July 11, 2025 – The Dominican Republic secured their fifth victory of the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) season on Friday with a straight-sets win over Thailand. Meanwhile, Canada was unable to match China’s strength and lost in four sets.
Dominican Republic Defeats Thailand
The Dominican Republic earned their first win in three matches played in Arlington, climbing from 13th to 10th place in the standings. However, with five wins and 13 points, they are now out of contention for the Finals, as they cannot catch up to the United States, currently in eighth place with six victories and 17 points.
The Caribbean team claimed a dominant 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-23) win over Thailand at the College Park Center. The Dominicans led in attacks (49-39), blocks (11-3), and aces (5-3).
Captain and outside hitter Brayelin Martínez was the top scorer of the match with 17 points (13 kills and 4 blocks). Her younger sister, middle blocker Jineiry Martínez, and opposite hitter Gaila González each contributed 15 points.
“We have the World Championship coming up soon and we’re trying to prepare,” said Gaila. “We want to improve in every match to arrive in top shape. There are new players this season and we’re really enjoying it.”
Reigning Asian champions Thailand remain in danger of relegation in the 2025 VNL after suffering their third straight loss during the third week of the preliminary round in Arlington.
Canada Falls to China in Four Sets
Team Canada was unable to recapture the form they showed in the first week of the tournament. In this final week of action, they dropped their second consecutive match, this time against China, who came out on top 3-1 (25-22, 25-15, 22-25, 25-23).
Canada outperformed China in blocking (8-4), but China led in attacking points (59-51) and service aces (7-3). China also benefited from fewer unforced errors, 27 compared to Canada’s 23.
Abagayle Guezen and Anna Smrek both scored 14 points for Canada, with Guezen tallying 12 kills and Smrek adding 4 blocks. Emily Maglio contributed 12 points (11 from attacks), and Andrea Mitrovic chipped in with 11 points.
The loss leaves Canada in 16th place out of 18 teams, with a 2-8 win-loss record, still fighting to avoid relegation.
Saturday, July 12 Schedule
The Dominican Republic has a rest day. At 7:30 p.m. (local time), the United States will face Canada.
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