SURGUT, Russia — Emma Wright scored five times as Canada's women's water polo team dominated the last three quarters in a 21-2 win over South Africa on Saturday at the FINA World Cup.
Canada will now face China for fifth place on Sunday.
Wright and Hayley McKelvey each scored one to put Canada in front 2-0 halfway through the first period. South Africa answered back with two goals of their own to even the score 2-2 before the end of the quarter.
Kindred Paul and Elyse Lemay-Lavoie both scored on Canadian power plays early in the second quarter. With constant pressure on their opponents, the Canadian women limited the chances for South Africa. At the other end of the pool, a double by Kelly McKee and singles from Gurpreet Sohi and Krystina Alogbo helped Canada take an 8-2 lead at halftime.
Canada continued its offensive streak, outscoring South Africa 6-0 in the third quarter. Lemay-Lavoie scored her second of the game in the first minute of the period. Wright added three goals while Shae Fournier and Monika Eggens netted one apiece to give the red and white a 14-2 lead at the end of the third.
Fournier completed her hat trick with two quick goals at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Wright scored her fifth of the match to see McKelvey and Sohi net their second of the game on Canadian counter-attacks to put the mark at 19-2. Axelle Crevier completed the score with two late goals to help the Canadians record a 21-2 win.
The Canadian Press
