July 09, 2025: A more seasoned Germany came out on top of a rollercoaster battle with Canada today as week three of Volleyball Nations League (women) kicked off in Arlington, Texas.

The final score: 3-2 (24-26, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13).

The teams were practically even in key stats – attack points (66-66), blocking points (9-9) and ace serves (6-6). Germany gained more points from Canada’s errors (31-26)

“The girls trained very hard for this match, and they played a very good match against a very strong opponent,” said Canada’s head coach Giovanni Guidetti who is seeing progress from his young squad.

"Just in this kind of match when the point difference is so tight, always the team with the most experience wins. Germany has a lot of experience, and they managed certain moments better than us… But we are improving a lot and I’m really proud of the girls."

German outside hitter Lina Alsmeier led all scoring with 26 points. Canada’s Anna Smrek led her team with 20 points, followed by middle blocker Nyadholi Thokbuom (16 points) and Abby Guezen with 15 (including 2 aces.)

Germany is currently in sixth place with five wins. Canada is in 15th with two wins that came in week one of VNL. All teams are vying for a spot in the quarterfinals (top 8): https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/standings/women/

In Arlington, Canada plays China on July 11, Olympic silver medalists USA on the 12th and Thailand on the 13th.

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