June 5, 2025: Canada moved to 1-1 in Volleyball Nations League’s opening week after falling 3-1 (25-18, 22-25, 25-15, 25-23) to Netherlands at the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa, Ontario.

After dropping the first set, the Canadian women pushed back to even the match at 1-1. But Netherlands held strong through the final two sets, despite a strong push from Canada in the fourth, and ultimately final, frame. Netherlands was dominant in blocking with 13 points compared to Canada's three (Stats here.)

“Of course, we wanted to come out stronger today,” team captain Kiera Van Ryk explained after the match. “Playing against this team has always been a battle. We're very close in the way that we play and our rankings in the world. … We're fighting for that 8-9 spot most of the time. So it's always a battle with them.

“We have a lot of new players and we're still trying to find our system. I think tonight really showed that. I am sure we're going to do a lot of learning over the next day, really try to prepare ourselves, to reconnect with each other, and to become more of a team.”

Just like she did in the first match, Van Ryk led the way for Canada with 17 points, 15 of which coming off the attack. Veteran Emily Maglio was second on the team with nine points.

“Obviously, it's disappointing and we never love to lose. But I'm hoping that we can take what we did wrong today and grow from that for our next game," said Van Ryk.

“I think if we can continue to have a good mentality and still have more fight in us – I think that's one thing that we lacked today – if we can fight a little bit more together, I'm so hopeful for us in the future."

Canada’s next match is against the seventh-ranked team in the world, Japan, on June 7 at the Arena at TD Place.

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