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The Canadian Press

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FUSSEN, Germany - Canada locked up a semifinal berth at the women's world under-18 hockey championship by whipping the Czech Republic 13-0 on Wednesday.

Brittany Phillips of Lauder, Man., scored a hat trick to help the Canadians clinch first place in Group B with their third straight victory.

Marie-Philip Poulin of Beauceville, Que., Laurie Kingsbury of Valleyfield, Que., and Brianne Jenner of Oakville, Ont., scored two goals apiece. Brigette Lacquette of Mallard, Man., Kaleigh Fratkin of Burnaby, B.C., Melodie Daoust of Valleyfield, Que., and Jessica Campbell of Melville, Sask., added singles.

Canada, who will next play Sweden on Friday, has outscored the opposition 35-1 over three preliminary-round games. Head coach Stephanie White said her goal is to keep the players focused despite the lopsided results. "So even some of the games that have had higher scores, we're challenging them every period to continue to improve.''