Team Canada has won their first game of the 2025 Women’s World Volleyball Championships in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. On Saturday, Canada defeated Bulgaria 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18.
Three Canadians reached double digits in total points. Outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic of Mississauga, Ontario led Canada with 17 points (16 attack points and one ace). Middle blocker Nyadholi Thokbuom of Calgary, Alberta had 15 points (12 attack points and three blocks). Opposite Anna Smrek of St. Catharines, Ontario had 12 points (nine attack points, a team high two aces and one block point). Smrek is the daughter of former Los Angeles Lakers centre Mike Smrek of Welland, Ontario.
There were three Canadians who led the team with three block points. They were Thokbuom, outside hitter Hilary Johnson of Calgary, and setter Quinn Pelland of Wanham, Alberta.
Canada is in second place in Pool E. They are only behind Turkey, which swept Spain, 25-18, 25-20, 25-23 in their opening game on Saturday. Canada next plays Spain on Monday and Turkey on Wednesday.
There are six nations that have advanced to the round of 16 knockout round with perfect records of two wins and zero losses so far. They are the host nation from Thailand, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Brazil and the United States. Canada qualified for the Women’s World Volleyball Championships by finishing in third place at the 2023 NORCECA Women’s Volleyball Championship in Quebec City. NORCECA contains teams from the North America, Central America and Caribbean.
