Emma Reinke scored six times to set a powerful tone for Canada’s women’s goalball team, in a 10-0 victory over host France in their opening match at the Paris Paralympics. 

Following a disappointing group stage elimination three years ago in Tokyo, the Canadians showed they are ready for a redemption with a brilliant start.

Facing a passionate French crowd rooting for their home country’s debut in Paralympics goalball, Canada delivered a dominating performance by having a quick start, scoring two goals in the first two minutes of the game.

Maryam Salehizadeh was also a major contributor for Canada. The Vancouver native scored twice in the game, boosting the confidence for the Canucks early by finding the net for her side’s first goal only 1:03 in. Just 19 seconds later, Reinke added another one.

Reinke was in outstanding form, including a hat-trick performance in the first half, giving Canada a 5-0 lead into the break. The two-time Paralympian did not slow down, adding three more in the second 12 minutes.

Meghan Mahon was also on the scoresheet coming off the bench, netting a goal in the second half and extending the Canadian lead even further.

Captain Amy Burk put in the finishing touches for Canada — the 34-year-old veteran found the French net for the team’s 10th time this afternoon to end the match early with 1:59 left in the game with a mercy ball. (When a team leads by 10 or more goals, the game ends.)

Canada and France were fairly matched in terms of throws, with 87 and 85 throws respectively, and only a five-block differential on the defensive side. However, the numbers did not reflect the true gap in the game between both teams.

With today’s win, the Canadian women’s goalball team now moves into the number one spot in their group with three points.

Canada is set to face 2020 bronze medal winner Japan in their next match on Friday at 2:45 p.m. CEST., 8:45 a.m. EST.