June 07, 2025: Canada fought hard against Japan and despite the 0-3 (24-26, 20-25,19-25) result, both teams wowed the crowd of more than 5100 fans at the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa, Ontario, in the first week of women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

Japan led in attack points (39-33), serving (7-3) and made fewer errors (19-30). Canada, however, dominated in blocks 8-0.

"Japan is really tough to play against always, and we were right there with them,” said Canadian setter Brie O’Reilly. “We’re just missing those after-20 (points) plays and finishing sets. We need to stay aggressive and take confidence that there was a lot of our game that was really great.

"Tomorrow, (in the final match of VNL week one for Canada) we are definitely going to need to serve more aggressively and just keep our block defense systems working a bit more cohesively."

Kiera Van Ryk led scoring for Canada with 13 points, and also setting a personal serving record with a 113 km/hr serve (note: a potential world record, yet to be officially verified). Yukiko Wada of Japan led all scoring with 20 points.

• More stats here.

Canada has a 1-2 record - winning their first match this week against Bulgaria, and then falling to Netherlands on Thursday.

Canada faces Serbia on Sunday, June 8 at 6 pm ET 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