of the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
The Czechs took the match 25-21, 25-22, 17-25, 25-16.
Kyla Richey of Roberts Creek, B.C., led the Canadian offence with 16 points, including 13 kills. Alicia Perrin of Creston, B.C., came off the bench to record 11 points, including four blocks and three aces, after coming into the match late in the second set.
"We played really under our expectations today," said Canada coach Marcello Abbondanza.
"The fans deserve to see really different volleyball — a different attitude. Not just technically, but with more passion and effort on the court."
Marie Toufarova led the Czechs with 16 points and Michaela Mlejnkova finished with 13 points.
With a 7-2 record, the Czech Republic finishes fourth in the Group 2 standings and will return home to host the Group 2 finals at the end of the month. Canada, 3-6, will finish the tournament no lower than ninth in Group 2.
Despite the loss, Canada's three-win campaign is the top World Grand Prix performance in the program's history. Canada had two wins in both 2014 and 2015.
"We're still trying to figure out our best line up and it's a different group going to each tournament," said Perrin.
"We're a deep team with different roles, but I think we're getting better."
News from © The Canadian Press, 2017