By Canadian Press

Canada outlasts Thailand 3-2 in women’s Volleyball Nations League

Jul 13, 2025 | 7:10 PM

ARLINGTON — The team from the Land of the Smiles went home disappointed after dropping a tough match to Canada in the women’s Volleyball Nations League tournament on Sunday.

Canada defeated Thailand 3-2 in the best-of-five match, played at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

Thailand won the opening set 25-17, but the Canadians bounced back with 25-23 and 30-28 wins to take a 2-1 lead. Thailand forced a fifth set with a 25-23 win in the fourth.

Canada won the tiebreaker 15-13.

“We started this tournament with around eight players in their first VNL of their careers and only a few experienced players,” said Canada’s head coach Giovanni Guidetti.

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“It was a difficult mission, but I’m very impressed with the fighting spirit of the team — we played many tiebreak matches and we never gave up even against strong opponents like the United States. I’m very happy to see many players grow, take more responsibility and understand what it takes to play at this level.”

Hilary Howe Johnson led all Canadian scorers with 25 points, while Emily Maglio had 19. Kongyot Ajcharaporn led Thailand’s scoring with 27 points, while Kokram Pimpichaya had 23.

Canada committed more unforced errors in the match (24-20) and had more blocks (14-7). Thailand led in digs (166-144) and attacks (84-66).

Canada finishes the tournament with a 3-9 record and in 16th place with 10 points. This result ensures that Team Canada will compete in VNL in 2026. Thailand also narrowly avoided relegation and finishes in 17th place.

“Even if only winning three matches doesn’t look great from the outside, the way I saw the team train hard, come back after every loss, stand up again after every punch, it was amazing,” said Guidetti. “This was a very important tournament for this team.”The Canadian women will have just six weeks before they are back in international action at the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championships in Thailand, Aug. 22 to Sept. 7, 2025.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 13, 2025.

The Canadian Press