Canada Survives Spain’s Challenge in Thrilling Five-Set Battle

Spain twice squandered a one-set lead during the intense match.

Published: August 25, 2025

Spain came remarkably close to orchestrating a significant upset against Canada at the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in Thailand. In Monday’s Pool E opening fixture in Nakhon Ratchasima, the European side took a set lead on two separate occasions. However, the North Americans consistently fought back, eventually clinching the tie-breaker to secure their second tournament victory and lead the current pool standings. Despite their valiant effort, Spain remains winless but maintains a slender hope of advancing to the eighthfinals.

Following a grueling five-set contest filled with back-and-forth action, Canada emerged victorious with a crucial 3-2 (22-25, 28-26, 24-26, 25-15, 15-10) win, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. A different outcome would have significantly jeopardized their chances.

Both teams recorded a similar number of unforced errors, yet Canada demonstrated superiority over Spain in all three scoring categories: 65-59 in spike kills, 11-6 in kill blocks, and 3-2 in aces. Outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic was Canada’s top scorer with 22 points, including two blocks. Her opposite player, Hilary Howe Johnson, who delivered the decisive point at the end of the tie-breaker with a block-out shot, contributed 19 points, also featuring two blocks. Canada’s middle blockers also reached double-digit scores: Nyadholi Thokbuom secured four blocks and an ace, spiking at a 63% success rate for a total of 15 points, while captain Emily Maglio finished with 10 points.

For Spain, their scoring was led by two 22-year-old middle blockers, each contributing three blocks and an ace. Lucia Varela was the team`s highest scorer with 16 points, closely followed by Lola Margarita Hernandez with 12 points. Outside hitter and captain Maria Segura, along with her opposite Ana Escamilla, added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The second match of the day in this pool, featuring Turkiye and Bulgaria, is currently in progress. Should Turkiye win, both they and Canada will guarantee their spots in the eighthfinals.