ISTANBUL — Canada's women's volleyball team fell 3-2 (22-25, 25-13, 21-25, 25-22, 18-16) to Belgium in Volleyball Nations League action on Sunday.
The Canadians were ahead 2-1 before Belgium stormed back to win the final two sets.
“It’s a bit upsetting, as I felt we deserved to win when you are 13-9 ahead in a tiebreak,” said Canada’s head coach Giovanni Guidetti. “We have to learn how to close sets. We still have a lot to learn and improve on – we can play good volleyball, but we are not able to finish the set because we are making too many unforced errors at the end of the set.
“But I am proud of the way this team is improving as we are playing with many players that haven’t played with the (senior) national team before or are learning a new role with this team.”
Hilary Johnson led Canada with 21 points, including five blocks. VNL rookie Anna Smrek followed with 19 points, with four blocks and two aces.
Canada earned more points from blocks (17-10) and aces (6-5). However, Belgium held the advantage in attack points (70-57) and surrendered fewer points to errors (21-26).
It was Belgium’s second straight win, climbing to 13th in the VNL standings at 3-5. Canada (2-6), meanwhile, is 15th.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2025.
The Canadian Press
