June 8, 2025: After going down two sets to none, Canada put it all on the line, winning three straight sets for the reverse sweep of Serbia 3-2 (20-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-18, 15-12) to close out week one of women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 at the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa.

"It's not easy for me, but also it's not easy for the players,” head coach Giovanni Guidetti said after the match. “I'm asking things that for me are obvious, but for them it's not obvious because they're new to me. So, we are just trying to find the best way."

It's Guidetti's first season with Team Canada. "I try to try some positions, try some players, and I don't know them very well, so I don't know how they react. But at least they show me that it's a team that doesn't give up…. Today was an incredible comeback because Serbia started very strong. Serbia is very strong. And I am very, very happy the way the team came back. I'm really proud of them.”

Kiera Van Ryk was dominant on the court against the Serbians, putting up a massive 34 points, with 24 coming off the attack and nine coming from the serve line. She sits second in the tournament with 89 points and leads all players with 15 points off serving. Andrea Mitrovic and Hilary Johnson were tied for second on the team in points with nine a piece.

Van Ryk’s four consecutive aces in the third set put the spark back in Canada’s game.

“(Van Ryk) showed me all winter that she can do that,” Guidetti said of his team captain, who also played for him in Istanbul with VakıfBank Spor Kulübü. “I was expecting one day like this in Ottawa, but she didn't so far. I'm really happy for her because she's phenomenal. She had an incredible season in Istanbul.

“And she's so important for this team. She has qualities that I (don’t see in) many players ... She has human qualities before player qualities and, of course, physical qualities and technique.”

Canada will now have 10 days off before they head to Istanbul, Türkiye for week two of VNL 2025. They will kick off the second leg of the tournament against Korea on June 18 at 5:30 pm ET before facing off against fourth-ranked Türkiye, second-ranked Brazil, and Belgium later in the week.

“I want to thank all the supporters here in Ottawa,” coach Guidetti added. "The team got a lot from them, and they come very, very proud every match. It didn't matter if we're in front 2-0 or down 2-0, the crowd helps so much. Thank you so much, Ottawa."

Week 1 Results (Ottawa)
Bulgaria v. Canada 2-3 (18-25, 12-25, 25-23, 25-19, 4-15)
Canada v. Netherlands 1-3 (18-25, 25-22, 15-25, 23-25)
Canada v. Japan 0-3 (24-26, 20-25, 19-25)
Canada v. Serbia 3-2 (20-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-18, 15-12)

All teams are vying for a spot in the quarterfinals (top 8): https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/standings/women/

Canada's Roster:
Brie O'Reilly, Langley, BC
Quinn Pelland, Wanham, AB
Anna Smrek, Welland, ON
Kiera Van Ryk, Surrey, BC
Emily Maglio, Coquitlam, BC
Jazmine White, Oshawa, ON
Jessica Andrews, Guelph, ON
Nyadholi Thokbuom, Calgary, AB
Abby Guezen, Sherwood Park, AB
Andrea Mitrovic, Mississauga, ON
Hilary Johnson, Calgary, AB
Lucy Borowski, Vancouver, BC
Raya Surinx, Winnipeg, MB
Delaney Watson, St. Jacobs, ON
Julia Murmann, Toronto, ON
Kacey Jost, St. Albert, AB

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