July 12, 2025: The Canadian women battled Team China in Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025, falling 3-1 (25-22, 25-15, 22-25, 25-23) in Arlington, Texas on Friday night.

Canada fought hard and kept the game close from beginning to end, making China fight for every point. On the attack, China only had an edge in the attack (59-51) and serve (7-3) and Canada led in block points (8-4).

"I respect the way the team fought on the court, even if it was not our best day,” head coach Giovanni Guidetti said after the match. "Our volleyball was not shining today, but with great spirit and a great fight, we were two points away from the tie-breaking (fifth set). I think this was great quality that this young group showed today against a very strong team like China."

Abby Guezen and Anna Smrek led the way for the Canadians, with 14 points each. Guezen led the team in attack points with 12, while Smrek led the defensive effort with four block points. Emily Maglio and Andrea Mitrovic were close behind with 12 and 11 points, respectfully, with both having 11 off the attack.

Through 10 games, Canada has a 2-8 record and sits 16th in the tournament. The top eight teams move on to the elimination round and the team that finishes last (18th) will be relegated from next year's VNL.

Canada has two more games left on its schedule, facing off against Olympic silver medalists USA on July 12 at 8:30 pm ET before closing out VNL 2025 against Thailand at 4:00pm ET on Sunday. In Canada, watch on CBC Sports.

Week 3 Results (Arlington, Texas)
Canada v. China 1-3 (22-25, 15-25, 25-22, 23-25)
Germany v. Canada 3-2 (24-26, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13).

Week 2 Results (Istanbul, Türkiye)
Belgium v. Canada 3-2 (22-25, 25-13, 21-25, 25-22, 18-16)
Canada v. Brazil 0-3 (20-25, 23-25, 23-25)
Canada v. Türkiye 0-3 (16-25, 18-25, 24-26)
Korea v. Canada 3-2 (27-25, 25-18, 15-25, 20-25, 15-13)

Week 1 Results (Ottawa, Ontario)
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)

Canada's Roster (week 3)
Averie Allard, Winnipeg, MB
Quinn Pelland, Wanham, AB
Anna Smrek, Welland, ON
Emily Maglio, Coquitlam, BC
Jazmine White, Oshawa, ON (captain)
Nyadholi Thokbuom, Calgary, AB
Abagayle Guezen, Sherwood Park, AB
Andrea Mitrovic, Mississauga, ON
Hilary Johnson, Calgary, AB
Lucy Borowski, Vancouver, BC
Raya Surinx, Winnipeg, MB
Kacey Jost, St. Albert, AB
Katerina Georgiadis, Scarborough, ON
Julia Murmann, Toronto, ON

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