Canada survive assertive Spain in thrilling five-setter

Spain was very close to delivering a sensational upset of Canada at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Thailand. Twice in Monday’s Pool E opener in Nakhon Ratchasima, the Europeans had a one-set lead, but the North Americans came back on both occasions and then won the tie-breaker to celebrate their second victory and top the current pool standings. Spain are still winless, but hanging on to a slim chance of qualifying for the eighthfinals.

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After five sets of nip-and-tuck volleyball, Canada emerged with a precious 3-2 (22-25, 28-26, 24-26, 25-15, 15-10) victory to stay on track to qualifying for the playoffs. Another outcome could have seriously jeopardized their chances.

The two teams were level on unforced errors, but Canada outplayed Spain in all three scoring elements, by 65-59 in spike kills, 11-6 in kill blocks and 3-2 in aces. Their outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic led the way with 22 points, including two kill blocks. Her cross-court teammate Hilary Howe Johnson, who delivered the match winner with a block-out shot at the end of the tie-breaker, added a total of 19 points, also including two kill blocks. Canada’s middle blockers reached the double digits too. Nyadholi Thokbuom put up four blocks and an ace and spiked at a 63% success rate to finish with 15 points, while captain Emily Maglio signed off with 10 points.

With three kill blocks and an ace each, the two 22-year-old middle blockers led Spain’s scorers. Lucia Varela produced a team-high 16 points, while Lola Margarita Hernandez delivered 12. Outside hitter and captain Maria Segura and her cross-court teammate Ana Escamilla added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The day’s second match in the pool, between Turkiye and Bulgaria, is already underway. Should Turkiye win that one, both they and Canada will book their tickets to the eighthfinals.

2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship: full schedule and results

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