Canada earned their first-ever Paralympic medal in women’s sitting volleyball at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with Heidi Peters delivering a masterclass performance to lead her team to a straight-sets (25-15, 25-18, 25-18) victory over Brazil on Saturday at the North Paris Arena.
This victory marked a historic moment for Canada, especially significant as it came after their heartbreaking loss to Brazil in the bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020. In just their third Paralympic appearance, Canada finally climbed onto the podium, with Peters’ nine aces and nine attacks proving to be the difference.
Peters was unstoppable throughout the match, her serving wreaking havoc on Brazil’s defence, a stark contrast to their previous encounter at Tokyo 2020, where Brazil had won bronze. This time, Peters’ deadly accuracy and relentless power from the service line dismantled Brazil’s game plan. Supported by her teammates, captain Danielle Ellis and Jennifer Oakes, who contributed with crucial all-around play, Peters led Canada to their long-awaited triumph. On the Brazilian side, Suellen did her best to keep her team competitive, finishing with nine points, while Janaina Petit Cunha added eight, but Brazil couldn’t overcome Canada’s relentless pressure.
Statistically, Canada was superior in nearly every category, outscoring Brazil in attacks (37-21) and aces (15-3). While Brazil edged Canada in blocks (8-7), they couldn’t handle Peters’ serves, which continually disrupted their rhythm and stifled their ability to string together successful attacks.
The opening set saw both teams testing each other early, trading points to a 3-3 deadlock. However, Peters quickly tilted the balance in Canada’s favour. Her eight aces in the first set alone dismantled Brazil’s defence, pushing Canada to a commanding 12-6 lead. Despite a brief spark from Suellen, who managed three consecutive attack points to close the gap to 13-9, Brazil couldn’t sustain the momentum. Canada’s response was immediate, regrouping after a timeout to continue extending their lead. A service fault by Sarah Meleka ended Brazil’s resistance, allowing Peters to close the set at 25-15.
In the second set, Brazil attempted to respond, with Suellen delivering a strong start from the service line to give Brazil an early 4-1 advantage. Yet Peters, undeterred, took control once again. Canada quickly levelled the score as Peters’ powerful attacks cut through Brazil’s defence. With Ellis…
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