Canadian women battle to five-set win over China at Volleyball Nations League

Canada's Kiera Van Ryk spikes the ball during a Volleyball Women's Nations League match against Brazil, at the Maracanazinho stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

HONG KONG — Canada’s women’s team defeated China in five sets on Wednesday in the opening match of Week 3 of the Volleyball Nations League.

Set scores were 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 23-25 and 15-11 as Canada overcame 27 unforced errors, 12 more than China.

Kiera Van Ryk led all scorers at 27 points as Canada posted 77 attack points to China’s 55 while out-acing the Chinese 7-5.

Alexa Gray had 25, and Abagayle Guezen added 22.

China had 13 blocks to Canada’s eight.

Canada sits sixth in the tournament’s preliminary phase with 17 points from six wins in nine matches. The Canadians next face 12th-place Belgium on Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2026.