July 14, 2025.– The three-week Preliminary Round of the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Nations League came to an end this Sunday, with the United States clinching the last spot for the Finals in 8th place. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic and Canada finished in 12th and 16th place, respectively.
USA Falls to China in Thrilling Five-Set Match
The United States couldn’t hold onto its two-set lead and eventually lost to China in a thrilling five-set battle, 2-3 (25-18, 25-19, 21-25, 16-25, 16-18), concluding the Preliminary Round in 8th place with 7 wins and 5 losses.
In a tightly contested match, the U.S. led in blocks (10-9) and aces (4-1), while China held a slight edge in attacks (67-64) and capitalized on 28 American unforced errors, compared to their own 25.
Outside hitter Sarah Franklin was phenomenal, leading all scorers with 32 points, including 29 kills and 3 blocks. Taylor Mims added 10 points (9 kills and 1 block).
The quarterfinals begin on July 23, followed by the semifinals on July 26, and the championship match on July 27. The eight teams advancing to the Final Round in Łódź, Poland, are: 1. Italy, 2. Brazil; 3. Japan; 4. Poland; 5. China; 6. Türkiye; 7. Germany; 8. United States.
Matches will be held in Łódź, Polonia.
Canada wraps up 2025 VNL with a solid performance against Thailand and secures its place in VNL
Canada’s women’s national team closed out their 2025 Volleyball Nations League campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win (17-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-13) over Thailand on Sunday in Arlington. Although Canada had already secured its spot in the VNL 2026 before the match, the team showed determination to end on a high note, finishing in 16th place with three wins and ten points.
Outside hitter Hilary Johnson was the standout performer with 25 points (22 kills, 2 blocks, 1 ace), while middle blocker Emily Maglio had a strong two-way game with 19 points, including 10 kills, 8 blocks, and 1 ace.
“It feels amazing to finish with a win,” said Johnson after the match. “We worked really hard throughout the tournament. Wins didn’t come easily, so ending like this is a big reward. I’m proud of my team. Now we rest and then get back to the gym with new teammates to keep growing together.”
Despite the loss, Thailand achieved their goal of remaining in the 2026 VNL by taking two sets, which gave them the single point needed to avoid relegation—sending Korea to the bottom spot. Thailand closed the tournament with a 2-10 record and 6 points.
For Canada, this victory serves as a morale boost ahead of upcoming international competitions. While they fell short of qualifying for the Finals, the team showed clear improvement and promising development, with a mix of rising talent and experienced leaders forming a strong foundation for the program’s future.
Korea, who had competed in every VNL edition since its inception, is now relegated. Their best result was 12th place in the inaugural 2018 edition. Korea will be replaced in the 2026 VNL by the highest-ranked national team in the FIVB World Ranking that did not compete in 2025.
Dominican Republic Ends 2025 VNL in 12th After Loss to Germany
The Dominican Republic wrapped up its 2025 VNL campaign with a 3-1 (25-20, 25-13, 21-25, 25-21) loss to Germany on Sunday in Arlington, closing the Preliminary Phase in 12th place.
The “Caribbean Queens” finished with five wins and 13 points, missing out on a place in the Finals in Łódź but displaying competitiveness against some of the world’s top teams.
In the final match, opposite Gaila González led the Dominican offense with 15 points (12 kills, 3 aces). Despite taking the third set and showing fight throughout the match, the team couldn’t match the European side’s pace in key moments.
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