FUKUOKA, Japan — Former Indiana University Hoosier Jessica Gaudreault ’19 stopped nine-of-19 shots she faced in regulation and fellow former Hoosier Shae (Fournier) La Roche ’14 notched the deciding penalty shot as Canada got by Greece, 14-12, in a penalty shootout to capture the 20th World Aquatics Championships Seventh Place game in Fukuoka, Japan.
Canada outdistanced Greece in the first quarter by claiming a 4-1 scoring margin. Following a 4-1 outburst by Greece in the second quarter to knot the contest at five-all entering halftime, the Canadians bounded out to a 9-6 margin in the third quarter. However, the Greeks once again answered to balance the scoreboard at 10-all by the conclusion of regulation to force a penalty shootout.
Leading 3-2 in penalty shots as Canada converted on chances by Emma Wright, Axelle Crevier and Verica Bakoc prior to a bid by Serea Browne being turned aside, Shae (Fournier) La Roche ’14 sent the Greeks home by swishing the Canadians’ fourth strike to win the penalty shootout 4-2.
Overall, La Roche shot zero-for-three in regulation with a steal prior to her penalty shot heroics, while Gaudreault stopped eight-of-14 action shots and one-of-three man-up bids to go along with a steal during regulation prior to tacking on a saved penalty shot.
