Sept. 01, 2025: USA swept Canada 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-21) today at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.
This ends Canada’s Worlds’ campaign in the round of 16, with USA advancing to the quarterfinals.
Today, Canada struggled early managing USA’s defense, going 0-7 in blocking points in the first set, with USA leading in blocks over the three sets 11-6. USA also led in kills 42-38. Canada had one more ace (4-3) but also gave up more points to errors 19-12.
Outside hitters Avery Skinner and Sarah Franklin of the United States earned 13 points apiece. Canada’s opposite Anna Smrek led Canada with 12 points.
Canada’s relatively inexperienced squad, however, did have a lot to be proud of with their performance on the world stage and placing in the top 16.
“I cannot complain with this group of players,” said Canada’s head coach Giovanni Guidetti. “They all experienced something new this summer. Some players were on the team for the first time; some were on the court after many years of being only on the bench and some took on more responsibility after many years of being a supporting actor. That means that was a great learning season for all players and for all the team! Not having our ‘stars’ for one season of course gave us less chances to aim at a medal but at the same time create a super learning environment that will be the base for a great future.”
Canada was without veteran starters such as Kiera Van Ryk, Alexa Gray and setter Brie O’Reilly.
Canada’s Anna Smrek commented to VBTV: “I think this entire summer was a big part about learning and growing, and trying to just grow our skill set. A lot of us are new to this whole experience – VNL, World Championship. I think in terms of the long-term goals over the summer, to get to the round of 16 is great… Obviously, we fell short, but kudos to the USA – they fought hard – so, we will exit with our head held high.”
Roster:
Courtney Baker (S) – Bridgewater, NS
Quinn Pelland (S) – Wanham, AB
Kacey Jost (L) – St. Albert, AB
Julia Murmann (L) – Toronto, ON
Emily Maglio (MB) C – Coquitlam, BC
Jessica Andrews (MB) – Guelph, ON
Nyadholi Thokbuom (MB) – Calgary, AB
Abby Guezen (OH) – Sherwood Park, AB
Andrea Mitrovic (OH) – Mississauga, ON
Hilary Johnson (OH) – Calgary, AB
Thana Fayad (OH) – Victoria, B.C.
Vicky Savard (OH) – Jonquière, QC
Anna Smrek (OPP) – Welland, ON
Lucy Borowski (OPP) – Vancouver, BC
Staff:
Giovanni Guidetti (Head Coach)
Vincenzo Mallia (Assistant Coach)
Carolyn O’Dwyer (Assistant Coach)
Ahmet Ersimsek (Assistant Coach)
Lydia Maxwell (Medical Lead)
Fatih Yagci (Statistician)
Mary Claire Geneau (IST Lead)
Sandy Heming (Physiotherapist)
Kelvin Ma (Team Lead)
Shannon Winzer (High Performance Director)
- Watch all matches on VBTV.
Media Contact
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676