Canadian Women’s Volleyball Team Loses to Serbia at Volleyball Nations League

The Canadian women’s volleyball team failed in their comeback attempt in a 3-1 loss to Serbia in the Volleyball Nations League preliminary round on Friday in Calgary.

After dropping the first two sets 25-20 and 25-14, the hosts bounced back to win the third set 25-20. Canada continued to challenge world number 7 Serbia, but the visiting side managed to finish the fourth set at 25-22 with three straight points.

Kiera Van Ryk of Surrey, BC, had 19 points to lead Canada (4-6), ranked 15th in the world. Playing in her hometown, Emily Maglio came close behind with 16.

« After the 2-0, I think we were too calm, » Serbian Jovana Stevanovic, who scored seven points, said in a post-match interview.

« They took advantage of our moment and there was panic in our team. But I’m so proud of our team that we won 3-1 because it was so important [in our push to make it] ultimately 8. »

Team Canada is ninth in the 16-team standings led by the United States (9-1) with a realistic chance of advancing to the final round.

The seven highest-ranked teams and host country Turkey, currently sixth in the standings, will qualify for the final, which will take place from July 13-17.

Eighth-placed Thailand (5-5) will face powerhouses Brazil (9-2) and Italy (8-2) in their final two games.

Canada returns to the field Saturday to face Germany (3-7) at 10 p.m. before wrapping up the preliminary round with a game against the Netherlands (3-8) at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Both games will be available to stream via CBCsports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem.

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