Canada women narrowly fall to reigning champion Italy, near spot in VNL finals

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, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

HONG KONG — Canada’s women’s volleyball team pushed reigning champion Italy to five sets but ultimately fell 3-2 (22-25, 27-29, 25-23, 25-23, 15-5) on Saturday in Volleyball Nations League play.

Canada holds a top-eight spot in the standings and looks to advance to the VNL finals for the first time in the women’s team history. The final phase will be played in a direct elimination formula.

Kiera Van Ryk led Canada’s attack with 26 kills and an ace. Middle blocker Nyadholi Thokbuom contributed 17 points (12 kills, three blocks and two aces).

“Tonight we are sad because we know we could have won against Italy,” said Canada’s coach Giovanni Guidetti. ”This is a great step forward for our team. We played point-to-point in four incredible sets against the best team in the world and we were very close to winning the match.

“Congratulations to Italy as they know how to play those tight matches, but a great congrats to Canada for playing at the same level with the best team in the world.”

Italy outside hitter Kate Antropova had a game-high 37 points (29 attack points, three blocks and five aces).

Canada led in attack points (71-66), with both sides having six aces apiece. Italy held the advantage in blocks (14-8) and committed fewer errors (20-28).

Canada will face the Dominican Republic on Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 11, 2026.

The Canadian Press