Sept. 23, 2010

BOX SCORE

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic (FIBA) - Canada's Senior Women's National Team (SWNT) knew that their opening match of the FIBA World Championship for Women would be an uphill battle as the squad faced the Australian Opals on Thursday at CEZ Arena. The 2006 defending world champions gave Team Canada a tough run, coming away with the victory 72-47.

"I give credit to Canada. We knew that Canada was a team that always fights hard and never gives up," said Opals Head Coach Carrie Graf. "We've got a lot of depth and a lot of height for the first time in a long time."

The Australians shot 43 per cent from the field, compared to Canada's 29 per cent, and managed to score 34 points in the paint, while Canada only grabbed 18. It was clear that size was on their side along with veteran talent including WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson, who tallied 13 points and seven boards.

"It was a great opening game to get our feet wet," said SWNT Head Coach Allison McNeill. "I thought we played well defensively and we were tough, but we struggled on offence."

Canada's top scorer was Kim Smith (Mission, B.C.) who collected 11 points including 4-of-5 from the free throw line. Gonzaga senior Janelle Bekkering (Taber, Alberta, Canada) played 16 minutes, scoring five points.

"I thought we showed some grit, but Australia is a really good team," stated Smith. "We got off to a really slow start but it was our first game and we were playing the defending champions."

Canada did do a good job of distributing the ball as 10 of 12 players got on the board. As well, the red and white ladies were strong on the defensive boards finishing up with 22 to almost match Australia's 23. First year forward Krista Phillips (Saskatoon, Sask.) was the team's top defender, pulling in six boards.

"Like coach always says -- to measure where you are you have to play the best," added Natalie Achonwa (Guelph, Ont.), a 17-year old forward who is in her second year with the SWNT.

"I love a challenge. I prefer to play the best and lose rather than dominate over a weaker team. We did what we could in the moment."

Now, Canada has less than 24 hours to rebound and prepare for its next opponent, Team China.

"We've gone to China the past two summers," added McNeill. "They have good size and so we have to counteract that top to bottom with our defence. We'll watch film and prepare but we know them, and we beat them at the last worlds. I think we'll play well against them."

Canada takes on China Friday at 1:00 p.m. local time (7 a.m. ET; TSN2 - tape delay at 9 p.m. ET).