CANADA OPENS OLYMPIC PRE-QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT WITH CONVINCING 72-57 WIN OVER SENEGAL

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (Aug. 17, 2026) — Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team opened the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament with a convincing 72-57 victory over Senegal on Monday.

Kayla Alexander scored a team-high 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting and added seven rebounds to lead Canada. Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb finished with 13 points apiece.

“I think it’s a good start for us. You always want to start with a win,” head coach Nell Fortner. “I thought we played really tough and did a good job on the boards tonight. We know Senegal is a very, very good rebounding team and tough to keep off the boards, so it’s nice to win that battle. 

“It’s just nice to get that first win under our belt.”

Canada’s work on the glass was particularly evident at the offensive end, where the Canadians held a 15-8 advantage. Tara Wallack collected four offensive rebounds on her own to help Canada generate additional possessions.

Senegal scored the game’s opening basket before Sami Hill answered with a three-pointer. Cierra Dillard responded from deep to give Senegal a 5-3 advantage, but it proved to be their final lead of the night.

Swords helped Canada take control early, connecting on three three-pointers in the opening quarter. The Canadians led by as many as 17 points and remained in front throughout, but Senegal made its push midway through the third.

A Sabou Gueye basket cut Canada’s advantage to 48-47 and forced Fortner to call a timeout. Canada responded with its best stretch of the night, scoring 10 unanswered points to regain control.

Gibb opened the run with a three-pointer, Agot Makeer scored underneath and Shaina Pellington completed a three-point play after finishing through contact.

Gibb shot 50 per cent from both the field and beyond the arc, went a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line and added three assists and two steals.

Canada held a 26-14 advantage in points in the paint, shooting 52.5 per cent from that area. Points off turnovers were even at 11, while Senegal held a narrow 31-29 edge in bench scoring.

Canada dressed all 12 players, with Makeer, Avery Howell, Jasmine Bascoe and Cearah Parchment making their Senior Women’s National Team debuts in FIBA competition.

Canada improved to 1-0 at the tournament, while Senegal fell to 0-1. 

The team will have a day off Tuesday before facing the Philippines on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT. The game will be streamed live on DAZN.