June 2, 2025. – The 19th edition of the FIVB U19 Girl’s World Championship kicked off on Wednesday in Croatia and Serbia, with 24 national teams beginning their group stage campaigns. Canada, Mexico, and defending champions the United States all recorded opening-day victories.
Pool A
Canada started their campaign with a 3-1 (25-23, 14-25, 25-21, 25-18) win over Egypt at Gradski Vrt Hall in Osijek. Emerson Matthews led the Canadian scorers with 13 points (8 attacks, 3 blocks, 2 aces). Egypt’s middle blocker Retaj Kammer also tallied 13 points (9 attacks, 1 block, 3 aces), standing out as her team’s top performer.
Mexico had a flawless start, defeating Thailand 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-20) to take the early lead in the group. Outside hitter Naomi Alejandra Cruz Toledo was the match’s top scorer with 14 points (11 attacks, 3 blocks). For Thailand, Supawadee Panwilai stood out with 9 points, all from attacks.
Pool B
Argentina and Puerto Rico played a tightly contested five-set battle, with the South Americans emerging victorious 3-2 (21-25, 25-11, 25-18, 17-25, 15-10) in Vrnjačka Banja. Opposite Paula Tomasa led Argentina with 19 points (16 attacks, 2 blocks, 1 ace), while outside hitter Cherisse Binex Atilano was Puerto Rico’s top scorer with 15 points (13 attacks, 1 block, 1 ace).
With 16 team blocks, Brazil left no room for the Dominican Republic, winning in straight sets 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-20). Opposite Luize Da Silva Tavares contributed six of those blocks and added two aces for a match-high 19 points. Julie Millaray Arias Alejo led the Dominican side with 8 points (7 attacks, 1 block).
Pool C
Defending champions the United States had a tough start but overcame a spirited Spanish team 3-1 (22-25, 25-16, 25-12, 25-23). Middle blocker Gabrielle Nichols and outside hitter Macaria Spears both scored 14 points, while Spanish captain Inés Losada Gordaliza was the match’s top scorer with 17 points (14 attacks, 3 blocks).
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