Canada defeats Japan in Women’s Volleyball Nations League

Alexa Gray (Lega Pallavolo, Wikimedia Commons)

Team Canada came away with a monster victory on Thursday in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League from Fukuoka, Japan. In a five set thriller, Canada defeated Japan 23-25, 22-25, 25-20, 25-21, 16-14. With the win, Canada improved to a record of five wins and four losses in Women’s Volleyball Nations League action. However, more importantly kept their Olympic chances alive. Team Canada is battling the Netherlands for the final Olympic spot.

In Canada’s win over Japan, two Canadians reached double digits in scoring. Outside hitter and Canadian captain Alexa Gray of Lethbridge, Alberta had 30 points and outside hitter Kierra Van Ryk of New Westminster, British Columbia had 27 points. Gray had 26 attack points, three block shots and one ace. Van Ryk had 24 attack points and three block points.

Three Canadians led the team with three block shots. In addition to Van Ryk and Gray, middle blocker Jazmine White of Oshawa, Ontario also achieved that mark. Meanwhile setter Brie O’Reilly of Langley, British Columbia led Canada with two aces.

Canada next faces the Netherlands on Friday. A win moves them closer to an Olympic berth. The Canadian squad will know their Olympic fate by Saturday. The top four countries that have not yet qualified for Paris and the top African team in the World Ranking Qualification Pathway are off to the Olympic Games.

 

 

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