August 23, 2025.- United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic started strong on Saturday, the 23rd, with victories at the Women’s World Championship, held across multiple venues in Thailand. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Mexico were not as fortunate and lost their opening matches.
The Skinner Sisters Lead the United States
Sisters Avery and Madisen combined for 28 points in Team USA’s victory over debutants Slovenia, defeating them in four sets in Nakhon Ratchasima. The Europeans competed well for three sets, but the solid performances of the Skinners proved decisive as the United States prevailed 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14) to secure their first win in Pool D.
Playing together on the national team for the second season, the Skinners totaled 28 points: outside hitter Avery led with 15 (14 kills and one ace), while opposite Madisen added 13 (ten kills, two aces, and one block). Outside hitter Sarah Franklin also contributed 10 points (nine kills and one block).
“We know we have to start this tournament strong because every team will give their best against us,” said captain and setter Jordyn Poulter. “Slovenia came out very strong and took the second set from us, but I’m proud of today’s collective effort. Everyone contributed and made a difference. It’s going to be a battle every night, and we’ll need everyone to win matches.”
Slovenia’s higher number of errors (30 to 17) was a key factor in the U.S. victory. Although the United States scored more attack points (53 to 50), the Europeans compensated with better blocking (10 to 5) and serving (7 to 4). The U.S. team shares Pool D with Argentina, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia.
Canada Defeats Bulgaria
Canada opened the World Championship on a high note, defeating Bulgaria 3-1 (25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18). The Canadians outperformed the Europeans in every statistical category: attacks (51-46), blocks (13-6), and serves (5-3).
Outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic tallied 17 points (16 on attacks), Nyadholi Thokbuom added 15 (12 on attacks and 3 on blocks), and opposite Anna Smrek finished with 12 points. Canada is part of Pool E, alongside Turkey, Bulgaria, and Spain.
Dominican Republic Dominates Colombia
The Dominican Republic showed no mercy and secured a clear 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-13) victory over Colombia. The Dominicans are in Pool F along with China, Colombia, and Mexico.
The Caribbean side was far superior: they outscored the South Americans in attacks 47-27, in blocks 11-8, and in serves 6-3. Brayelin Martínez opened the tournament with a strong performance, scoring 20 points (17 on attacks and 3 on blocks). Gaila González was outstanding at the net with 4 blocks, helping her finish with 17 points, while Yonkaira Peña added 11.
Defeats for Other NORCECA Teams
In Pool F, Mexico fell 1-3 (25-22, 24-26, 10-25, 18-25) to China, with Sofía Maldonado leading her team with 22 points.
In Pool C, Puerto Rico lost 1-3 (22-25, 18-25, 25-21, 14-25), while in Pool B, Cuba could not handle Belgium and lost in straight sets 0-3 (23-25, 14-25, 11-25).
Next Matches (August 24, local time)
- 4:00 PM Puerto Rico vs Greece
- 5:00 PM Cuba vs Italy
- 6:30 PM United States vs Argentina
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