ARLINGTON — Canada twice gave up a one-set lead in a 3-2 loss to Germany on Wednesday to kick off Week 3 of Volleyball Nations League women's action.
Set scores were 24-26, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13.
Anna Smrek led Canada with 20 points, followed by middle blocker Nyadholi Thokbuom (16 points) and Abby Guezen (15, including two aces.)
German outside hitter Lina Alsmeier led all scoring with 26 points.
The two sides tied in attack points (66-66), blocking points (9-9) and aces (6-6). Germany outscored Canada 31-26 in points from opponent errors.
Germany is currently in sixth in the 18-team standings with five wins Canada is 15th with two wins that came in week one of competition.
“The girls trained very hard for this match, and they played a very good match against a very strong opponent,” said Canadian head coach Giovanni Guidetti.
“Just in this kind of match when the point difference is so tight, the team with the most experience wins. Germany has a lot of experience, and they managed certain moments better than us… But we are improving a lot and I’m really proud of the girls.”
Canada next plays China on Friday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025.
The Canadian Press
