May 17, 2024: Canada’s women’s team was able to beat higher-ranked China today in Rio, Brazil. This comes on the heels of a win over Dominican Republic last night, bringing the team to a 2-1 record so far in Volleyball Nations League.

Though China (now ranked 7th) beat perennial favourite USA (ranked 3rd) in its matchup yesterday, today they came up short against 11th ranked Canada 1-3 (22-25, 25-20, 23-25, 22-25). Both teams are still aiming to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

"Being able to back up last night’s performance (over Dominican Republic) with another big showing against another top team is huge," said Canada's head coach Shannon Winzer. "We are showing up with fierce determination and it’s fun to be a part of that. Tonight, our serving was ruthless, and key to disrupt China’s offense. Our middles did a great job of slowing down their attack and our hitters remained aggressive in key moments. I also cannot credit our subs enough for the jobs they did tonight, making an impact each time!"

China led in attack points 61-58, but Canada edged them out in blocking (8-6) and had an impressive service point record 13-6 but made more errors 19-16.

Canadian outside hitter Kiera Van Ryk has an impressive match-high 27 points, while teammate Alexa Gray contributed 21 points.

China’s Y.Y. Li scored 24 points, including 3 aces, for the losing side.

More match stats: https://bit.ly/3V6a1P9

Viewers guide:
-Next match is versus Thailand on Saturday. 
-All matches are streamed on VBTV and CBC Sports and CBC Gem.
-VNL Web site: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/

The women’s team is still in contention to qualify for Paris 2024 via the World Rankings.

Seven women’s teams are already qualified for the Games. The remaining five places are filled by selecting the top five not yet qualified teams in the FIVB World Ranking as of the end of the preliminary phase of Volleyball Nations League.

VNL Roster Week 1
Brie O'Reilly – Langley, BC
Courtney Baker - Bridgewater, NS
Emily Maglio – Coquitlam, BC
Jazmine White – Oshawa, ON
Alicia Ogoms – Winnipeg, MB
Layne Van Buskirk – Windsor, ON
Alexa Gray (C) – Calgary, AB
Hilary Johnson – Calgary, AB
Andrea Mitrovic – Mississauga, ON
Vicky Savard – Jonquière, QC
Kiera Van Ryk – Surrey, BC
Shainah Joseph – Ottawa, ON
Julia Murmann – Toronto, ON
Kacey Jost – St. Albert, AB
 
Staff:
Head coach : Shannon Winzer
Vincenzo Mallia - Asst. coach
Matt Krueger - Asst. coach
Kevin Valcke - Physiotherapist
Gabriele Tortorici - Statistician
Rob Hooper - IST lead
Hilary Mallinger - Physiotherapist
Roger Friesen - Mental performance coach
Julien Boucher - High performance director
Jennah Paron - Team coordinator

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