Canada will play the Netherlands in the semifinals on Friday

PARIS – Team Canada is through to the semifinals at the Paralympics for the first time since 2004 following a 71-53 victory over Germany in Wednesday’s quarterfinal in Paris.

The Senior Women’s National Team last advanced to the semifinals at the 2004 Paralympic Games when they won bronze in Athens.

Canada will play the Netherlands in the semifinals on Friday.

“It feels like a curse has been lifted; it feels so good right now,” said Arinn Young, who finished with 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. “There’s no weight on our shoulders.

“I’m just looking forward to putting our nose to the grindstone and balling out.”

Kady Dandeneau paced Canada with a game-high 33 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Elodie Tessier chipped in 10 points and two rebounds.

“That’s obviously the biggest challenge we were facing to get ourselves out of this perpetual fifth place, so doing the job is amazing,” Dandeneau said. “I think everybody will have a huge weight off their shoulders after that one.”

The reigning World Champions, the Dutch, advanced to the semifinals, defeating Spain 61-43 on Wednesday evening.

“We’ve seen the Dutch. We know them well. It’s not like they’ve changed a ton,” said Dandeneau. “They’re a well-oiled machine, but I think if we just keep rolling the way we are right now, keep our momentum, focus on the things we do well, we’re going to match up great against them.”

Added Young: “We’ve played the Netherlands a lot in the past few years, so I feel confident going into it with what this team can do.”

Team Canada finished shooting 47 per cent in Wednesday’s win while limiting Germany to 24 of 62.

Canada pushed its lead to 15, 51-36 through three quarters.

The SWNT led 34-22 at halftime. Team Canada outscored Germany 17-10 in the period.

Canada went on a 10-4 run midway through the quarter to open a 27-16 lead.

Team Canada shot 48 per cent through two quarters, while Germany was limited to 10 of 28 from the field in the half.

Dandeneau led all scorers with 17 points and eight rebounds. Rosalie Lalonde added six points and three rebounds, while Young chipped in five points, four assists and three rebounds.

Canada jumped out to an early 7-2 lead two minutes in.

Canada closed on a 6-0 run to lead 17-12 after one period.

Dandeneau with a game-high 13 points and five rebounds after one quarter. Young and Cindy Ouellet had two each.

Complete stats from Wednesday’s game can be found here.

Tournament schedule and results can be found on WBC’s website.

Images from the 2024 Paralympics can be found on the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s photo shelter here.