CEEJAY NOFUENTE: THE BASKETBALL DIARIES Play Video
Posted: Aug 20, 2017

CEEJAY NOFUENTE: THE BASKETBALL DIARIES

Representing your country on the national stage is a dream come true for most student-athletes. This month, All-Canadian Ceejay Nofuente is representing Canada on the hardwood, as she competes at the Taipei 2017 29th Summer Universiade.

Follow along as she writes about her experience in Taipei and playing for Canada Basketball.

#9 Conclusion

"It was such an honour to play for this team and country. I couldn't have done this without the help of my family, coaches, friends, and God. More importantly, I'd like to thank Canada Basketball for giving me the opportunity to represent Canada in this years 2017 FISU games."
 
- Ceejay 
 

# 8 - Game 6 vs. Czech Republic

"The last game of the tournament, time for us to give it our all and battle for the win. This ended up being a great team win and with that being said, everyone gave it their all. 84-68 win over the Czech Republic allowed us to end on a win and I couldn't have asked for anything more with these great group of ladies. 
 
- Ceejay

#7 - Day off to Elephant Mountain

After a fair amount of games played, it was time for a day off for this team of ours.
We planned a trip to Elephant Mountain that has spectacular views of Taipei 101 and the city. We travelled using the metro system - which we found out took twice as long to get there - so we ended up getting off and taking Uber's.
 
Once we got to the mountain, it took about a 20-30 mins hike to the top on the mountain. In the pictures, you can see the amount of sweat and effort it took us to make it to the top but the work was worth it."
 
- Ceejay

#6 - Game 5 vs. USA 

After a heartbreak loss, we knew it wasn't over just yet. There were still games to be played and to show the world who we are. In a rivalry matchup against team USA, this wasn't going to be a walk in the park. After a slow start in the first quarter, we picked it up in the following quarters. We proved that we weren't going away and that this wasn't going to be an easy one for them. But sadly our fight wasn't enough which led into a 80-75 loss to the USA. 
 
- Ceejay

#5 - Game 4 vs. Taipei 

Start of the quarter finals, going into it playing the host team. We knew this was going to be a tough one but we prepared for the storm and to overcome it. We went into the game playing against a great team, a packed and loud house, and a chip on our shoulders. We weathered the storm and gave it our all but we came up short in the end losing the game 76-67. Despite the loss we still are able to play more games and battle for the wins. 
 
- Ceejay

#4 - Game 3 vs Japan

"The REMATCH we've all been waiting for. Before the FISU games, we took a trip to Tokyo, Japan for a 4 Nations Tournament which included Canada, Australia, USA, and Japan and faced everyone in exhibition matches. 

Despite losing all three exhibition games, we were able to establish our identity as a team, once we knew our strengths and weaknesses as a unit.

Anyways, facing Japan in our final pool game was on everyone's mind.

We started off the game great, leading after the first quarter 20-18; however, Japan had figured a way to get back in the game and took over the lead heading into halftime up seven. 

Although we were down, we knew we weren't out just yet, it was still a single digit game. Multiple turnovers and extra chances allowed Team Japan to stretch its lead to almost 20 points. We pushed and we fought but couldn't make it out in the end and lost the game 85-65.

The tournament isn't over yet, just a different road to the medal round. Continue to stay posted to see how far we go on this journey."

- Ceejay
Boxscore can be found here. 
Nofuente's stat line: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists in 25 minutes

#3 - Game 2 vs Korea

"After coming off a great win versus Portugal, we then had our second game versus Korea, which we knew wasn't going to be a walk in the park. We knew the game plan, we knew what had to be done, and we were ready for business.

The first half of the game we had a strong lead of 38-13, which resulted in everyone touches in the game. We finished the game with a score of 79-42 to help give us the automatic entry into the playoffs."

- Ceejay 
Boxscore can be found here.
Nofuente's stat line: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists in 22 minutes

#2 - Game 1 vs Portugal 

"As we entered the gym, we were greeted by the local elementary and junior high students in the city of Taipei. They did a fantastic job of cheering both teams on through applause and the casual screams/yelling.

Fast forwarding to game time, we had started off slow which had us trailing at halftime by six points.

We then picked up the momentum at the onset of the third quarter, outscoring Portugal 22-8, with a score of 44-36 for Canada after 30 minutes.

We held Portugal to 17 points in the second half which helped us win the game with
a score of 56-45.

Such an incredible experience was made even better with a victory in our first game."

- Ceejay
Boxscore can be found here.
Nofuente's stat line: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 23 minutes
 

#1 - Opening Ceremony

"FISU 2017 has been an amazing experience so far. From the volunteers, to the living headquarters at the athletes' village, to the many venues we have practiced at; there is nothing that can compare to these experiences aside, from maybe, the opening ceremony.

With over 11,000 athletes and 141 countries present, there was a sense of connection built through the power of sport. We couldn't be thankful enough to the spectators at the Taipei Arena for all the love and cheers they were giving to us as we entered the arena along with the other countries.

In addition to the march, the cultural performances that took place were beautiful to witness and to see all the effort and work that had been put into these opening ceremonies was a such a tremendous honour.

Stay tuned and continue to support me along my FISU games journey for game updates and pictures!"
- Ceejay

Unbelievable. #fisu2017 #gocanada

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