Canada earns straight-sets win over Dominican Republic in Volleyball Nations League

RIO DE JANEIRO — Canada earned a straight-sets victory over the Dominican Republic in Volleyball Nations League play Thursday night.

The Canadian women won the opening set 25-20 and the second set 25-21 before edging the Dominican Republic 25-22 in the third to clinch the win.

“It was a good solid game for us,” Canadian head coach Shannon Winzer said. “We felt in control the first two sets playing aggressive but calm volleyball."

Canada led in attacks 44-37, had seven blocks to six from its opponent and dominated the aces four to one.

Alexa Gray of Calgary led Canada in scoring with 19 points and Kiera Van Ryk of Surrey, B.C., had 18.

Canada's women are still vying for a place at this summer's Olympics in Paris.

Seven women’s teams have already qualified. The remaining five spots will go to the top five not-yet-qualified teams in the FIVB rankings as of the end of the Volleyball Nations League preliminary phase.

Canada entered the event ranked 11th.

"Winning in three was really important for us because we wanted to maximize the world ranking points," Winzer said. "So when we fell behind in the third with a shaky start it was great to see the players battle with a sense of urgency to come back and take the third set.”

Canada opened with a four-set loss to host Brazil on Tuesday night.

The team's next match is Friday against China.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2024.

The Canadian Press