June 15, 2023: In a match between two Volleyball Nations League challenger teams, Bulgaria came up short 0-3 (15-25, 13-25, 15-25) against an efficient Canadian side today in Hong Kong.

Challenger teams must avoid relegation by not coming last among that category.

Head coach Shannon Winzer was decidedly pleased with Thursday’s team performance: "Today we played very clean. Serving has been up and down for us throughout the tournament this far and today we did an excellent job from the baseline. Our consistent pressure on serve allowed our blockers to do their jobs well and I think Bulgaria struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Today was great to build on as we face a very strong Turkish team tomorrow."

Canada dominated in all areas, with opposite Kiera Van Ryk ending up contributing 15 points; Hilary Howe 13 and Alexa Gray 11, including two aces.

Canada plays Türkiye on June 16; and NORCECA rivals Dominican Republic on June 17 – both at 1:30 am ET (13:30 local time in Hong Kong).

Week 2 Results (Hong Kong)
China v. Canada 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 29-27)
Bulgaria vs. Canada 0-3 (15-25, 13-25,15-25)

Week 1 Results (Türkiye)
Poland v. Canada 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13)
Canada v. Thailand 0-3 (17-25, 24-26, 21-25)
Canada v. Korea 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-18)
Canada v. Serbia 3-2 (18-25, 28-26, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12)

VNL 2023 is played based on the same competition formula as in 2022, featuring 16 teams per gender. A total of 104 matches per gender will be played across the preliminary and final phases, with every team playing a minimum of 12 matches.

For more on the competition formula:
https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/competition/formula

Matches are featured on Volleyball World TV and in Canada at www.cbcsports.ca

VNL Women’s Roster Week 2:
3 – Kiera Van Ryk, Surrey, BC
5 - Julia Murmann, Toronto, ON
6 - Jazmine White, Oshawa, ON
7 - Layne Van Buskirk, Windsor, ON
8 - Alicia Ogoms, Winnipeg, MB
9 - Alexa Gray, Calgary, AB
11 - Andrea Mitrovic, Mississauga, ON
13 - Brie King, Langley, BC
14 - Hilary Howe, Calgary, AB
15 - Shaïnah Joseph, Ottawa, ON
16 - Caroline Livingston, Kelowna, BC
19 - Emily Maglio, Coquitlam, B.C.
20 – Arielle Palermo, Burlington, ON
26 – Quinn Pelland, Wanham, AB

Staff:
Shannon Winzer – Head coach
Vincenzo Mallia – Assistant coach
Matt Krueger – Assistant coach
Gabriele Tortorici – Performance analyst
Kevin Valcke and Hilary Mallinger - Physiotherapists
Jennah Paron – Team Coordinator
Robert Hooper – Trainer (Strength & Conditioning)
Roger Friesen – Mental Performance Coach

Photo: VolleyballWorld

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676