Canadian women lose five-set VNL heartbreaker to host Americans

By Canadian Press on July 12, 2025.

ARLINGTON — One more great play, or one less miscue: That’s how close Canada’s women’s squad came to being on the winning side of a thrilling Volleyball Nations League showdown with the host Americans on Saturday night in Texas.

The Canadians lost the opening set of the best-of-five match at College Park Center in Arlington 26-24, before reeling off 25-23 and 25-20 wins to take a 2-1 lead. The host U.S. squad forced a fifth and deciding game with a 25-21 win in the fourth set.

In the tiebreaker, the U.S. prevailed 19-17.

Hilary Howe Johnson was Canada’s top scorer with 29 points, while Anna Smrek chipped in with 13.

The loss leaves Canada in 16th place in the 18-team round robin phase, ahead of only Korea and Thailand. Canada will play Thailand on Sunday. The Americans, led by Avery Skinner’s 21 points and Madisen Skinner’s 19, started the day seventh overall.

The U.S. will play China on Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025.

The Canadian Press